Manchester United’s 2016/17 season is almost over – and there is huge contrast in the size of the Red Devils two remaining games.
First up for Jose Mourinho’s side is a home game against Crystal Palace to close out the Premier League season on Sunday.
Palace are safe from relegation, whilst United can no longer make it into the league’s top four and seal a Champions League spot – so there really isn’t much to play for this weekend.
United will have one eye, then, on their final fixture of the campaign – the UEFA Europa League final, against Ajax on Thursday.
With the Europa League being the only major trophy not already in United’s prestigious trophy cabinet, as well as victory in the Stockholm final granting the winner a place in the Champions League for 2017/18, Thursday night’s game is huge.
The Red Devils will understandably have one eye on that game when Crystal Palace visit at the weekend, so changes are expected for the clash with the London side.
Portuguese goalkeeper Joel Pereira, who spent much of the season out on loan, is expected to make his Premier League debut on Sunday, whilst Jose Mourinho has already confirmed that both Paul Pogba and Timothy Fosu-Mensah will play.
A number of other youngsters are also in line to get their chance in the spotlight. Demetri Mitchell, Josh Harrop, Scott McTominay, Zach Dearnley, Matty Willock and 16-year-old Angel Gomes are all expected to be in Mourinho’s matchday squad.
Chris Smalling and Marouane Fellaini will both sit out the game to recover from minor injuries ahead of Thursday night’s final – whilst Wayne Rooney will also be rested, having played 90 minutes on a few occasions recently.
Jose Mourinho said:
“For the kids it will be a great experience to play in the Premier League in the last match of the season.
“It will be a big occasion but I think the best [scenario] for a young player is in the middle of an experienced structure, where he can be supported.
“We have tried to bring the guys who are more adapted to playing at this level at the moment. Lots of them [starting] together, no.”
With nothing at stake and youth set to go up against what can often be a free-flowing Crystal Palace attack, this game could have a similar feel to Sir Alex Ferguson’s final match in charge of United – a 5-5 draw with West Bromwich Albion.
