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Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim is grappling with a mounting injury crisis ahead of a high-stakes clash against Chelsea, as the Red Devils prepare for a Premier League showdown with limited defensive options. With the domestic season winding down and the focus shifting toward the crucial Europa League final, Amorim has admitted he may be forced to sideline up to six defenders at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday.
Among the long-term casualties are Lisandro Martinez and Jonny Evans, both of whom have been out for extended periods. The situation has worsened in recent weeks, with promising youngster Ayden Heaven, along with Leny Yoro, Matthijs de Ligt, and Diogo Dalot, all picking up knocks that could keep them out of action—not just against Chelsea, but potentially the Europa League final against Tottenham Hotspur next week as well.
Ruben Amorim aims for final with tactical lineups
Addressing the injury setbacks, Amorim revealed that he is approaching the upcoming fixtures with caution, making tactical selections based on player fitness and recovery timelines.
"I don't know if they're going to be available [for the final]," Amorim said. "We're going to try and push. All the players want to play really bad. I don’t think they'll go to Chelsea, but there's a possibility for some in the final."
Amorim emphasized that while the Premier League match remains important, safeguarding key players for the final in Bilbao takes precedence. The Red Devils are eager to end the season on a high note with European silverware, and the manager isn’t willing to risk aggravating any injuries.
"I know the starting XI I am thinking for Chelsea, then I will see," he added. "Even the way we play there, against Chelsea, I will see it and it's going to be important for the next one."
Strategic rest and recovery
Amorim made it clear that any player who is not fully recovered will not be risked in midweek action. Instead, the team will focus on maintaining match sharpness without jeopardizing the final.
"If there is a player that can get an injury [and is] not recovered for this game so [it] will put him in risk for the final, he will not play.
But if it's not that situation, we will have a lot of time to recover. And we cannot spend eight days, nine days without a game. That is a bad thing for the final so I think they will be prepared for the game."
With Chelsea looming midweek and the Europa League final just around the corner, all eyes will be on Amorim’s lineup choices and whether United can balance their squad effectively to survive the storm.
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