Ruben Amorim has suggested that Manchester United is likely to look for a new central defender during the upcoming summer transfer window.
Speaking to reporters before the Europa League final, Amorim provided updates on the fitness of injured defensive players Leny Yoro and Matthijs de Ligt.
Yoro left the pitch in tears with a foot injury early in the second half against West Ham. De Ligt, meanwhile, has been unavailable since sustaining an injury against Brentford earlier this month.
These recent issues, combined with existing injuries to Lisandro Martinez and Ayden Heaven, have again left Amorim with limited options in defence.
This situation has prompted the Portuguese manager to consider whether he needs to add another central defender to his extensive list of potential summer signings.
He commented: “Leny was similar to Mattha. I was thinking about next year, the squad, if we need another player, especially if it`s a long injury. That is my primary concern. It`s not solely about the final. Of course, I want every player fit.”
“But Yoro with his foot… he had that issue. I was very worried about the next season, the composition of the squad, how we build the team. That was my biggest worry. The rest will be prepared for the final regardless.”
When asked about potential risks to other key players like Luke Shaw, Amorim confirmed: “Yes, it was clear that we couldn`t risk several players, particularly in that position, to save them.”
Discussing the quick turnaround between facing Chelsea on Friday night and Tottenham in the final the following Wednesday, Amorim suggested he had not yet finalised his starting lineup for the match in Bilbao and would consider the outcome of the Chelsea game.
He stated: “The best approach is to face the game as we should, which is to win. We need to perform… The only way I know how to prepare for a final is to play our league game as if it were a final.”
“We have to focus on recovery. The best preparation for the final is to play the game, and then the players must understand that whether they play against Chelsea or not, it doesn`t change anything for the final. That`s important. My focus is solely on preparing for the Chelsea game. We want to win and perform.”
“I don`t know [about the final lineup]. I know the starting XI I`m considering for Chelsea, and I will see after that. Even how we play against Chelsea will be important for the next match.”
