Ruben Amorim gives “important and brave” Man Utd XI hint ahead of Real Sociedad clash

Ruben Amorim will have some important decisions to make for his Manchester United XI to face Real Sociedad in the Europa League.

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

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

Sitting 14th in the Premier League and far from European qualification, Ruben Amorim’s side sees the Europa League as their only realistic shot at silverware and a Champions League spot.

The round-of-16 tie begins in Spain on Thursday, with the return leg at Old Trafford next week.

Amorim happy to have “important and brave” Collyer back

Amorim is missing some important players for the game in San Sebastián, with Harry Maguire and Manuel Ugarte both injured for the clash.

However, the United boss also welcomes back Toby Collyer to the squad after the 21-year-old midfielder’s month-long injury.

“Yes, it’s important for us,” Amorim told club media ahead of the game when asked about Collyer returning to the side.

“One more option for the midfield. He has a lot of pace, he’s really brave, so we’re happy to have him.”

Collyer was close to breaking into the United side before his injury setback after several impressive displays under Amorim.

Amorim warns United of intense Sociedad

The United boss also described his upcoming Spanish opponents as a team with “a lot of intensity” which suggests that United need their own, especially in the midfield.

Ugarte has often been the player to inject pace and intensity into the United midfield and the only player who can do similar in the current squad is Collyer.

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That all suggests that Amorim may look to bring the Academy graduate straight back into the starting XI despite only just coming back from injury.

He could partner either Casemiro or Bruno Fernandes – or the two of those players could start the game together in the midfield.

But there would be concerns about United being overran in the midfield if that second option was the case, with Fernandes trying to move forward and help attacks. It would be no surprise to see Collyer involved from the start after Amorim’s comments.

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