Amorim’s update on defensive pair

Amorim’s update on defensive pair

Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim has revealed the reason behind Matthijs de Ligt and Leny Yoro’s substitutions during the 2-1 win over Rangers in the Europa League.

Both centre-backs complained of feeling pain during what turned into a dramatic night at Old Trafford, as Bruno Fernandes grabbed a 92nd-minute winner, soon after Cyriel Dessers levelled an own goal by keeper Jack Butland.

De Ligt, who had a header harshly ruled out by referee Erik Lambrechts, did not reappear for the second half, with Harry Maguire taking his place at the heart of the defence.

Yoro lasted only 10 minutes of the second half, before he was replaced by Tyrell Malacia and prompted a reshuffle that led to Diogo Dalot dropping into the back three.

After the game, Amorim spoke to MUTV’s Liam Bradford and provided an update on the pair’s fitness, in advance of the Sunday night trip to Fulham.

“He [De Ligt] has a pain,” said Ruben. “So he cannot risk [it]. Leny felt pain also, so he cannot risk [it].

“We have a lot of different players that can play so it was that. We cannot lose anybody. 

“Everybody has to be prepared. I need to show confidence, instead of putting players in for a long time, and we have other players who can play.”

In a separate interview with TNT Sports, Amorim said: “He [Matthijs] felt something in his leg. Also Leny [Yoro] and we cannot risk anything. I know that we have to win but we also have to protect the players and show that everyone matters, everyone is important too in this moment.”

Noussair Mazraoui was left out of the matchday squad altogether as a precaution, after he sustained a knock in the home defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion, but Victor Lindelof has returned to training.

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