Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim hopes for a short-term layoff for defender Matthijs de Ligt amid injury scare against Brentford. United lost the Premier League away game 4-3 to Brentford on Sunday, but their true worry lies over the defender.
The Red Devils have nothing at stake in the Premier League apart from salvaging some honour after their disastrous campaign. Man United are currently 15th in the Premier League table after enduring 16 losses from 35 games in the competition.
United appointed Ruben Amorim in the middle of the season after sacking Erik ten Hag due to the poor start. However, Amorim’s new tactical style of play proved too much for the squad he inherited, causing their downfall this season.
Nevertheless, the potential Europa League triumph remains an achievable ambition and a door to the next season’s Champions League competition. United have already gained a strong lead in the Europa League semifinal clash against Athletic Club with a 0-3 victory in the first leg of the tie.
However, they will face the Spanish club again for the second leg at Old Trafford next Thursday. Amorim rotated his squad according to the players who needed the rest, playing a few regular starters against Brentford.
Unfortunately for the Portuguese, De Ligt suffered an injury in the first half after colliding with Brentford’s Yoane Wissa. Amorim substituted the Dutch international for Harry Maguire in the 35th minute of the game after he failed to continue.
Amorim told MUTV that De Ligt will require a check, hoping that the Dutchman will soon be available for United. He said:
I don’t know, we will check. I hope it is [only] a small issue because I am concerned, not only about this game [against Athletic Club, but about the squad for the next year.”
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De Ligt is one of the few players who have won the confidence of the new Man United boss. The 25-year-old suits the style of play that Amorim prefers, playing a three-man defence with defenders capable of starting the buildup play from the backline.