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Ruben Amorim’s debut game as Manchester United’s head coach did not go as expected due to injury issues, resulting in a less than ideal starting XI against Ipswich Town.
The former Sporting Lisbon manager had to improvise by playing Jonny Evans on the left side of a back three and Noussair Mazraoui on the right.
In an ideal scenario, he would have preferred a left-footed defender on the left and a fast center-back like Leny Yoro on the right, allowing Mazraoui to play as a wingback.
Looking ahead to the Europa League match against Bodo/Glimt on Thursday, Amorim will be pleased to have two injured players back in training.
Injury update
According to The Manchester Evening News’ Samuel Luckhurst, Harry Maguire, who was last seen against Aston Villa, was back in training alongside Lisandro Martinez.
The World Cup winner picked up an injury in Ruud van Nistelrooy’s final game in charge against Leicester City and returned early from international duty to assess the issue.
Maguire and Martinez welcomed back into training #mufc pic.twitter.com/y5tsh02ctq
— Samuel Luckhurst (@samuelluckhurst) November 27, 2024
Although their return to training is not a guarantee of starting against the Norwegian team, they could potentially be part of the squad for the upcoming game against Everton.
Both Maguire and Martinez were absent from Amorim’s first matchday squad, and Maguire, in particular, may need more time to fully recover due to his extended absence.
Their return will be welcomed, with Martinez likely to take the left-sided center-back position and Maguire potentially excelling in the middle. Maguire has experience playing in a back three for his country and has performed well in that role.
Yoro absent from training
The MEN also reported that Yoro was not present at training, with Wednesday being his designated recovery day.
“Leny Yoro not training as he’s got a designated recovery day. Not taking part in every training session yet,” Luckhurst’s update on X read.
The club is taking extra precautions with Yoro’s rehabilitation following a summer surgery to prevent any further complications.
If the trio are unable to play in Amorim’s first home game, the coach is considering other options.
