Ruben Amorim rules out three Man Utd stars for crucial Real Sociedad clash, one injured player finally returns to squad

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Ruben Amorim has provided a major injury update for his Manchester United first-team squad ahead of the Red Devils’ Europa League encounter with Real Sociedad.

The Red Devils travelled to the Reale Arena in Spain last week and Manchester United and Real Sociedad were held to a 1-1 scoreline in their first-leg clash.

Following United’s draw against Sociedad, Ruben Amorim’s men secured a 1-1 draw against Arsenal in their Premier League clash at Old Trafford on Sunday.

United now return to action for their second-leg round-of-16 match against Sociedad on Thursday evening, with kick-off slated for 8pm UK time at Old Trafford.

The Red Devils’ Europa League campaign is now vital for Amorim’s side if they want to secure a place in the Champions League for the 2025-26 campaign.

The Europa League is also Amorim’s last real chance of lifting major silverware as United manager in the current campaign.

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Ruben Amorim confirms Manuel Ugarte in Man Utd squad for Real Sociedad match

Speaking at his pre-match press conference on Tuesday, Ruben Amorim revealed that Manuel Ugarte has returned to the Manchester United first-team squad.

Manuel Ugarte was unavailable for the trip to Spain for United’s 1-1 draw with Real Sociedad and the Red Devils midfielder is a key player for Amorim.

The 23-year-old Uruguay international came off in the second half of United’s FA Cup exit at the hands of Fulham earlier this month at Old Trafford.

While Amorim has welcomed the return of Ugarte, the 40-year-old United manager provided an update on three absentees for the Europa League clash.

The former Sporting CP boss confirmed that Leny Yoro, Harry Maguire and Mason Mount won’t play at Old Trafford in Thursday’s tie against Real Sociedad.

“Mason Mount is too soon,” he said, as per the Manchester Evening News.

“Leny [Yoro] is out. Harry [Maguire] cannot play this one but I hope to have him for Sunday.

“Manu [Manuel Ugarte] is on the squad. Leny is not long-term but he cannot play this game or the next one.”

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Ruben Amorim makes his position clear on Man Utd objective

Amorim has insisted that European football is vital for United and he is not playing down the Red Devils’ hopes of reaching the Europa League quarter-finals.

“We have a clear plan to address next season,” he said.

“Of course, we have the Europa League also, and we can reach the Champions League.

“You never know. It can change plans. We have a plan and we know what to do. We know what kind of players we need to bring.”

United are currently 14th in the Premier League table and the Red Devils are 15 points adrift of fourth-place Chelsea with only 10 league matches remaining.