Ruben Amorim, Manager of Manchester United, speaks to first team coach Darren Fletcher during the UEFA Europa League 2024/25 League Phase MD5 training session at Carrington Training Ground on November 27, 2024
Ruben Amorim in Manchester United training (Image: Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
Ruben Amorim has been putting his players through their paces in training ahead of Manchester United's clash against Bodo/Glimt. United host the Norwegian outfit at Old Trafford on Thursday night as they both look to climb the Europa League table.
United were held to a 1-1 draw by Ipswich Town at the weekend, meanwhile, Bodo/Glimt enjoyed a 2-0 win over Odds BK. Amorim got off to a shaky start in the Premier League, but he'll be hoping to mark his Old Trafford debut as United boss with a win.
The Portuguese tactician could welcome back a few big names, with Lisandro Martinez and Harry Maguire back in action. So, with that being said, the Manchester Evening News has spotted five things that you might have missed at Carrington as United geared up to face Bodo/Glimt.
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Mainoo eyes first start under Amorim
Kobbie Mainoo was at the heart of the action in training. The 19-year-old midfielder, who was an unused substitute on Amorim's debut as United boss, hasn't played since the start of October after suffering a muscle injury.
He was replaced by Casemiro in the final minutes of a goalless draw with Aston Villa in October, aggravating the hamstring problem he picked up against Tottenham Hotspur a week prior. Having since returned from the treatment room, Mainoo will be looking to make his first appearance under the new head coach on Thursday night.
De Ligt and Fernandes in good spirits
Matthijs de Ligt and Bruno Fernandes, who will be viewed at leaders in the dressing room by Amorim, were spotted sharing a joke as they walked out to training. The duo weren't the only players in good spirits at Carrington, with Joshua Zirkzee – in particular – enjoying training.
Matthijs de Ligt and Bruno Fernandes in Manchester United training
Amorim and Fletcher chat
Amorim and Darren Fletcher were spotted deep in conversation at one stage. The Scotsman appeared to face an uncertain future when the Portuguese tactician arrived with five members of staff from Sporting CP, but he's remained part of the coaching setup.
Fletcher was previously a technical director before getting stuck in on the training pitches at Carrington – to establish a pathway from the club's academy to the the first-team.
United welcome back Martinez and Maguire
Lisandro Martinez and Harry Maguire were welcomed back to first-team training with some playful slaps from their teammates. Speaking to reporters ahead of the Bodo/Glimt clash, Amorim provided an update on the duo, who have been nursing their respective injuries.
"Not Harry," said the United boss. "Lisandro is ready. I felt he's had enough time so he is ready. Harry will be ready soon and on the pitch also."
Youngster continues to be involved
Godwill Kukoni, who was named in Amorim's first United matchday squad, continues to be involved in first-team training. The 16-year-old has caught the eye for the under-18s and he was given the chance to impress for the under-21s only last month.
As a left-footed defender, he'll be viewed as a valuable asset by the club. According to the Mirror, Kukoni has already drawn comparisons to Josko Gvardiol, who, despite Manchester City's poor form, has been excellent since arriving in the Premier League.
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