Explained: Why ‘technically brilliant’ Utd star is entering Amorim’s first matchweek ‘very disappointed’

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·19 November 2024

Explained: Why ‘technically brilliant’ Utd star is entering Amorim’s first matchweek ‘very disappointed’

Manchester United fans are eagerly anticipating how the squad will take shape for Ruben Amorim’s first-ever outing in the dugout this Sunday.

A trip to face Premier League newbies Ipswich Town awaits the new head coach this time around, while his maiden appearance at Old Trafford is penned in for next Thursday in a Europa League clash against Bodø/Glimt.

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He oversaw his first training session at Carrington yesterday but did so without several key first-team stars at his disposal, whether that be through international commitments or injury. Lisandro Martinez, for example, was unable to partake due to a knock he sustained in the win over Leicester City before the break, which ruled him out of Argentina’s double-header of World Cup qualifiers.

His counterpart, Victor Lindelof, was also absent from the session after picking up an injury while in action for Sweden over the weekend. He hobbled off inside 25 minutes of his nation’s 2-1 Nations League win over Slovakia, with United since confirming that both defenders will be assessed this week to determine the severity of their setbacks.

Lindelof could face another spell on the sidelines after the break

(Photo by Michael Campanella/Getty Images)

Lindelof will be adamant about returning to action as swiftly as possible, given that he is now overseeing his final season as a United player. His terms expire in June 2025, and considering that he’s unlikely to be a mainstay in Amorim’s XI and that he’ll be a month away from turning 31 at the time of his expiry, the expectation is that he departs next summer.

Alas, it’ll come as no surprise to learn that the Red, whom Harry Maguire hailed as ‘technically brilliant’, has been left disgruntled after suffering yet another fitness setback

Sweden manager Jon Dahl Tomasson revealed after the game (via Bohusläningen): “I met him (Lindelof) before he left the hotel. He was very disappointed. Now it’s about him getting healthy.”