Amorim ‘trying to cope’ as Man United manager sounds defiant note over squad selections

Ruben Amorim has said he is “trying to think about every aspect” after naming a smaller 18-man squad for Manchester United’s trip to Real Sociedad in the Europa League on Thursday (5.45pm GMT).

Amorim named three goalkeepers in the travelling party for the round of 16 first leg, with defender Harry Maguire and midfielder Manuel Ugarte joining his injury list after the FA Cup fifth round home defeat to Fulham on Sunday.

“I see the players who train with us and then I imagine the substitutions,” Amorim said when he was asked why he had not named more young prospects in his squad, via United’s official site.

“That’s why I sometimes call [up] one or two. Then I’m trying to see if they train with us. Then I’m trying to see if they come here to play or be on the bench… I’m trying to manage everything.

“I know it’s a big step for them. I’m trying to cope with everything. When I [name] my squad, I’m trying to think about every aspect… not if it will look really well with the fans and the media.”

See you in San Sebastian, Reds 👋#MUFC || #UEL pic.twitter.com/mCxovS6eTp

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) March 5, 2025

Man United squad: Amorim ‘taking care’

United’s bench has been noticeably inexperienced during recent matches as Amorim, who was appointed in November, struggles to produce positive results in his first Premier League job.

18-year-old defender Ayden Heaven –  signed in the January transfer window from Arsenal – has followed up his senior debut against the Cottagers by joining a European squad for the first time, while 19-year-old goalkeeper Elyh Harrison and 17-year-old Harry Amass are also in Spain.

“We also wanted Amass against Fulham but, because he played a full [FA Youth Cup] game against Arsenal, he was not in our squad,” said Amorim.

“We try to manage all the teams… we know to bring some players [in] is a big step. We are taking care of the expectations of the kids.”

PCD 🫡#MUFC || #UEL pic.twitter.com/PfiNn5IMA5

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) March 5, 2025

Manchester United vs Sociedad

The Europa League is United’s only realistic opportunity to win a trophy this season following the end of their title defence in the FA Cup.

Sociedad, who traded away wins with United in the 2022/23 group stage of the competition, are ninth in Spain after losing 4-0 at Barcelona on Sunday.

La Real finished 13th in the league phase of this season’s Europa League before beating Midtjylland 7-3 in the knockout phase play-offs.