Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim says it is a “risk” to rotate his side at Brentford on Sunday – but says he has to prioritise their quest for Europa League glory.
A 3-0 win in Spain on Thursday night put United on track to reach the Europa League final, and a game away from Champions League qualification.
With United having a torrid league season – they go into the weekend down in 14th place – Amorim is prepared to rest some players in the league and go all in on continental success.
“We know that we have always a responsibility but in this moment we have to take a risk,” Amorim said.
“There are some positions that we don’t have more players. For example, Noussair Mazraoui cannot play on Sunday.
“He is on the limit to get an injury, so we are going to deal with that and prepare a game against a team that won (against Nottingham Forest) and is in the great moment.
“We have always a responsibility to perform. We have always a responsibility of the result. But in this moment we have to be clear: our focus is more on saving players and trying to be competitive. It’s not a good thing to say but we need to understand the context.”
Chido Obi, 17, and Sekou Kone, 19, travelled to Spain to train with the team despite being ineligible for the Europa League, while Bendito Mantato, 17, and Jaydan Kamason, 18, were also with the group along with recent debutant Tyler Fredricson, 20.
“The first thing is that the players that are in risk to get an injury will not play,” Amorim said of his approach at Brentford. “No matter what. We need to take a risk in that.
“And then we are going to assess (on Friday) and the next day who are the best players to start the game.
“Then we have to be careful because we are Manchester United and we cannot go to a game without thinking we can win this game.
“So, the process is going to be like that, it’s going to be tough but we passed so many things this year. This is one more. Let’s see.”
