Ruben Amorim has shared updates regarding Manchester United’s squad ahead of Friday night’s Emirates FA Cup fourth-round tie against Leicester City. The match, set to kick off at 20:00 GMT, will be a significant encounter after United’s recent win against Arsenal in the previous round.
One key absentee is Lisandro Martinez, who sustained a knee injury during the recent match against Crystal Palace. United has confirmed that the Argentina international has a cruciate ligament issue that will keep him sidelined for some time. Amorim expressed concern over Martinez’s situation, stating that while the full extent of the injury is not yet clear, it is a significant one, and the player will need time to recover. Another player, Luke Shaw, is also out of action due to a minor issue in a different area from a previous injury. While it is not considered serious, Shaw will be carefully managed and not rushed back into the lineup.
New signings Patrick Dorgu and Ayden Heaven are available for selection. Amorim noted that while their involvement in the upcoming game is uncertain, both players are ready to contribute to the team. The manager highlighted their presence as valuable options in an already depleted squad.
Jonny Evans, who could have faced his former club, will miss out on the opportunity to reunite with Leicester, the club he helped win the FA Cup in 2021. That victory included a dramatic win against Manchester United. Additionally, Mason Mount, still recovering from injury, will not feature against Leicester.
Further, Marcus Rashford and Tyrell Malacia recently departed on loan to Aston Villa and PSV Eindhoven, respectively, further depleting the squad. Goalkeepers Altay Bayindir and Tom Heaton are also sidelined with injuries.
For Leicester, manager Ruud van Nistelrooy has confirmed the return of Wilfred Ndidi, who has recovered from an injury and is fit for selection. Van Nistelrooy, returning to Old Trafford, hinted at making some changes to his squad for the match. The former United striker also mentioned that two or three players are carrying light injuries, but they will be assessed before the final squad announcement.
The manager also indicated that young players, such as 15-year-old Jeremy Monga and 16-year-old Jake Evans, could be part of the traveling squad, potentially giving them a chance to feature in a high-profile tie.
Abdul Fatawu and Ricardo Pereira remain unavailable due to injuries, which adds to the Foxes’ injury woes as they head into the game against a strong Manchester United side.
As both teams prepare for this crucial FA Cup tie, the focus will be on managing injuries while keeping an eye on potential opportunities for young talents to shine in the spotlight. Fans will be eager to see how Amorim and van Nistelrooy adjust their squads, as both sides face off at one of England’s most iconic football venues.
