Manchester United will be eager to return to winning ways and build momentum heading into the UEFA Europa League clash with Athletic Club when they lock horns with Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium on Sunday afternoon. Ruben Amorim has a new injury concern that is hampering his preparations ahead of his side’s latest fixture.
Diogo Dalot is the latest absentee after picking up a calf injury earlier this week. The Portuguese international might have played his final game of the 2024/25 season, and he has joined Lisandro Martinez (knee), Matthijs de Ligt (ankle), Ayden Heaven (ankle), Toby Collyer (leg), Amad Diallo (ankle), and Joshua Zirkzee (thigh) on the sidelines.
However, Amad and de Ligt should return soon to provide some respite to Amorim. Meanwhile, during his pre-match press conference, Amorim spoke about Dalot’s injury. In addition, the Portuguese tactician discussed what lays ahead for his team in the final month of the 2024/25 season.
The Manchester United manager said, “We need to have that feeling that every game is here is important. And we have to win every game, because that is a feeling that’s really important – not to lose. Of course, you can see the context.”
“But I think we are going to face this game with the best team, because we had a full week to prepare, some of the players did not play against Wolverhampton, so sometimes, if you recover so much of the players, it is a bad thing. So I will try to manage everything to win this game and to prepare for the next one.”
Amorim also provided a fitness update on Dalot during his presser. The Manchester United boss said, “Diogo is out. We don’t know long he is going to be out. But he is out for these games, we will see until the end. Amad is near, Matta is near, but the rest is at the same pace. Ayden [Heaven] is not ready, so I think that is it.”
Andre Onana will take his spot between the sticks, with the away side lining up in a 3-4-2-1 formation in front of him against Bournemouth on Sunday. The central defensive unit will feature Noussair Mazraoui, Harry Maguire, and Leny Yoro.
Dalot’s absence means Patrick Dorgu will feature as the right wing-back, with Harry Amass getting another start on the left flank. As for the midfield unit, Bruno Fernandes should pair up with Manuel Ugarte in the middle of the park. Finally, Rasmus Hojlund will lead the line for the Red Devils against Bournemouth, with Alejandro Garnacho and Mason Mount providing creative support.
Predicted Manchester United XI: Onana; Mazraoui, Maguire, Yoro; Dorgu, Ugarte, Bruno Fernandes, Amass; Mount, Garnacho; Hojlund
