four things were spotted as Rúben Amorim held an open training session ahead of Manchester United’s Europa League quarter-final clash against Lyon.
After a bruising 4-1 defeat to Newcastle United on Sunday, Rúben Amorim is now focused on leading Manchester United through the Europa League quarter-finals.
United host Olympique Lyonnais at Old Trafford on Thursday evening for the second leg of their tie, with the score level at 2-2 after an eventful first leg in France.
Goals from Leny Yoro and Joshua Zirkzee gave United the lead twice in Lyon, but they were pegged back by Thiago Almada and a dramatic stoppage-time strike from Rayan Cherki.
With the return leg on home turf, United will be looking to make the most of the Old Trafford atmosphere as they aim for a spot in the semi-finals, where either Athletic Bilbao or Rangers await.
That contest is also finely poised following a 0-0 draw in Glasgow, where Rangers held firm despite playing the majority of the match with ten men after Dutch defender Robin Pröpper was sent off early on.
Ahead of the fixture, United held an open training session on Wednesday morning for fans and the press, and a number of details were noticed.
#1 – United hit with minor injury blow
With United now knee-deep in a major end to the campaign, Amorim will be hoping for as many of his injured players as possible to return before the end of the campaign.
Despite returning to the matchday squad against Newcastle, Ayden Heaven missed out on first-team training as he was hit with a small setback in his injury recovery.
However, it was fantastic to see that Jonny Evans had returned to first-team training, having not made an appearance for the club this side of Christmas.
#2 – Amorim includes
With multiple players such as Lisandro Martínez, Zirkzee, and Amad still out of action, it’s expected that a number of Academy players will make up the empty spots as part of the 23-man squad.
Harry Amass is almost certain to be part of the matchday side, and a further number of Academy players were also spotted in training, hinting at their possible inclusion of Elyh Harrison, Godwill Kukonki,
What also must be noted is that Welsh U19 international Gabriele Biancheri was also included in first-team training for the first time amid Zirkzee’s absence, which hints that the Academy striker may finally be given his first place in the first-team squad.
Biancheri is a player who has been stunning scouts of late and reportedly has a big fan in technical director Jason Wilcox.
#3 – Amad spotted in individual training
Alongside the first-team squad warming up and passing the ball as United trained, star player Amad was also spotted with the ball at his feet, undergoing some individual training.
Amad has not been part of United’s squad for over two months after suffering a freak ankle injury, but recently confirmed he had returned to the grass as he rebuilds his fitness.
The Ivorian international is not expected to return to action until next month, but is expected to be fit to play before United end their season.
#4 – Amorim involved with his players
Another fantastic thing to see was Amorim himself being more involved in first-team training.
In the last few months, many United fans have pointed out that the head coach has often been seen to be standing far away from his squad during open training sessions, but on a rainy Wednesday morning in Manchester, he was heavily involved.
The 40-year-old was seen laughing and joking around with his squad as they went through some initial warm ups, exchanging friendly blows with Noussair Mazraoui as Amorim looked in good spirits ahead of Thursday evening.
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