Manchester United announced their 18-man travelling squad ahead of their all-important Europa League Round of 16 first leg against Real Sociedad.
The list does not include Harry Maguire and Manuel Ugarte, both of whom were not seen in training earlier on Wednesday. The England international had limped off during the FA Cup tie against Fulham.
This is a huge blow given Lisandro Martinez is already out for the season but as has been the norm throughout the campaign, Ruben Amorim will have to cope somehow.
The exact nature of the Uruguayan’s injury remains unknown. Thankfully, Toby Collyer, who had missed the last four games, has returned from injury and has been included in the squad.
Dorgu back in the squad
Patrick Dorgu, who was suspended for the Fulham game after picking up a red card against Ipswich Town, is eligible for the game set to be held at Reale Arena and has travelled with the team.
Chido Obi, as previously revealed, is not eligible for the competition and has thus missed out. There is a place for Ayden Heaven, who made his United debut on Sunday.
Altay Bayindir and Tom Heaton are yet to return from injury and Dermot Mee and Elyh Harrison have been chosen as the backup goalkeepers with Andre Onana expected to start.
Among academy talents, there is also a place for Harry Amass, who was sensational in the recent FA Youth Cup victory for the U18s against Arsenal.
But once again, Amorim has picked a weakened squad with hardly any scope for substitutions. He surely could have picked a 25-man squad even if just to make up the numbers.
Lack of youngsters
Plenty of academy talents have impressed in recent weeks like Jaydan Kamason, Jack Fletcher, Jack Moorhouse, James Scanlon, and Sekou Kone just to name a few.
He has observed them in training and surely a place on the bench or even as part of the travelling squad would have done wonders for their confidence.
Amorim’s words, his body language and now squad selection are not exactly instilling confidence among the fanbase ahead of what is perhaps the biggest game of the season for the Red Devils.
Official travelling squad
Andre Onana, Dermot Mee, Elyh Harrison; Harry Amass, Diogo Dalot, Matthijs de Ligt, Patrick Chinazaekpere Dorgu, Ayden Heaven, Victor Lindelof, Noussair Mazraoui, Leny Yoro; Casemiro, Toby Collyer, Christian Eriksen, Bruno Fernandes; Alejandro Garnacho, Rasmus Hojlund, Joshua Zirkzee.
Feature image Carl Recine via Getty Images
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Ayantan Chowdhury
Ayantan has worked for 10 years in the Indian sports media industry, writing for the biggest newspapers and websites but his heart was always set on writing about his favourite club. Currently an editor at The Peoples Person. You can follow him on X: @ayantanc_25
