Well I just heard some real good news before our big game tonight. See, two of our lads from Africa they are going to play against Bournemouth which is a surprise. Everyone thought they’d be gone already for that tournament what starts Sunday. Makes me feel better for Amorim, our manager, because he was about to lose three guys.
Having them both is a real advantage, I think. The other fella, Mazraoui, he’s already with Morocco for the host nation so he ain’t playing. But two out of three is pretty good, right? Means we aren’t too short just yet.
Amorim told everyone at Old Trafford he’s “absolutely delighted” for tonight. He said their professionalism is showing because they’re here before going off to their countries. I like hearing that, makes you believe in the team spirit.
Also, Benjamin Sesko is back which is nice. He’s been missing four games from injury and then got sick too. He’s only on the bench but it’s something. The manager says it shows resilience, which I agree. The medical staff did good work getting him ready.
There’s just the one change from when we beat Wolves. Yoro, the young centre-back, comes in because Mazraoui isn’t here. It’s a adjustment for defense but Amorim says Leny earned his place and he’s got a strong presence. We’ll need that.
Something else that’s consistent is Ayden Heaven, he’s starting again his third time in a row. And Luke Shaw, he’s been in every single lineup this whole season which is amazing when you think about it.
Getting to use these two players now is really big timing. All over Europe clubs are worrying about that tournament taking people. Ivory Coast and Cameroon could do well in it, they have strong teams. It’s tricky planning for this stuff, a club source said they start figuring it out months before. Sometimes you get a little window where the player can help you, which is what happened tonight.
We want another win like against Wolves, show that same spirit. Bournemouth plays with a lot of energy so we’ll need everyone. With the key guys here and Sesko back too, it feels like we got a chance. This time of year really tests the squad but this lineup looks smart to me.
Also, I heard one of the players, he said playing tonight was important to him personally. He told a friend that leaving on a win makes the whole trip for his country feel better, puts him in a nicer mindset. It’s not just tactics, it’s about the feeling you carry with you.
About the weather, it’s been raining at Old Trafford all afternoon. That might change how the game goes, make the pitch faster or something. Amorim probably thought about that when he put Yoro in, for his height on set pieces maybe. Little things that you don’t always remember.
From where I sit, the fans are really up for it tonight. Seeing those two names on the team sheet got a big cheer. Sometimes that connection, when the crowd knows a player is sacrificing to be here, it gives everyone a lift. You could feel it in the stands, a real buzz.
Thinking beyond just tonight, the manager has to look at the whole month. Getting points now while others are losing players is so key. It’s like a little bonus round in the league. Amorim seems the type who plans for these small edges, which is smart.
Finally, it’s worth saying that a night like this can matter more later. If we win, and these two play great, it builds a story for when they come back. They’ll be remembered for this choice. It’s about more than just one game, it’s about being part of the club’s story in a long season.
