Ruben Amorim is rolling the dice – and it’s bold. With a Europa League semi-final showdown against Athletic Bilbao on the horizon, the Manchester United boss has confirmed he’ll be leaning on the academy in the Premier League. Yep, you read that right: the kids are getting their shot.
United’s dramatic 5-4 extra-time win over Lyon (7-6 on aggregate – madness!) kept their dream alive: European glory and a potential ticket back to the Champions League. With Premier League fixtures against Wolves, Bournemouth, and Brentford sandwiched around the Bilbao clashes (1 May and 8 May), Amorim’s got one eye – maybe even both – on lifting silverware.
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Enter: Harry Amass (18), Chido Obi (17), and Ayden Heaven (18). These lads are in line for major minutes. Amass came on in the 100th minute in Lyon – his European debut. Obi’s already clocked league and cup appearances, and Heaven? He’s looking more and more like a first-team regular.
“I’ll be honest,” said Amorim. “Ayden only got his chance because of injuries – but now? He’s my player.” That’s the kind of trust that forges careers.
And it’s not just those three. Amorim’s had five more academy ballers on the bench recently: Kamason, Kukonki, Moorhouse, Kone, and the injured Collyer. The talent pipeline is real.
He’s playing it smart with senior players too. Dalot is running on fumes. Mainoo, Mount, and Shaw are fresh off injuries. Amorim’s not risking them unless it’s absolutely vital.
Off the pitch, some drama: Mazraoui had to come off vs Lyon due to family issues, and Lindelöf also left Old Trafford early. But Amorim says both are “OK now” and ready for Wolves.
The gaffer gave Wolves striker Matheus Cunha a nod – no transfer hints, just praise – and had one final message: “We need the fans on Sunday.” Fair play. This hasn’t been the season we all wanted, but this team’s still fighting. And now, it’s the kids leading the charge.
This is gutsy. This is pure football. And if it works?
