Manchester United’s incoming manager, Ruben Amorim, was reportedly moved to tears after three of the club’s key players—Harry Amass, Jack Fletcher, and Ethan Wheatley—suffered injuries during a training session on Wednesday morning. These players were expected to play significant roles in the upcoming Europa League match against PAOK at Old Trafford on Thursday.
All three were notably absent from the team’s open training session at Carrington, and Manchester United later confirmed they would be excluded from the squad for the match. Instead, Amass, Fletcher, and Wheatley have been included in the UEFA Youth League squad for United’s Under-19 team, which faces FK Zalgiris in the second leg of their second-round clash. United secured a 5-2 victory in the first leg last month.
Amass and Wheatley, both substitutes in United’s recent Europa League fixture against Fenerbahce, are expected to feature for the youth team tonight. Fletcher, meanwhile, has also been used as a substitute in recent matches against Chelsea and Leicester City.
In the absence of these players, only Daniel Armer and Jack Kingdon from the youth squad participated in the senior team’s media session on Wednesday, further indicating that Amass, Fletcher, and Wheatley will not be involved against PAOK.
Amass, who has yet to make his senior debut, could feature at left-back for the Under-19s, while Wheatley joins the forward line alongside Gabriele Biancheri, Bendito Mantato, and Victor Musa. Summer signing Sekou Kone, who made his debut for the Under-21s last weekend, could also make his European debut with the youth team. Another recent addition, Chido Obi-Martin, will not play in tonight’s UEFA Youth League match.
Despite the setbacks, Amorim’s emotional reaction highlights the pressure and high expectations surrounding the team as they prepare for an important European clash.
Manchester United’s new manager, Ruben Amorim, has faced an emotional setback as three promising young players—Harry Amass, Jack Fletcher, and Ethan Wheatley—sustained injuries during training on Wednesday morning. Their absence will significantly impact United’s preparations for the Europa League match against PAOK at Old Trafford on Thursday.
The injured trio, who had been anticipated to play pivotal roles in the European fixture, were also missing from the senior squad’s open training session at Carrington. United later confirmed their exclusion from the PAOK matchday squad, instead assigning them to the UEFA Youth League squad for the Under-19 team’s clash against FK Zalgiris. United’s Under-19 side holds a strong 5-2 aggregate lead going into the second leg of their second-round tie.
### Youth Team Adjustments
– **Harry Amass**, a potential debutant at left-back, and **Ethan Wheatley**, an exciting forward, are expected to be key players for the youth team.
– They will join an attacking lineup featuring Gabriele Biancheri, Bendito Mantato, and Victor Musa.
– Recent signing **Sekou Kone**, who impressed for the Under-21s last weekend, could also make his European debut tonight.
### Senior Squad Implications
With Amass, Fletcher, and Wheatley sidelined, youth players Daniel Armer and Jack Kingdon were the only representatives from the academy at the senior team’s media session. This shift underlines their potential involvement against PAOK, while the injured trio’s absence puts added pressure on Amorim and the team to adapt.
### Amorim’s Emotional Reaction
Amorim’s reaction to the injuries underscores his dedication and the immense expectations placed on him as he navigates the challenges of leading United through European competition. Balancing youth development with first-team performance remains a critical aspect of his strategy as the club rebuilds its squad.
