Ruben Amorim is compelled to announce a weakened 18-man team for Manchester United’s crucial Europa League match against Real Sociedad.
A small group heading to Spain—including THREE goalkeepers—will play Sociedad in the first leg of their last-16 tie on Thursday.
According to Uefa, teams can register up to 23 players for a Europa League matchday squad.
However, United’s injury problems have reduced the travelling party to just 18 players for the Sociedad game.
With three goalkeepers among them: Andre Onana, Dermot Mee, and Elyh Harrison, Amorim has only 15 outfield players available.
This situation provides a first European call-up for 22-year-old Mee, who previously made the bench in the Premier League against Everton last month.
Harry Maguire and Manuel Ugarte are the latest players ruled out of Thursday night’s game.
The club stated both sustained “minor knocks” during their FA Cup penalty shootout loss to Fulham on Sunday.
Concerns arose when Maguire, usually a penalty taker, was substituted for Ayden Heaven at the end of regular time against Fulham at Old Trafford.
Similarly, Ugarte was replaced by Alejandro Garnacho in the 53rd minute, likely due to tactical reasons.
With nine first-team regulars already sidelined, the Red Devils are now missing 12 players for the Sociedad match.
Amorim cannot include 17-year-old striker Chido Obi, who has recently appeared as a substitute, in the squad.
Obi was not registered in the squad list as he was not initially considered a first-team member.
The young talent is ineligible for the B-list because he hasn’t been at the club long enough, having joined from Arsenal in the summer.
However, January signings Heaven and wing-back Patrick Dorgu were registered in time.
Altay Bayindir, Tom Heaton, Jonny Evans, Lisandro Martinez, Luke Shaw, Kobbie Mainoo, Mason Mount, and Amad Diallo are also currently injured.
Real Sociedad will also be without key players for the game against United.
Alvaro Odriozola, Arsen Zakharyan, Jon Pacheco, and Luka Sucic all missed their 4-0 La Liga defeat to Barcelona on Sunday.
The unavailability of Maguire and Ugarte has sparked concern among fans.
One fan commented about Casemiro facing Sociedad, expressing worry. Another lamented the absence of Maguire and Ugarte, predicting another loss. Another fan expressed frustration with the situation, and a fourth questioned if Heaven or Victor Lindelof would start in defense.
However, there is positive news for Amorim as young midfielder Toby Collyer returns and is travelling to Spain with the team.
Collyer has been out since January, United’s last Europa League match against FCSB.
The Europa League represents Manchester United’s last opportunity to win silverware this season.
Despite their poor league performance, Manchester United was the only team in both the Champions League and Europa League to remain unbeaten in the league phase.
Currently 14th in the Premier League, winning the Europa League is crucial for Manchester United to qualify for next season’s Champions League.
