Manchester United squad vs Real Sociedad confirmed as Ruben Amorim makes bizarre selection decision

Ruben Amorim has confirmed his Manchester United travelling squad to play Real Sociedad in Spain this week.

Manchester United face a crucial Europa League showdown against Real Sociedad this week, with their season on the line.

On Sunday, they suffered a heartbreaking FA Cup exit, losing to Fulham on penalties in the fifth round after missed spot-kicks from Victor Lindelöf and Joshua Zirkzee.

Ruben Amorim’s side sits 14th in the Premier League, far from European qualification, making the Europa League their only realistic chance at silverware and Champions League qualification.

A tough round-of-16 battle awaits, with the first leg in Spain on Thursday before the return fixture at Old Trafford next week.

Amorim names United squad vs Real Sociedad

United hosted a open training session on Wednesday morning before the squad took flight to Spain for this game.

Amorim’s squad for the clash has been confirmed and 17-year-old defender Harry Amass has been included.

Harry Maguire and Manuel Ugarte have missed out on the squad after they were absent from the latest training session. Both players suffered injury against Fulham in the FA Cup defeat.

Toby Collyer has returned to the squad after spending around a month injured and joins Casemiro, Bruno Fernandes and Christian Eriksen as potential midfield options.

Amorim’s bizarre Europa League squad decision

However, the most bizarre part of Amorim’s selection is the size of the squad he’s taking to San Sebastián, with just 18 players selected to travel.

Europa League games allow up to 12 players on the bench, meaning that the United boss could have named up to 23 names in his squad.

Instead, the Reds will only travel with seven players on the bench – two of which will be youth goalkeepers Dermott Mee and Elyh Harrison.

The lack of options from the bench is staggering and it doesn’t really make any sense why Amorim wouldn’t bring someone like Jack Moorhouse or James Scanlon to be an option to come on in the frontline.

Rasmus Højlund, Alejandro Garnacho and Joshua Zirkzee are the only attackers in the squad so are all likely to start. Chido Obi is not involved as he can no longer be registered for the competition.

The full 18-man squad can be read below.

Goalkeepers: André Onana, Dermot Mee, Elyh Harrison;

Defenders: Harry Amass, Diogo Dalot, Matthijs de Ligt, Patrick Dorgu, Ayden Heaven, Victor Lindelof, Noussair Mazraoui, Leny Yoro;

Midfielders: Casemiro, Toby Collyer, Christian Eriksen, Bruno Fernandes;

Forwards: Alejandro Garnacho, Rasmus Hojlund, Joshua Zirkzee

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