Manchester United’s new injury is a blessing in disguise – Rúben Amorim can start his best back five vs Real Sociedad

Manchester United’s latest injury news surrounding Harry Maguire means Rúben Amorim may have the chance to start his best back five against Real Sociedad on Thursday evening.

On Wednesday morning, it was confirmed that neither Harry Maguire nor Manuel Ugarte were able to train with the Manchester United squad ahead of their trip to Spain against Real Sociedad.

The club confirmed to journalists watching the open training session that both players had suffered “minor issues” against Fulham on the weekend, with Maguire playing 90 of the 120-minute tie and Ugarte playing just 53.

Subsequently, it was then announced that neither player had travelled to Spain with the rest of the squad, and Rúben Amorim had only selected 18 players to depart to San Sebastian, despite the opportunity to pick up to 23.

However, the announcement also confirmed the returns of Patrick Dorgu and Toby Collyer. Dorgu missed the Fulham match due to suspension, while Collyer has returned to training after almost a month-long injury.

Maguire’s injury a blessing in disguise

Maguire has played 90 minutes across United’s last six fixtures, which has led many to wonder just how essential the England international has become to Amorim’s back line.

However, with Maguire missing, the head coach has the chance to to play what some may see as his best back line of those available.

Matthijs de Ligt has been covering both as a right and left-sided centre-back across the back three in the last few weeks, but most will agree that his performances have been below his normal standard.

Maguire’s absence leave the Dutchman as the best-suited option to start in the middle of the back line, which is his most comfortable position, and no doubt where Amorim sees his long-term future at the club.

Meanwhile, Leny Yoro has been fantastic as a left centre-back of late, and despite coming off early against Fulham, he is in the squad to face Sociedad, and may start in that position.

This would leave the right centre-back slot available, and Noussair Mazraoui is the obvious choice. The Moroccan international has been a key player for Amorim when at right centre-back, and the player can now return to his best positon.

Mazraoui had to play as a right wing-back against Fulham as Diogo Dalot had to shift to the left following Dorgu’s suspension, but the latter is now back and available, meaning Dalot can start on his more comfortable right, while Dorgu plays back on the left.

A back five of Mazraoui, De Ligt, and Yoro with Dalot and Dorgu as wing-backs is most likely Amorim’s best back five of players currently available, especially since Lisandro Martínez is out for the rest of the season.

Injury gives a chance for rest

With Maguire’s injury thought to be a minor one, this also gives the 32-year-old a chance to rest after starting six games in a row.

Read More: Manchester United issue Luke Shaw and Mason Mount updates, 10 players missing vs Real Sociedad (Europa League)

The middle centre-back slot is the most contentious position in that back line, with De Ligt having to compensate for Maguire in the middle as the Dutchman is better suited than his counterpart to the wide positions.

However, with Maguire out, De Ligt is allowed to now play in the middle, and importantly, Maguire gets time to rest after his overwhelming number of starts of late.

After Sociedad, United will play against Arsenal at Old Trafford, and if Maguire can return to fitness by then, having a week off from competitive football could leave him ripe and ready to face the Premier League title chasers.

Make sure to follow UtdDistrict on X, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok to never miss out on any of our Manchester United content. Our podcast, What the Devil?, is released every Wednesday at 6 pm (BST) on the United View YouTube channel.