Manchester United return to Premier League action next week as the first international break of 2025 comes to an end.
Ruben Amorim will be looking to pick up right where he and Manchester United left off before the break.
United beat Real Sociedad in the Europa League, securing a quarter-final spot against Lyon.
Amorim then watched United beat Leicester City 3-0 in the Premier League, sweeping Ruud van Nistelrooy’s team aside.
That gave United two wins in a matter of days, providing a sense of optimism which has been all too rare this season.
United don’t play until Tuesday night as Amorim takes on compatriot Nuno Espirito Santo at Nottingham Forest.
Photo by James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images
Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images
Thomas Tuchel on Harry Maguire
Amorim will hope for a clean bill of health as his players return from international duty.
Matthijs de Ligt was used sparingly by the Netherlands, but Harry Maguire wasn’t even called up by England.
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Maguire hasn’t played for United since the FA Cup defeat to Fulham at the beginning of March.
Reports suggest that Maguire could return for United against Nottingham Forest, handing Amorim a boost at the back.
Maguire’s recent injury problems mean that Thomas Tuchel chose not to take the defender on international duty with England.
Tuchel has now told The Mirror that Maguire handled his exclusion brilliantly.
Tuchel praised Maguire as a ‘top professional’ whilst admitting that he will ‘always’ be in contention for England.
The German noted that Maguire even took the time to send Tuchel messages of good luck ahead of his England bow, leaving the Three Lions boss impressed.
“He’s a top professional and he’s very important for England,” said Tuchel.
“He took it unbelievably well. I spoke to all of them who were not on the list to give my direct feedback on my decision.
“He wrote me messages to wish us good luck and you see what a person he is. He is a top guy and he will always be in contention,” he added.
Harry Maguire return will be welcomed at Manchester United
Maguire could be ready to start for United at Forest next week, and his return comes at the right time.
Lisandro Martinez is out with a long-term injury, and Ayden Heaven was substituted with an injury against Leicester.
United aren’t blessed with a raft of centre back options right now, and Maguire will have a big role to play upon his return.
Amorim may need to tinker with the exact setup of his back line in terms of who plays on the left side of his back three.
The more options, the better, though and Amorim will gladly welcome Maguire back to action ahead of the trip to Forest.