Ruben Amorim confirms surprise Manchester United blow ahead of FA Cup clash vs Arsenal

Ruben Amorim will have several Manchester United players unavailable for the FA Cup clash against Arsenal on Sunday afternoon.

Manchester United have shifted their focus to the FA Cup this week, with the Reds set out to defend their cup victory from last season.

Ruben Amorim’s side will not have an easy start to their journey in the competition, however, with a tough away clash against Arsenal as their third-round match.

Last month, the Reds suffered a 2-0 defeat to Arsenal. Despite a solid enough performance, the game was defined by two set-piece goals from Mikel Arteta’s men.

Since that game, United’s form has been rocky but Amorim will be hoping that his team can build on the most recent display against Liverpool.

Amorim confirms surprise blow for Arsenal vs United

Amorim explained during his pre-match press conference that he wants to put out a strong side in the game this week.

The United boss has rotated a lot since arriving at Old Trafford, but he is beginning to know his best team. However, there could be troubles surrounding Amad’s availability to start the game.

Amad has been one of the most impressive players under Amorim so far and was rewarded with a new long-term contract at United earlier this week.

The Portuguese boss explained that the 22-year-old has a small knock ahead of the FA Cup clash but suggested that he could still be available.

“Vic [Lindelöf] continues out, Jonny [Evans] continues out, Amad has a little injury but I think he can recover. Luke Shaw continues his improvements, Mason Mount also, the rest are strong to compete for a place and play the game,” said Amorim when asked for team news.

That could mean that Amad is only fit enough to start on the bench, although the full team news will be available on Sunday at 14:00 GMT.

Amorim will push Amad to improve

Amorim also explained how he is going to push Amad to improve further after the Ivorian signed terms to keep him at the club until 2030.

It has felt like Amad has experienced some more development since last season and we’ve seen improvements in many areas of his game.

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But he is certainly not the finished product, with several areas of his game needing improvements, which is what Amorim is planning to deliver.

“We are going to be more demanding with Amad,” Amorim added. “He knows what we want to expect from him.

“Now he has a bigger responsibility because he has a long contract with a big club, so we’re going to be really demanding with him.”

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