UnitedRuben Amorim confirms new injury concern after Man Utd’s FA Cup fifth round exit vs Fulham
Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has revealed yet another injury concern following the team’s heartbreaking FA Cup fifth-round exit against Fulham at Old Trafford.
Despite battling hard, the Red Devils fell short in a dramatic penalty shootout, losing 4-3 after a tense 1-1 draw through extra time. To make matters worse, late in the game, United suffered a fresh setback when Harry Maguire picked up a knock, forcing him to be substituted for Ayden Heaven, a recent winter signing making his club debut.
Addressing the media post-match, Amorim expressed his concern over Maguire’s condition, emphasizing that a medical assessment was necessary. Acknowledging the team’s struggles, he remarked, “We have to see how Harry is. It’s a tough moment in that aspect, but we must move forward. We will remain competitive on Thursday.”
The injury woes only add to United’s defensive crisis, as they are already without Lisandro Martínez, who has been ruled out for the season with a serious knee injury. Additionally, Luke Shaw and Jonny Evans are unavailable due to short-term fitness concerns.
During the Fulham clash, Amorim introduced Victor Lindelöf as a substitute for Leny Yoro. However, with Maguire going down late in the game, he had no choice but to hand Heaven his first appearance in United colors.
The Red Devils now shift their focus to a crucial Europa League round-of-16 tie against Real Sociedad in Spain on Thursday. Maguire’s fitness will be determined in the next 24 hours, and fans will be anxiously awaiting updates on whether he will be available for the fixture.
After two physically grueling matches against Ipswich Town and Fulham—where they played a man down for over 50 minutes in the former—United will need to dig deep for a strong performance in Spain. Despite the recent setbacks, Amorim remains hopeful that his side can step up and secure a valuable first-leg advantage.
Manchester United’s recent FA Cup exit against Fulham has been compounded by escalating injury concerns, particularly in their defensive lineup.
Harry Maguire’s Injury:
During the match, captain Harry Maguire was substituted after sustaining a knock, making way for debutant Ayden Heaven. Post-match, manager Ruben Amorim expressed uncertainty regarding Maguire’s condition, stating, “We have to see how Harry is. It’s a tough moment in that aspect, but we must move forward.”
Existing Defensive Injuries:
Maguire’s potential absence adds to United’s defensive challenges:
Lisandro Martínez: The Argentine defender has been sidelined with a serious knee injury, initially expected to rule him out for the season. However, recent assessments suggest a more optimistic recovery timeline.
Luke Shaw: The left-back is undergoing rehabilitation following surgery. While making progress, there’s no definitive return date.
Jonny Evans: The veteran center-back has been dealing with a muscle issue since December, with his return timeline remaining uncertain.
Upcoming Fixtures:
United’s defensive depth will be tested in the coming weeks, with key fixtures on the horizon:
Europa League: A round-of-16 tie against Real Sociedad in Spain on Thursday.
Premier League: A home match against Arsenal FC on Sunday, March 9, 2025.
The team’s ability to navigate these challenges will hinge on the timely return of injured players and effective squad rotation.
