Rúben Amorim is expected to have a return as Manchester United prepare to take on Man City in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon.
Manchester United returned to action earlier this week following the March international break, and Rúben Amorim now turns his attention to a huge test against Manchester City at Old Trafford.
A 1-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest on Tuesday evening extended United’s struggles in front of goal, but the performance wasn’t without promise. Amorim’s side looked more assured in possession and showed signs of growing into his style of play.
The 40-year-old will be hoping for a more clinical display on Sunday when United host Pep Guardiola’s City in a highly anticipated Manchester Derby.
With one eye on the Europa League as well, Amorim will already be preparing for next Thursday’s trip to France to take on Olympique Lyonnais.
Amorim may be set for return vs City
United’s injuries have caused Amorim issues in the last few weeks, but after Harry Maguire and Leny Yoro’s returns against Forest, the head coach may be able to welcome Kobbie Mainoo back into the fold this weekend, too.
After two months out with a calf problem, Amorim confirmed that Mainoo was close to a return and may feature in the squad against Man City, but that final checks would take place during training ahead of the game.
As for others, Amorim issued updates on several players. In relation to Mason Mount’s fitness, he said: “Yes, he can start, but we have to manage his minutes still.”
Further, he confirmed that Matthijs de Ligt is struggling with an issue, but did not rule him out of the tie completely. “I think Matta [de Ligt] has an issue,” the head coach said. “He has something during the game [at Forest] and we have to assess. I think the rest is normal.”
Lisandro Martínez is still out, but Amorim stated to club media that Amad is continuing to progress well after his ankle injury two months ago.
“He’s doing quite well,” Amorim said of Amad. “We hope to have him before the season is finished. We’ll see, but he’s anxious to play, so we are waiting for him.”
Ayden Heaven also released an update on his current injury status, explaining to fans he will be “back soon” following an ankle injury sustained last month.
City’s latest injury news
Manchester City will be without several key players for the upcoming match, with Erling Haaland joining John Stones, Manuel Akanji, Nathan Ake and Rodri on the sidelines.
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It is likely that Pep Guardiola will replace Haaland with Omar Marmoush up front, who has six goals and one assist in his first 12 appearances for the club since signing in January.
Oscar Bobb made his return to action in the recent 2-0 midweek win over Leicester City, featuring for the first time since the Community Shield clash at Wembley back in August. Meanwhile, Mateo Kovacic, Phil Foden and Bernardo Silva were all unused substitutes.
Kevin De Bruyne, who was rested for the Leicester fixture, will be available for selection. However, the experienced Belgian midfielder has confirmed he will leave the club this summer, bringing an end to a glittering spell at the Etihad.
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