❗❗❗Breaking news:Ruben Amorim has admitted that, although Amad and Matthijs de Ligt are not fit enough to start Thursday’s game at Athletic Club, they could still be involved in Bilbao.

The pair took part in Wednesday’s open session at Carrington and were part of the 26-man group that flew to Vitoria Airport later in the day.

Amorim has selected a larger squad than usual, as United will stay in Bilbao to train on Friday, but he is not taking any risks with the two returnees.

Amad hasn’t featured for almost three months, since picking up an ankle injury after our victory over Leicester City in the Emirates FA Cup, while De Ligt has spent a month on the sidelines after getting injured during the 1-0 league defeat at Nottingham Forest.
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**Amad and De Ligt Travel with United Squad as Amorim Plans Extended Stay in Bilbao**

There was a noticeable lift in the atmosphere at Carrington on Wednesday morning as Manchester United held an open training session ahead of their crucial European semi-final second leg in Spain. Among the most welcome sights for fans and coaching staff alike was the return of both Amad Diallo and Matthijs de Ligt, who participated in full training and later joined the 26-man squad that flew out to Vitoria Airport later in the day.

The inclusion of the pair in the travelling group represents a cautious but optimistic step in their respective returns to full fitness. Manager Ruben Amorim, known for his pragmatic yet progressive approach to squad rotation and injury management, has deliberately named a larger squad than usual for the trip. United will not be returning to Manchester immediately after the clash in Bilbao, choosing instead to remain in the Basque country to conduct a recovery and training session on Friday — a decision that underlines the meticulous planning behind every aspect of the club’s European campaign.

Despite the boost of having Amad and De Ligt back in the fold, Amorim is treading carefully. The Portuguese tactician is not prepared to gamble with the fitness of either player, especially at such a crucial point in the season. Both are considered valuable assets, and their recoveries are being managed with precision.

Amad, the electric Ivorian winger, has not featured in a match for nearly three months following an ankle injury he sustained shortly after his impactful performance in the Emirates FA Cup victory over Leicester City. The injury halted what had been a promising run of form, and the coaching staff have been monitoring his rehabilitation closely to avoid any setbacks. Though his participation in full training is a positive sign, Amorim is expected to limit his minutes if he plays at all, with a view to easing him back into competitive action gradually.

Matthijs de Ligt, meanwhile, has spent the last month on the sidelines after picking up a muscular injury during United’s narrow 1-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest in early April. The Dutch centre-back, who brings invaluable experience and leadership to the backline, has missed several key fixtures, including both legs of the quarter-final triumph over Lyon. His return to the matchday squad adds depth and options to a defence that has, at times, been stretched due to injuries and rotation.

Both players trained with noticeable intensity during Wednesday’s session, though it’s clear that Amorim and his medical team are prioritising long-term availability over short-term necessity. There’s no doubt that their presence on the trip boosts morale — not just among fans but within the squad itself. Senior figures such as Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro were seen speaking with the returning duo, encouraging signs that the group is pulling together as they enter the defining phase of the campaign.

As United prepare to take on Athletic Bilbao in what promises to be a fierce and tightly contested encounter, the inclusion of Amad and De Ligt serves as both a psychological boost and a strategic advantage. Even if they do not feature heavily on the pitch, their return to the fold is symbolic of United’s growing depth and renewed resilience under Amorim.

The road to potential silverware is fraught with challenges, but with key players returning and a united squad brimming with belief, Manchester United are quietly building momentum — one session, one game, and one comeback at a time.

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