bad news to Manchester United fans Ruben was asked whether Amad is fit enough to start our UEFA Europa League semi-final first leg
Amad Diallo and Matthijs de Ligt Join Manchester United Squad Ahead of Athletic Bilbao Clash – Amorim Opts for Caution Amid Injury Concerns
Manchester United have received a timely boost ahead of their Europa League showdown in Bilbao, with both Amad Diallo and Matthijs de Ligt traveling with the squad. The duo, who recently returned to light training, were spotted participating in Wednesday’s open session at Carrington and later boarded the flight to Spain with a 26-man team.
Manager Rúben Amorim has opted to include more players than usual, as United plan to remain in Bilbao post-match for further training and recovery. However, Amorim is exercising caution and has made it clear that neither Amad nor De Ligt is likely to start, as both continue their respective recoveries.
Amad has been sidelined for nearly three months due to an ankle injury sustained shortly after a standout display in the FA Cup win over Leicester City. Though his return to full training is a positive sign, United’s staff remain wary of rushing him back too soon.
De Ligt, on the other hand, has been out for the past month following a muscular injury picked up during a narrow defeat to Nottingham Forest. The experienced Dutch defender’s absence has been felt in recent fixtures, especially during United’s quarter-final battles with Lyon. His inclusion in the traveling squad signals progress, but like Amad, he may only feature sparingly — if at all.
Amorim’s strategic decision to bring both players, despite their limited match fitness, reflects his focus on squad unity and morale as much as tactics. The presence of influential figures like Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro rallying around their returning teammates underscores a team spirit that could prove vital in this crucial stage of the season.
The Basque clash is expected to be intense, and United are leaving nothing to chance — planning each detail from player rotation to recovery sessions. While Amad and De Ligt may not play starring roles in this match, their return symbolizes resilience, careful planning, and growing depth within the squad.
With silverware on the line and the season approaching its climax, Manchester United are reinforcing their squad strength — both physically and mentally — one comeback at a time.
