‘They cannot play’: Amorim confirms 2 more United stars won’t face Real Sociedad | OneFootball

Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has explained the absence of two key players ahead of the first leg of the Europa League round of 16 tie against Real Sociedad.

The Red Devils bowed out of the FA Cup in the fifth round last weekend after a penalty shoot-out loss to Fulham. They are now reliant on winning the Europa League to secure silverware and qualify for the Champions League next term.

Ahead of the game, the club have suffered a fresh setback with Harry Maguire and Manuel Ugarte being left out of the 18-man travelling squad. The duo picked up minor injuries against the Cottagers, and Amorim said the club can’t take any risk.

He told reporters: “Small things. So we are being careful with them because, in this moment, we cannot allow us to lose more players for a long time. We are taking care of them in Carrington and they cannot play this game because it will be a greater risk.”

Several youngsters were training alongside the senior squad earlier on Wednesday, but Amorim has opted for just 18 players for the Basque trip. With Maguire sidelined, the Portuguese could reinstate Noussair Mazraoui in the back three.

Patrick Dorgu, who is only suspended domestically, could come in at left wing-back. United have a natural replacement in Casemiro for Manuel Ugarte in the number six position. Toby Collyer has also made the squad after injury and could make a substitute appearance.

The club graduate has impressed as the holding midfielder for the Red Devils, but given his recent lay-off, Amorim may not risk him in the XI. Despite the vast number of injuries, the manager will hope to secure a positive result at the Reale Arena before the second leg next week.

United also have a crucial Premier League clash against Arsenal at Old Trafford over the weekend. Amorim will no doubt want to field his best available line-up. Maguire and Ugarte could be back in the XI to face Mikel Arteta’s side, who have won the last three league meetings.

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Article written by Sri Aswin .