Whitwell: Amorim gets ‘major boost’ on eve of Bilbao trip with ‘unplayable’ star ‘in contention’ to travel

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·30. April 2025

Whitwell: Amorim gets ‘major boost’ on eve of Bilbao trip with ‘unplayable’ star ‘in contention’ to travel

Ruben Amorim welcomed both Amad and Matthijs de Ligt back to team training this morning, with the former’s return posing as a ‘major boost’ for the boss.

It’s the eve of Manchester United’s Europa League semi-final first leg away to Athletic Bilbao, meaning the side are now undergoing their final preparations at Carrington ahead of their most pivotal fixture of the campaign thus far.

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For Amorim, having the two Reds back at his disposal will come as a substantial and timely positive in the build-up to both legs; particularly Amad, who’s been sorely missed throughout his lengthy absence.

Amad returns to training following two-month layoff

Amad last played on February 2 in a defeat to Crystal Palace. (Photo via Beanyman Sports)

The Ivorian livewire had been enjoying the most prolific top-flight campaign of his career prior to his setback at the beginning of February.

He boasts nine goals and eight assists in 36 matches thus far across 2024/2025, with 12 of those contributions (six goals and six assists) coming in the 20 appearances he made under Amorim alone.

As such, Amad instantaneously repaid his manager’s faith after finally being granted the starting role he deserved and will look to continue such scintillating form when he’s back on the turf in a competitive setting – which could well be tomorrow night.

Laurie Whitwell: Amad could make trip to Spain for UEL first leg

According to The Athletic journalist Laurie Whitwell, Amad is now ‘in contention’ to travel with his teammates to Bilbao and potentially feature in some form tomorrow night.

The ‘unplayable’ 22-year-old has been ‘ahead of schedule’ in his recovery from an ankle injury after it was initially feared that he would not play again until next season.

His game-defining performances – an injury-time winner at the Etihad, hat-trick against Southampton and late leveller against Liverpool at Anfield – could prove influential to the Reds progressing to the final.