Ruben Amorim has revealed the details behind Manchester United’s latest injury crisis, with Amad Diallo set to miss the rest of the season in a huge setback.
The Red Devils were hit hard by several new injuries this week in the lead-up to Sunday’s Premier League clash at Tottenham.
As many as 12 first-team players are now unavailable to Amorim, who had to name a nine-man bench featuring eight teenagers who have never previously played for the club at senior level.
Among that number were highly-rated striker Chido Obi as well as Ayden Heaven, signed last month from Arsenal’s academy, and Darren Fletcher’s son Jack. The only player on the bench at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium with a senior appearance for the United first team was the 30-year-old Swedish centre-back Victor Lindelof.
One of the more concerning absences is that of winger Amad, who has been one of the shining lights in a poor United team this season but has now suffered ankle ligament damage.
United were already without Lisandro Martinez, who will also miss the rest of the season after recent knee surgery, plus Luke Shaw, Mason Mount, Altay Bayindir and Jonny Evans. Christian Eriksen and Leny Yoro are both dealing with illness, meanwhile.
Explaining why so many more players were missing out against Spurs, Amorim told Sky Sports: “Amad was alone, [Manuel] Ugarte was a kick. Toby [Collyer] and Kobbie [Mainoo] felt something.
“It is what it is, but we have the kids and they have the opportunity to be on the bench. They are ready to play. It is a really hard season and we have to deal with that and we are doing that.”
Asked if Amad’s injury would keep him out for the remainder of the season, Amorim responded: “I think so.”
A dearth of midfield options left Amorim with no choice but to play United captain Bruno Fernandes in a deeper position against Spurs, as well as picking the out-of-favour Casemiro.
