Ruben Amorim handed serious warning as Man Utd receive double injury boost
Manchester United lost to Manchester City in last weekend’s derby to see the pressure mount on head coach Ruben Amorim, but the team have a chance to respond against Chelsea
Saturday’s Premier League match offers a chance for Ruben Amorim to relieve some pressure after last weekend’s derby defeat. It will be a chance to learn whether his side can benefit from a lack of European commitments, with the opponents coming in off a midweek trip to Munich.
Amorim maintained after that defeat that he had no intention of abandoning his principles. He has averaged just one point per game across this season and last, though, and questions are being asked of the Portuguese.
This weekend will also provide an opportunity for one of United’s former stars to haunt his old employers. Alejandro Garnacho has shown promise in a couple of substitute appearances for Chelsea following a summer move, and manager Enzo Maresca confirmed the winger is in contention to start.
Saturday’s game is one of three between now and the October international break which could help shape United’s season. They travel to Brentford on September 27, and will welcome Sunderland to Old Trafford seven days after that.
Amorim has received a boost ahead of the Chelsea clash, with a couple of first-teamers in contention to play after injury. That’s just one of the latest lines as we bring you updates on United’s preparations on and off the pitch.
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Cunha and Mount to return
Matheus Cunha and Mason Mount are both in contention to take to the field against Chelsea on Saturday after missing the Manchester derby. Both picked up injuries in the victory over Burnley, but the setbacks aren’t as serious as some feared – though others are still missing.
“[Diogo] Dalot is out, Mount and Cunha are in the squad,” Amorim told reporters at his pre-match press conference on Friday. “[Lisandro] Martinez is still out. I think that is it.
The only other absentee is Tyrell Malacia, who remains on United’s books after failing to secure a summer move away. “Tyrell Malacia is returning to contact with team-mates and the ball in the U21s then we’ll see,” the manager added.
Shearer sends Amorim warning
You have to go back to the 1992-93 Premier League season to find the last time Manchester United had as few points as they do now. The slow start has left pundits speculating about Ruben Amorim’s future, and former England striker Alan Shearer has suggested defeat this weekend could be the final straw.
“I don’t think they can afford to be beaten [like they were against Manchester City] again this weekend,” Shearer told Betfair. “If they were then you’d have to fear for what’s going to happen going forward for the manager. Something must improve rapidly. Man United can’t be lingering in 14th/15th/16th in the Premier League.
“There hasn’t been an improvement at all up to now and that can’t continue with what they spent. There has to be something that gets them going and if that doesn’t happen quickly then everyone knows the rules when it comes to football management.”
Rashford ‘learning’ after Champions League heroics
Marcus Rashford reminded Manchester United fans of his quality with a Champions League brace against Newcastle on Thursday night. The England star opened his account for loan club Barcelona, scoring a fine header before beating Nick Pope with an unstoppable effort, as Barca held on for a 2-1 win.
“It is going good. I am obviously learning a lot,” Rashford told TNT Sports after a match-winning display in front of watching England manager Thomas Tuchel. “It is a new way of football. Iam enjoying it all and I think it is making me a better player.
“That is what I am here to do – to help the team win, but also to try to improve and be the best that I can. It is an amazing experience. I have always been a huge admirer of Barcelona as most people my age have watched them play from when we were younger.
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Sky Sports discounted Premier League and EFL package
Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £192 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.
Sky will show at least 215 live Premier League games next season, an increase of up to 100 more.
