Thursday Marks Manchester United’s Biggest Game Yet – And Ruben Amorim Has Just Received a Huge Boost
Thursday’s Europa League semi-final against Athletic Club stands as Manchester United’s most important fixture of the season so far. As preparations ramp up, manager Ruben Amorim has been handed a timely boost — Amad Diallo is back in training.
Despite signs of improvement in performances throughout March and April, United’s results have remained underwhelming. A mix of poor finishing and persistent injuries has kept the Red Devils stranded in 14th place in the Premier League.
Premier League Table (as of 34 games)
| Position | Team | P | W | D | L | F | A | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 13 | Wolves | 34 | 12 | 5 | 17 | 51 | 61 | -10 | 41 |
| 14 | Manchester United | 34 | 10 | 9 | 15 | 39 | 47 | -8 | 39 |
| 15 | Everton | 34 | 8 | 14 | 12 | 34 | 41 | -7 | 38 |
Despite generating better expected goals in recent matches — including last weekend’s 1-1 draw against Bournemouth — United have continued to struggle in front of goal. A depleted attack hasn’t helped, with key figures like Amad Diallo sidelined since February due to an ankle injury initially feared to be season-ending.
But there’s finally some good news.
Amad Diallo Returns to First-Team Training
United confirmed that Amad has rejoined first-team training, participating in the open session ahead of the trip to Bilbao. He wasn’t alone — Matthijs de Ligt also returned — but it’s Amad’s availability that has fans buzzing ahead of Thursday’s massive clash.
Amad had been central to United’s brief mid-season resurgence, often shouldering creative responsibility and dragging the team forward. His return comes at the perfect time — not just because of his talent, but because the squad is now functioning more cohesively, meaning he can slot in and immediately impact the game.
A Tactical Gamechanger for Amorim
With Ruben Amorim publicly admitting that the Premier League is no longer the club’s main focus, it’s no surprise that key players are being managed with the Europa League in mind. Amad might’ve been held back specifically to ensure fitness for this stage, and his ability to unlock defenses could prove vital.
Amad Diallo’s 2024/25 Stats for Manchester United:
- 36 appearances
- 9 goals
- 8 assists
- 15 goal contributions in 23 matches under Amorim
Of those contributions, eight goals and seven assists have come after Erik ten Hag’s departure — proof of just how influential he’s been under the new manager.
All Eyes on Thursday Night
United travel to Bilbao for the first leg on Thursday, May 1st at 20:00, hoping to take a positive result back to Old Trafford. With Amad potentially back in the mix, fans will be optimistic that the team has the firepower to edge past Valverde’s Athletic side and book a place in the Europa League final — and potentially silverware — later this May.
It might just be the moment the season finally turns around.
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