❗❗ HUGE BOOST: Manchester United have received two major boosts ahead of Thursday’s Europa League semi-final first leg class with Athletic Club.
Ruben Amorim’s men trained in front of the cameras at Carrington on Wednesday morning and will fly out to Bilbao later in the day.
It was great to see Amad participate with the group, while Matthijs de Ligt was also present.
The Dutchman hasn’t featured since the defeat at Nottingham Forest on 1 April, missing both legs of the famous quarter-final victory over Lyon.
Amad was also absent for the two games with the French side, as well as the Real Sociedad ties in the previous round, after suffering an ankle injury in February.
Certainly! Here’s a long-form piece elaborating on the training update involving Ruben Amorim’s side, Amad, and Matthijs de Ligt:
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**Resurgence in Motion: Amad and Matthijs de Ligt Rejoin Training as Amorim’s Side Gears Up for Bilbao Battle**
There was a renewed sense of optimism at Carrington on Wednesday morning as Ruben Amorim led an open training session ahead of a crucial European semi-final second leg clash against Athletic Bilbao. With all eyes on Manchester United’s transformation under Amorim’s stewardship, the mood was further lifted by the welcome sight of two key players — Amad Diallo and Matthijs de Ligt — back training with the group after long injury layoffs.
The training session, conducted in front of the cameras and a limited number of spectators, offered glimpses of tactical drills, positional awareness exercises, and light scrimmages. However, it was the participation of Amad and de Ligt that truly stole the spotlight, both for what it means to the squad and for the emotional boost it provides at a crucial juncture in the season.
**Amad Diallo: A Spark Returns**
Amad’s return is particularly significant. The Ivorian winger had been sidelined since February with a troublesome ankle injury, ruling him out of both legs of the quarter-final victory over Lyon, as well as the earlier round against Real Sociedad. His absence was felt in United’s attacking transitions, where his blend of creativity, pace, and composure in tight spaces is often a difference-maker.
Though Amorim’s system has adapted well — with players like Garnacho and Bruno Fernandes stepping up in wide or hybrid roles — the return of Amad offers a fresh tactical dimension. He excels in drawing defenders out of position, operating between the lines, and pressing with intelligent intensity, traits that could prove vital in an away leg against a high-energy Bilbao side.
The sight of Amad laughing with teammates, moving freely, and participating in full-contact drills was a relief not just for fans but also for the coaching staff. His sharpness in short bursts and eagerness to get on the ball suggested that his recovery is ahead of schedule and that he could be in contention for squad selection — even if only from the bench — when United fly out to Spain later today.
**Matthijs de Ligt: A Colossus Reemerges**
Equally uplifting was the presence of Matthijs de Ligt, the towering Dutch centre-back whose absence since the defeat to Nottingham Forest on April 1 had left a noticeable gap in the backline. Having missed the intense double-header against Lyon, de Ligt’s return comes at a time when defensive stability is paramount.
De Ligt, who has been working tirelessly behind the scenes with the medical and fitness teams, appeared calm and focused as he rejoined his teammates. There were visible moments of leadership as he communicated with the back four during shape drills — a sign that Amorim still values him as a central figure in organizing the defensive line.
The former Ajax and Bayern Munich defender adds more than just physical presence. His passing range, comfort under pressure, and experience in knockout European fixtures could be decisive as United prepare to protect a narrow aggregate lead in a hostile San Mamés atmosphere.
Though Amorim has options at centre-back, including the likes of Lisandro Martínez and Raphael Varane (if fit), the inclusion of de Ligt — even in a rotational or late-game role — could bring the calm and clarity needed to see out a result.
**Tactical Implications and Squad Depth**
The timing of these returns couldn’t be more ideal. With Amorim expected to continue using his dynamic 3-4-3 or hybrid 4-2-3-1 system, the reintegration of players like Amad and de Ligt strengthens both depth and flexibility. Amad could slot into an inside-forward role or operate as a creative outlet from the right, while de Ligt’s versatility allows him to play in either a back three or traditional centre-back pairing.
Crucially, these returns mean Amorim can now rotate more effectively, managing fitness across what could be a grueling final stretch of the campaign, both domestically and in Europe.
**Eyes on Bilbao**
Later today, the squad will fly out to Bilbao with confidence brewing and reinforcements arriving at just the right time. The atmosphere at Carrington was buoyant, with the likes of Kobbie Mainoo, Rasmus Højlund, and Casemiro all looking sharp and engaged. Amorim, visibly satisfied with the intensity and spirit of the group, will be counting on the returnees to inject energy, belief, and quality into a tie that hangs finely in the balance.
For Manchester United, the road to redemption in Europe runs through Spain — and with Amad and de Ligt back in the fold, the odds just got a little better.
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