Manchester United trained at Carrington this morning ahead of their return to Europa League action on Thursday evening.
Reporters being allowed to attend the beginning of the session provided fans with some welcome insight regarding the options Ruben Amorim is expected to have at his disposal tomorrow. It’ll be his first taste of action in the Old Trafford dugout when the Reds lock horns with Bodø/Glimt and a tie that, on paper, you’d expect United to win comfortably.
It remains to be seen whether he’ll go full strength for the outing, given the opponent. On the one hand, he’s still getting to grips with his strongest starting XI, so rotation may aid his decision-making for the coming matches.
United have also endured a troubled start to their European campaign; they’re yet to lose in the competition but drew all three of their matches under Erik ten Hag. Ruud van Nistelrooy claimed the side’s first win when they overturned PAOK 2-0 prior to the international break. As a result, the Reds sit 15th-placed in the new-look standings and are therefore at risk of having to qualify via play-offs to progress to the next stage.
United’s team news for UEL clash
Nonetheless, Amorim has been boosted by the return of defensive duo Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martinez. The latter withdrew from Argentina duty over the break due to a knock he sustained in Van Nistelrooy’s final game, which consequently ruled him out of last Sunday’s trip to Portman Road. As for his English counterpart, his last outing came at the beginning of October.
Leny Yoro was absent from the session – but fans needn’t worry about their summer signing. He missed out due to a designated recovery day set by the club in order to not rush his injury recovery. Jonny Evans was also nowhere to be seen after playing 56 minutes of the weekend’s draw with Ipswich Town.