Man United forced to 'survive' Arsenal without 11 players, says Amorim

Hurria Butt 5 months ago 1.9k
Man United are expected to be without 11 players against Arsenal. AFP

Ruben Amorim said Manchester United will need to survive Arsenal as he expected none of his injured players to be fit in time to face the Gunners on Sunday in the Premier League.

Manchester United were without 11 first-team players as they secured a 1-1 draw away to Real Sociedad in the first leg of their Europa League last-16 tie. The lack of options in their 18-man travelling squad and recent exertions took a toll on the Red Devils in Spain.

"We need to survive Sunday," Amorim said, referring to the Premier League crunch against Arsenal. "The team was so tired in the last 20 minutes. We have to prepare Sunday and then think about this important game for our season on Thursday (the return leg against Real Sociedad)."

Amorim does not expect any of his injured players to be fit in time to face Arteta's side, with Maguire and Ugarte this week joining the lengthy casualty list at Old Trafford.  Diallo, Mainoo, Martinez, Mount and Shaw remain out, as do Evans, Bayindir and Heaton, while Dorgu is suspended.

A protest against United's US owners, the Glazers, is planned around the game by the 1958 fan group. "I think for everybody in our club it's a really tough moment," Amorim said. "It's everything at the same time. The only thing I can do, and our players can do, is perform well and win."

Amorim concluded as he said: "People have the right to protest. I think it's a good thing to do that. It's part of our club. Everybody has a voice. But our job and my job is just to improve the team and give them something in this moment because they deserve it and they are amazing."

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