Ruben Amorim has revealed that a crucial Manchester United player could miss Sunday’s Manchester derby due to an injury sustained in the midweek loss against Nottingham Forest.
Manchester United host Manchester City at Old Trafford aiming to secure a season double over their local rivals, following a remarkable 2-1 victory at the Etihad in December.
That win came early in Ruben Amorim’s tenure but didn’t spark a sustained turnaround, as United have managed only four wins in their next 14 Premier League matches.
Tuesday’s 1-0 loss to Nottingham Forest leaves United sitting 13th in the table, though there was a silver lining with the return of centre-backs Harry Maguire and Leny Yoro from injury.
But unfortunately for Amorim his defence has been dealt yet another fitness blow, with the head coach revealing that Matthijs de Ligt was hurt during the clash at the City Ground and is a doubt for the derby.
‘I think Matta has an issue. He has something during the game [at Forest] and we have to assess,’ the Portuguese said in Friday’s pre-match press conference.
With Lisandro Martinez, Ayden Heaven, Jonny Evans and Luke Shaw all sidelined, De Ligt’s potential absence is a major issue for United’s back-line.
In better injury news, Amorim has confirmed that Kobbie Mainoo is back in training and suggested that Mason Mount could make a rare start, adding: ‘I think the rest is normal.
‘I think Kobbie is returning to training, so we’ll see and assess for this game already. Of course, he cannot play a full game, he’s a long time without training.
‘Yes, he [Mount] can start, but we have to manage his minutes still.’
Meanwhile, ahead of the Derby, former Manchester United captain Gary Neville has predicted a draw in the much-anticipated tie.
Speaking on The Overlap, brought to you by Sky Bet, Neville said: ‘United have done well in big games, haven’t they?
‘Against Arsenal, Liverpool and Man City [this season], United have done pretty well in those games.
‘I think it could be a draw [between United and City on Sunday]. I think 1-1, but we (Neville and fellow football pundit Jamie Carragher) will say 2-2.’
Manchester City star striker Erling Haaland will miss the Manchester derby, with the Norway international ruled out for up to seven weeks with an ankle injury.
United, meanwhile, has been forced to slash ticket prices for the showdown.
Both Manchester clubs have endured disappointing seasons thus far and have been well below their usual standards.
City, Premier League champions for six of the past seven seasons, have found themselves in a top-four fight and suffered early exits in the Carabao Cup and Champions League.
Guardiola’s side could save their season by clinching the FA Cup, though, with City set for a semi-final battle with Nottingham Forest on April 26.
United, the most successful team in Premier League history, has occupied a bottom-half position for most of the 2024-25 campaign.
The Red Devils were dismal under former boss Erik ten Hag, and performances have barely improved under his replacement Amorim.
Like City, United could save their season by winning the Europa League, with Amorim’s side set to face Lyon in the quarter-finals this month.