Manchester United’s squad is stretched thin ahead of their clash with Arsenal, with Rúben Amorim admitting he is in “survival mode” amid injuries, fatigue, and fan unrest.
SAN SEBASTIAN, SPAIN - MARCH 06: Bruno Fernandes of Manchester United acknowledges the fans after the UEFA Europa League 2024/25 Round of 16 First Leg match between Real Sociedad de Futbol and Manchester United at Reale Arena on March 06, 2025 in San Sebastian, Spain. (Photo by Ion Alcoba Beitia/Getty Images)
Photo by Ion Alcoba Beitia/Getty Images
Rúben Amorim has admitted that Manchester United are in survival mode ahead of Sunday’s clash with Arsenal at Old Trafford, with fatigue and injuries limiting his selection options.
After returning from Spain following a 1-1 Europa League draw with Real Sociedad, Amorim conceded that he is uncertain which players will be fit, describing the situation as a balancing act between avoiding further injuries and staying competitive.
“I don’t know. I don’t know. We need to survive Sunday,” Amorim admitted when asked if Harry Maguire or Manuel Ugarte would be available. “The team was so tired in the last 20 minutes. We have to prepare for Sunday and then think about this important game in our season on Thursday. But, in this moment, I don’t know.”
LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 12: Manuel Ugarte of Manchester United clashes with Kai Havertz of Arsenal during the Emirates FA Cup Third Round match between Arsenal and Manchester United at Emirates Stadium on January 12, 2025 in London, England. Arsenal are playing in a special all-white kit for today's FA Cup third-round tie as part of their ‘No More Red’ initiative which was launched in collaboration with Adidas in 2022 to keep young people safe from knife crime. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images
One player who will be available is Chido Obi, with the teenager in line to face his former club after missing out against Real Sociedad due to registration rules.
Kobbie Mainoo is also set to return, while Luke Shaw and Mason Mount could make their comebacks after extended spells on the sidelines.
However, Lisandro Martínez remains unavailable, and Amorim is cautious about rushing anyone back.
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND: Lisandro Martinez of Manchester United is shown a yellow card from referee Robert Jones after a foul on Cole Palmer of Chelsea during the Premier League match between Manchester United FC and Chelsea FC at Old Trafford on November 03, 2024. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)
Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images
Despite United’s ongoing struggles in attack, Amorim insists that his players must regain composure in front of goal. “You just have to sell them the idea that these movements we did today will work again. We have to work on it and show the images, but in the end, they have to score. If they score one, it’s going to be so much easier.”
The Portuguese manager, whose team sits in 14th place in the Premier League, acknowledged that his focus is divided between Arsenal and the Europa League second leg against Real Sociedad. He hinted at possible squad rotation but stressed that United cannot afford to deprioritise a high-profile league fixture. “Yeah, one thing at a time. We’ll think about Sunday and then we’ll see,” he said.
Amorim also addressed the growing fan unrest, as Manchester United supporters plan to protest against the club’s owners before the Arsenal game. “No, I think for everybody in our club it’s a really tough moment. It’s everything at the same time. The only thing I can do and our players can do is perform well and win. People have the right to protest. I think it’s a good thing to do that. It’s part of our club, everyone has a voice.”
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - MARCH 02: Fans of Manchester United display banners in protest of rising ticket prices prior to the Emirates FA Cup Fifth Round match between Manchester United and Fulham at Old Trafford on March 02, 2025 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images
He also expressed concerns about fixture congestion, noting that the Europa League’s demands make recovery more challenging than in the Champions League. “Not the games, but the recovery to play Premier League on the weekend, so we have to deal with that.”
As United scramble to get players fit, Arsenal arrive in Manchester in devastating form, fresh from a 7-1 annihilation of PSV Eindhoven.
Mikel Arteta’s side has won the last four meetings between the clubs and currently sits 21 points ahead of United in the table.
Yet despite the mounting pressure, Amorim remains defiant, though he acknowledges a stark reality: “I will not have the time Arteta had. I feel that. It’s a different club.”
Should Arsenal beat Manchester United, they will become the first team in the Premier League era to defeat United five games in a row.
Related Posts