Manchester United will be without defender Harry Maguire and midfielder Manuel Ugarte for their Europa League last-16 first leg against Real Sociedad on Thursday, coach Ruben Amorim confirmed.
Both players sustained injuries in last weekend’s FA Cup penalty shootout loss to Fulham, adding to United’s growing list of absentees in what has been a difficult season. The team currently sits 14th in the Premier League.
“We are being cautious with them because we cannot afford to lose more players for an extended period,” Amorim said in Wednesday’s pre-match press conference. “They are staying at Carrington for recovery, and playing this game would be too much of a risk.”
United’s squad is already stretched thin due to multiple injuries. Altay Bayindir, Tom Heaton, Jonny Evans, Kobbie Mainoo, Luke Shaw, and Mason Mount are all undergoing individual rehabilitation programs. Meanwhile, Lisandro Martínez (ACL tear) and Amad Diallo (ankle ligament injury) remain long-term absentees.
Amorim emphasized the challenge of managing the squad while integrating young players into the team.
“I’m trying to balance everything—developing young players while considering the squad’s needs,” he said. “It’s not just about pleasing fans and the media.”
With key players sidelined, United face an uphill battle in Spain as they look to keep their European hopes alive.
