Players Manchester United Need To Drop To The Bench In The UEL Final If They Want To Play Better and Win

Players Manchester United Need To Drop To The Bench In The UEL Final If They Want To Play Better and Win

 

 

Manchester United’s turbulent 2024/25 season has led them to a crucial moment: the UEFA Europa League final. For Erik ten Hag, this game may define not just the season but also his future at Old Trafford. United have shown flashes of brilliance in Europe but have also displayed the same inconsistency that has plagued them in the Premier League. If they are to triumph in the final, some tough decisions must be made—starting with who should be dropped to the bench.

 

Selecting the right starting XI is not just about individual talent; it’s about balance, form, and tactical suitability. With that in mind, here are the players Ten Hag should seriously consider benching if Manchester United are to play better and increase their chances of winning the Europa League.

 

 

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1. Antony

 

The Brazilian winger has been one of United’s most underwhelming performers this season. Despite his hefty price tag and early promise, Antony has failed to deliver the goals or creativity required from a starting right-winger at a club of Manchester United’s stature.

 

His predictable movement—cutting inside onto his left foot—is easy for defenders to read, and he often slows down the attack. In big games, his decision-making has been questionable, and his lack of productivity has raised concerns among fans and pundits alike.

 

Alternative: Ten Hag would be wise to start Alejandro Garnacho or even Amad Diallo on the right. Garnacho, although typically a left-sided winger, has shown far more directness and unpredictability. Diallo has also impressed in limited minutes, showing better ball progression and sharper passing.

 

 

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2. Scott McTominay

 

McTominay has scored important goals this season, especially in the Premier League. But in a European final, where control of midfield is often the deciding factor, his limitations in possession become more apparent.

 

He struggles under pressure when building from the back, and his positional awareness defensively is inconsistent. Against technically superior opposition, McTominay’s physicality alone may not be enough, and his presence could unbalance the midfield.

 

Alternative: United may benefit more from pairing Kobbie Mainoo with a technically proficient partner like Christian Eriksen or even Mason Mount, depending on fitness. A midfield with better passing range and intelligence will be crucial in dictating tempo and retaining control.

 

 

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3. Harry Maguire

 

While Harry Maguire has experienced something of a renaissance in parts of this season, his lack of pace and susceptibility to high presses remain a concern. In European matches, where teams are quicker in transition and more precise in attack, Maguire often finds himself exposed.

 

His aerial dominance and leadership are valuable, but in the modern game—especially in a final where agility and ball circulation are vital—those strengths may not be enough to justify a start.

 

Alternative: If fit, Lisandro Martínez should partner someone like Raphaël Varane or Victor Lindelöf. Even Jonny Evans, with his composure and experience, could be a better fit if Maguire’s lack of mobility is seen as a liability. A quicker, more confident ball-playing pairing could help build from the back and handle dynamic forwards more effectively.

 

 

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4. Marcus Rashford

 

This is a controversial one, but Rashford’s recent form can’t be ignored. The England international has looked off the pace, disinterested at times, and hasn’t contributed goals or assists at the level expected. His work rate, often criticized this season, drops significantly when he isn’t on the ball.

 

In a high-stakes game like a Europa League final, every player must contribute both defensively and offensively. Rashford’s lack of pressing, poor body language, and misfiring finishing could hurt the team rather than help it.

 

Alternative: Starting Garnacho on the left makes more sense. The teenager has shown hunger, fearlessness, and defensive tracking that Rashford has lacked this season. Garnacho’s unpredictability could be key to unlocking a tight defense.

 

 

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5. Diogo Dalot (if Wan-Bissaka is fit)

 

Dalot has been solid in parts of the season, especially going forward. But defensively, he remains inconsistent, particularly when facing pacey wingers. In big games, his positional lapses have been punished, and he’s often caught too high up the pitch.

 

If United face a team with fast wide players who like to exploit space in transition, Dalot’s inclusion could pose a risk.

 

Alternative: Aaron Wan-Bissaka, if fully fit, should get the nod. His one-on-one defensive ability is elite, and while he lacks Dalot’s attacking contribution, United are likely to benefit more from his solidity in defense, especially in a final where conceding first can change the complexion of the game.

 

 

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6. Christian Eriksen (if Ten Hag opts for a higher-energy midfield)

 

Eriksen remains a classy operator, but his legs are fading. In high-intensity matches, he often struggles to keep up with the pace, and his defensive contribution is minimal. In a final where midfield battles can be won or lost in split seconds, Eriksen may not be the best option from the start.

 

Alternative: Mason Mount or even Sofyan Amrabat can offer more energy and pressing. Mount, in particular, provides a higher work rate and is comfortable arriving late in the box. If United want to dominate transitions and prevent being overrun, an energetic midfielder alongside Mainoo would be preferable.

 

 

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Conclusion: It’s About Balance, Not Names

 

Dropping big names before a final is never easy, but the objective is to win—not to protect egos. Erik ten Hag must prioritize balance, discipline, and form over reputation. Several players, including Antony, Rashford, and McTominay, have not consistently delivered this season and could cost United dearly if trusted from the start in such a high-stakes game.

 

The Europa League final presents a golden opportunity to secure silverware and a Champions League berth. It could define Ten Hag’s tenure and reshape United’s future. Making the brave call to bench underperformers may be exactly what’s required to seize that opportunity.

 

 

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