Manchester United pair Amad Diallo and Matthijs de Ligt have returned to training after 21 games out
Ruben Amorim has received a massive double injury boost ahead of Manchester United’s first leg of the Europa League semi-final against Athletic Bilbao at San Mames on Thursday evening.
According to a report from ESPN, Matthijs de Ligt and Amad Diallo have returned to training as the Red Devils prepared for the big European clash against Athletic Bilbao. The duo were able to train with Ruben Amorim’s squad at Carrington on Wednesday morning.
Matthijs de Ligt has missed the last six games for the Red Devils with a foot problem, while Amad Diallo was sidelined for almost three months—missing 15 games in the process.
De Ligt has done well in his debut season at Old Trafford after arriving from Bayern Munich last summer. He has been an ever-present in Amorim’s three-man backline, emerging as the leader of the pack in Lisandro Martinez’s injury absence. The experienced Dutchman’s return from injury is a timely boost for the Mancunian giants, bringing much-needed solidity to their backline.
As for Amad, he has been one of the rare bright spots in an otherwise torrid campaign for United, who remained 14th in the Premier League after a 1-1 draw with Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium last weekend. The winger netted nine goals and assisted eight in 36 games across all competitions and was enjoying his breakout season at the club, before an ankle ligament injury struck in February curtailed his progress.
The Ivorian and De Ligt’s return is good news for Amorim, who has a lot riding on the Bilbao games. The semi-final tie with the Spanish side is a huge test for the Red Devils and would be season-defining fixtures, with Amorim putting all eggs in the Europa League basket to qualify for next season’s Champions League.
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Putting De Ligt and Amad in the starting XI at San Mames looks highly unlikely given how little football they have played in recent weeks and months. That said, the pair would make the bench stronger, giving options for Amorim to use as per the tactical demands and game plan.
United have kept just one clean sheet in the last three months, which makes De Ligt’s return to the fray a timely boost. They have also struggled to score goals, and the Portuguese tactician will hope Amad helps the team in that front against a well-drilled and organised Bilbao side in Spain.