Ruben Amorim has named his starting XI for Manchester United’s last-ever outing at Goodison Park.
The Red Devils and Everton are now undergoing their final preparations ahead of this afternoon’s early kick-off, meaning fans of either side will enter the weekend joyful or dissatisfied, depending on the outcome of the sides’ contest.
Amorim has made only one change from the defeat to Tottenham Hotspur, which sees Alejandro Garnacho replaced by the returning Manuel Ugarte, who was injured last week. The boss has utilised both strikers, Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee, as the pair search for their first Premier League goal since the beginning of December.
Team news locked in for today's trip to Merseyside 🔒 #MUFC || #EVEMUN
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Garnacho will have to wait to make his mark off the bench
Unsurprisingly, the Argentine has been left feeling aggrieved after being dropped, though his costly miss in North London likely contributed to Amorim’s decision.
Manchester Evening News journalist Steven Railston revealed on X/Twitter that the winger ‘looked a tad moody’ upon his entrance to Goodison, adding: “He’s been named on the bench, and it feels unfair.”
Samuel Luckhurst also shared: “Garnacho was the last player to come into the ground and was trudging. Easy to see why, looking at his name among the substitutes. Missed a big chance last week but was more of a goal threat than the two ‘strikers’.’”
On a positive note, there’s a chance fans will see academy starlets Ayden Heaven, Elyh Harrison, Sekou Kone or Chido Obi involved, as the youthful quartet were included in Amorim’s matchday squad. Prolific goalscorer Chido was awarded his debut against Spurs – albeit only for the three minutes of injury time.
Seeing young talents breaking through into the first-team would at least add some satisfaction to an otherwise turbulent campaign on all fronts for the United faithful.
