Why is Mason Mount starting ahead of Alejandro Garnacho in Europa League final?

FootballSports
22 May 2025 • 2:36 AM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

image is not available

Ruben Amorim believes Manchester United will have a different “balance” with Mason Mount after deciding to start him over Alejandro Garnacho in the Europa League final.

Mount has recovered from a frustrating injury-hit year to play a part in the Europa League knockout stages, scoring twice in the semi-final win over Athletic Bilbao.

However, this will be just the second game Mount has started in the Europa League all season - and the first since November.

The former England international starts ahead of winger Garnacho, who drops to the bench.

The 20-year-old Garnacho had started all six knockout games for United as they reached the Bilbao final, where he is on the bench.

Amorim explained that it was a tactical decision to start Mount on the left side of attacking midfield in his 3-4-2-1 formation.

"I feel Mason in this moment gives us a different balance,” Amorim told TNT Sports. “The way he compacts the team, he's an extra midfielder.

“Tottenham put full-backs and midfielders inside to overload the space. To have possession and a right foot in that position is important.”

Leny Yoro has recovered from a recent foot problem to start, while Joshua Zirkzee and Diogo Dalot have also passed late fitness tests to make the bench.

image is not available

Confirmed line-ups for Europa League final

Tottenham XI: Vicario; Porro, Romero, van de Ven, Udogie; Bentancur, Bissouma, Sarr; Johnson, Solanke, Richarlison

Subs: Austin, Whiteman, Spence, Davies, Danso, Gray, Ajayi, Moore, Odobert, Tel, Son, Scarlett

Man Utd XI: Onana; Yoro, Maguire, Shaw; Mazraoui, Casemiro, Fernandes, Dorgu; Diallo, Mount, Hojlund

Subs: Bayindir, Amass, Dalot, Evans, Heaven, Lindelof, Collyer, Eriksen, Mainoo, Ugarte, Garnacho, Zirkzee.