Manchester United’s injury crisis has grown even worse with Harry Maguire and Manuel Ugarte now set to spend time on the sidelines.
Ruben Amorim is already having to work with an extremely depleted squad, and Thursday’s Europa League Round of 16 clash against Real Sociedad just got even harder.
Amad Diallo has been ruled out for the season following an ankle injury, while Lisandro Martinez suffered an ACL injury that will rule him out for several months.
Long-term absentees Luke Shaw and Mason Mount are recovering, but are not expected to return for Thursday’s clash in Spain.
In midfield, Kobbie Mainoo remains injured, but Toby Collyer was spotted back in training, suggesting the 21-year-old is closing in on a return to first-team action.
However, there were two notable absentees from United’s training session on Wednesday morning.
Harry Maguire and Manuel Ugarte injury update
Manuel Ugarte missed the Tottenham match in February and it seems the summer signing has picked up another issue this week.
Against Fulham, Harry Maguire was “very, very tired” according to Bruno Fernandes, and it seems the former United captain will also spend some time on the sidelines.
That is because the first-team duo were missing from training on Wednesday. According to journalist Nathan Salt, they have both got “minor issues”.
As a result, Harry Maguire and Manuel Ugarte are not expected to travel with the squad to Spain to face Real Sociedad.
How Ruben Amorim can replace Harry Maguire and Manuel Ugarte
After crashing out of the FA Cup, United’s last hope of silverware – and a return to Europe – is winning the Europa League.
There is huge pressure on Amorim to win the Europa League, but he will have to navigate Thursday’s clash with a depleted squad.
Amorim will stick to his 3-4-3 system, and there are several candidates who could step in to replace Maguire in the back three.
Ayden Heaven enjoyed a perfect debut against Fulham – he could be handed his first start against Real Sociedad. Victor Lindelof also came off the bench in the FA Cup and he could be called upon to start.
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Whoever gets the nod will likely start alongside summer signings Matthijs de Ligt and Leny Yoro in defence.
In midfield, Bruno Fernandes has been in fine form playing in a slightly deeper role. Casemiro could be brought in to partner him in midfield, or Collyer could be recalled after his return from injury.
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