Rúben Amorim has issued an immediate injury update on his Manchester United squad after the recent loss against Chelsea, but ahead of the Europa League final next week.
Manchester United slipped to their 18th Premier League defeat of the season on Friday night, falling 1-0 to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge thanks to a second-half header from Marc Cucurella.
With places up for grabs ahead of next Wednesday’s Europa League final against Tottenham, United started with intent and thought they’d taken the lead through Harry Maguire—only for the goal to be ruled out for a marginal offside.
The first half offered little else in terms of drama, but United created several chances early in the second period. Still, it was Chelsea who found the breakthrough when Cucurella headed in a pinpoint cross from Reece James with 20 minutes to go.
Despite pushing for an equaliser, United couldn’t find a way back, as Chelsea comfortably saw out the match and returned to the Premier League’s top five. All eyes now turn to United’s crucial European final next week.
Amorim issues United injury update after Chelsea loss
With Amorim choosing to select a strong starting XI, many fans were worried that the club may suffer from unnecessary injuries with the Europa League final just days away.
While those such as Maguire, Bruno Fernandes, and Amad all had moments when they dropped to the floor, Amorim has issued a positive injury update on his squad, explaining that he thinks all his players have come out of the Premier League tie unscathed.
“We have to prepare for each competition, with five days, we can rest,” Amorim told the BBC. “We have five days to prepare [for the Europa League final], two days to fully recover and then two days to prepare.
“In the end I looked at all the players and I think they are ok.”
Speaking generally about the final, Amorim said: “Of course, we are excited to be in the final. Since day one the pressure has been there but I live quite well with the pressure.
“When you have the final of any cup, we show up so we are prepared for that.”
Amorim’s risky decision paid off
There is little doubt that playing so many of your key players just days before a final is a risky decision, considering how unlucky United have been with injuries this season.
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However, with United’s players seemingly unharmed and ready to head to Bilbao next week, this means many of the nailed-on starters, such as Casemiro, Fernandes, Amad, and Maguire, have momentum going into the final.
The only real question marks that remain surround the fitness of Diogo Dalot, Matthijs de Ligt, and Leny Yoro, who all missed the trip to West London with injury but may be back in time to fly to Spain.
Meanwhile, Ange Postecoglou chose to rest many of his key Tottenham players as they lost 2-0 against Aston Villa on Friday afternoon, although he is sweating over the fitness of midfielder Pape Sarr after the player had to come off with an apparent back problem.
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