Amorim calms injury concerns ahead of United’s Europa clash with Lyon

Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has reassured fans that there is no defensive crisis brewing at the club ahead of their crucial Europa League quarter-final first-leg match against Lyon on Thursday.

United’s injury list has raised alarm bells, with Lisandro Martinez, Ayden Heaven, and Jonny Evans already sidelined.

The concerns deepened when Matthijs de Ligt sustained an injury during the warm-up for Sunday’s Manchester derby, prompting a last-minute reshuffle that saw 17-year-old Godwill Kukonki named on the bench.

The situation became even more tense when Harry Maguire, recently back from a calf injury, was withdrawn after 60 minutes. However, Amorim clarified that the substitution was pre-planned and not injury-related.

“Harry Maguire just had 60 minutes allowed from the medical department to play, so he’s fit and ready to go,” Amorim explained after the 0–0 draw. “It’s not an injury. We just had a timeframe in which we could safely use him. We cannot afford to lose more players, so we’re being cautious and spreading out minutes.”

As for De Ligt, Amorim confirmed the Dutchman has indeed picked up an injury but remained vague on the specifics: “Matta has an injury. Let’s see how long it is going to take.”

The only other confirmed absentee for Thursday is winger Amad Diallo, but there is some positive news: rising star Kobbie Mainoo could make his return after a two-month absence with a muscle injury.

“Kobbie is training with us. We want to be careful with him, but maybe he’s going to be in our squad,” Amorim added.

United head into the match with cautious optimism, aiming to strike a balance between player fitness and a strong performance against the French side.