It didn’t help that Manchester United were without three experienced professionals for the high-scoring draw with Bournemouth on Monday night.
Manchester United drew 4-4 with Bournemouth in a hard-fought affair at Old Trafford under the floodlights.
Ruben Amorim’s side missed out on the chance to jump up to fifth as they sit sixth in the Premier League ahead of a trip to high-flying Aston Villa on Sunday.
The United head coach was forced to make changes to the starting line-up due to absentees.
Amorim couldn’t play Noussair Mazraoui due to AFCON commitments. The same will apply to Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo over the coming weeks, meaning there will be more changes to the team.
However, Mazraoui wasn’t the only player United missed against Bournemouth.
It’s an unfortunate absentee that United will need to get used to for the foreseeable future, depending on how Morocco perform at AFCON.
Harry Maguire signing a Manchester United jersey in the Old Trafford tunnel
Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images
Noussair Mazraoui, Harry Maguire and Matthijs de Ligt missed vs Bournemouth
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The Netherlands centre-back became a mainstay in the defence earlier this season, but his recent injury means game time has been limited of late. The same applies to Harry Maguire, who would have slotted in perfectly during De Ligt’s spell out.
The lack of Maguire and De Ligt proved to be a huge hindrance to United against Bournemouth because the backline lacked their experience in the heart of defence.
That said, this also applies to Mazraoui because United could’ve done with more experienced players on the pitch.
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Amorim has yet to give a specific date for when he expects Maguire or De Ligt to return but United fans will be waiting impatiently.
This may lead to Lisandro Martinez getting his first start of the season over the Christmas period.
Ruben Amorim uncertain about Harry Maguire and Matthijs de Ligt return
Steven Railston from the Manchester Evening News attended Amorim’s post-match press conference on Monday night when he was asked about the fitness of his two missing defenders.
While it’s a boost to have Martinez back in the squad, Amorim has been wary of starting the Argentine until he’s ready to do so.
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Railston took to X on Monday night from the press conference, writing: “Ruben Amorim doesn’t know whether Maguire of De Ligt will be fit to face Aston Villa on Sunday.”
At least Amorim hasn’t completely ruled it out, but he may also be trying to keep his cards close to his chest.
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