Amid Manchester United’s latest injury news, Rúben Amorim may finally be able to play his best back five for the first time as the Old Trafford club face Nottingham Forest next week.
After a fortnight away due to international fixtures, Rúben Amorim’s Manchester United are set to return to Premier League action on Tuesday, 1 April, as they visit Nottingham Forest.
United went into the break in strong form, securing two wins over Real Sociedad, a commanding 3-0 triumph against Leicester City, and a 1-1 draw with title-chasing Arsenal.
Bruno Fernandes has been in electric form, registering five goals and two assists across his last three matches under Amorim.
While the trip to Forest offers a valuable chance to build on that momentum, Amorim will also be carefully managing his squad with a packed schedule ahead — including a Manchester Derby and a Europa League quarter-final tie against Olympique Lyonnais.
Amorim can finally play his best back five
With Amorim joining United in mid-November, he has not had adequate time to assess and understand his players. At the same time, consistent injury problems have hampered his ability to start selecting a settled squad.
However, with five players having returned from injury following the international break, the 40-year-old may finally be able to play his best back five as his side prepare to face Forest.
Patrick Dorgu has missed United’s last three domestic fixtures due to a red card against Ipswich Town, but with his suspension now over, he can return to domestic action as United’s best option at left wing-back.
In Harry Maguire’s absence, Matthijs de Ligt has cemented himself as a fantastic player for the middle centre-back of Amorim’s back three, with Noussair Mazroaui continuing to excel on the Dutchman’s immediate right-hand side.
As for the right wing-back spot, this is Diogo Dalot’s to lose after the player grabbed a goal and assist in his last two United outings while playing on that flank.
Finally, with Leny Yoro also returning from injury, Amorim is well aware of the player’s talents as a left centre-back. Despite being right-footed, Yoro cemented himself as having a “different calibre” in the position with a stunning display against Ipswich last month. He should be considered the first choice on the left going forward.
Injuries and suspensions have so far prevented Amorim from playing Dalot, Mazraoui, De Ligt, Yoro, and Dorgu together, but with all players fit and training and the Forest game still a few days away, the head coach can finally play what is no doubt his current best back five.
Injury returns are very important for Amorim
Beyond Yoro and Dorgu’s returns to domestic action, a few other injury returns this week have provided an important boost to Amorim.
Mason Mount has been in training for three weeks, relieving pressure on the front three. The English midfielder is set to compete with Joshua Zirkzee and Alejandro Garnacho in the attacking midfield positions.
Maguire and Luke Shaw have also returned to the group and are expected to compete with the aforementioned defenders for positions. United could potentially play twice a week for the rest of the campaign.
In the goalkeeping department, Altay Bayındır and Tom Heaton were both spotted in training, which will give André Onana extra competition following poor performances.
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