Three Ways Manchester United Could Line Up in Europa League Final Amid Double Injury Worry
As Manchester United prepare to face Bayer Leverkusen in the UEFA Europa League final, the pressure is mounting — not just from the weight of expectation, but from a growing injury crisis that could alter Erik ten Hag’s tactical plans. With both Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford doubtful due to recent knocks, United must adapt swiftly if they are to lift silverware and secure a Champions League place next season.
United’s season has been plagued by inconsistency and injuries, and their final game may be no different. However, Ten Hag is known for his tactical flexibility and has several options to reshape his side depending on who is fit. Here’s a detailed look at three possible line-ups Manchester United could deploy in the Europa League final amid the double injury worry.
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Line-Up 1: 4-2-3-1 – Trusted Formation With Tactical Tweaks
Best for: Continuity, maximizing midfield control, and pressing structure.
Formation:
Onana
Wan-Bissaka – Varane – Martínez – Dalot
Casemiro – Mainoo
Antony Mount Garnacho
Højlund
In Ten Hag’s preferred 4-2-3-1 system, this setup allows Manchester United to maintain their structure while compensating for the potential absence of Fernandes and Rashford.
With Bruno Fernandes missing, Mason Mount steps into the No. 10 role. Though Mount hasn’t had a standout season, he’s capable of pressing aggressively and linking midfield to attack. His energy and vertical passing could be useful against a possession-heavy Leverkusen side.
Alejandro Garnacho replaces Rashford on the left, where he’s been more consistent and direct. On the right, Antony keeps his place — his defensive discipline could be crucial when tracking back against Leverkusen’s wide overloads.
The midfield double pivot of Casemiro and Kobbie Mainoo balances experience and youthful dynamism. Mainoo has grown into a key player, and Casemiro, despite a dip in form, still offers tactical know-how in European finals.
In defense, if Lisandro Martínez and Raphaël Varane are fit, they will anchor the back line. If either is unavailable, Jonny Evans or Harry Maguire (fitness permitting) may step in. Diogo Dalot and Aaron Wan-Bissaka offer width and defensive stability from the full-back positions.
Strengths:
Maintains United’s familiar structure.
Good balance of youth and experience.
Allows Højlund to be serviced by quick wingers.
Risks:
Mount may lack Fernandes’ vision.
Defensive vulnerabilities if Martínez or Varane aren’t fully fit.
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Line-Up 2: 3-4-2-1 – Defensive Solidity With Wing-Backs
Best for: Absorbing pressure and counter-attacking, especially if undermanned.
Formation:
Onana
Varane – Casemiro – Martínez
Wan-Bissaka Dalot
Mainoo Eriksen
Antony Garnacho
Højlund
If Ten Hag wants to counter Leverkusen’s high pressing and fast transitions, a three-at-the-back system could offer more security. This setup morphs into a five-man defense when United are under pressure but remains flexible in possession.
With injuries in midfield, Christian Eriksen can step in beside Mainoo for ball retention. Casemiro shifts into the back three — a role he’s played before and can handle with his reading of the game.
Wan-Bissaka and Dalot operate as wing-backs. While not traditional wide playmakers, they offer work rate and can support both phases. Garnacho and Antony are positioned as narrow inside forwards behind Højlund, giving the striker more support and allowing United to hit on the break.
This system would look to soak up pressure, frustrate Leverkusen’s build-up, and exploit space left behind their advanced wing-backs.
Strengths:
Solid defensively, especially against fluid attacks.
Fast transitions with Antony and Garnacho.
Allows Casemiro to support defense and midfield.
Risks:
Midfield could be overrun without Fernandes.
Eriksen lacks the legs for high pressing over 90+ minutes.
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Line-Up 3: 4-3-3 – Progressive and Possession-Based
Best for: Controlling midfield and building from the back.
Formation:
Onana
Dalot – Varane – Martínez – Shaw (if fit) / Malacia
Casemiro – Mainoo – Mount
Antony Højlund Garnacho
A more adventurous 4-3-3 could be deployed if Ten Hag wants to dominate possession and prevent Leverkusen from dictating the tempo. In this system, the midfield trio of Casemiro, Mainoo, and Mount is critical.
Casemiro anchors, Mainoo connects the defense to attack, and Mount becomes a shuttler — pressing high, carrying the ball forward, and trying to break the lines. Without Fernandes’ creativity, Mount’s role in advancing possession becomes more important.
Luke Shaw could return to left-back if fit, giving United more ball progression and overlapping threat. If unavailable, Tyrell Malacia or Dalot will shift to the left. Antony and Garnacho stay wide, stretching play and isolating defenders, while Højlund remains the focal point.
This formation allows United to press as a unit and break with pace — crucial in the absence of Rashford’s direct runs.
Strengths:
More control in midfield.
Maintains width and pace.
Better suited to build-up play and possession retention.
Risks:
Creativity may be limited without Bruno.
Mount still finding form and rhythm after injury-plagued season.
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What If Rashford or Bruno Is Fit?
If either player passes a late fitness test, Ten Hag could revert to his strongest XI:
Fernandes immediately returns to the No. 10 role, pushing Mount to the bench.
Rashford could start on the left, allowing Garnacho to move to the right or serve as an impact sub.
The inclusion of either adds experience and a game-changing quality United would badly need in a European final.
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Final Thoughts
Manchester United’s approach to the Europa League final will hinge on player availability and tactical flexibility. With Fernandes and Rashford both in doubt, Ten Hag must consider not just formations but also mental and physical readiness.
Regardless of the lineup, the pressure is immense. A victory not only delivers a major European trophy but could also define Erik ten Hag’s tenure and United’s future under INEOS.
By preparing multiple tactical plans, Ten Hag can keep Leverkusen guessing and ensure United are not caught short by their injury woes. Whether it’s a solid 4-2-3-1, a counter-attacking 3-4-2-1, or a control-based 4-3-3, United have options — they just need to get it right when it matters most.
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Let m
e know if you’d like diagrams, a match prediction, or tactical comparisons with Leverkusen.
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