Thu Jan 23 19:20:00 UTC 2025: ## Manchester United Avoid Injury Crisis Despite Europa League Thriller
**Manchester, England –** Manchester United secured a dramatic 2-1 victory over Rangers in the Europa League on Thursday night, but the win came at a cost. Two starting centre-backs, Matthijs de Ligt and Leny Yoro, were substituted due to injury, forcing manager Ruben Amorim to reshuffle his defense.
De Ligt, whose first-half header was controversially disallowed, left the pitch at halftime with a leg injury, replaced by Harry Maguire. Yoro, meanwhile, lasted only ten minutes into the second half before being replaced by Tyrell Malacia, prompting a tactical shift that saw Diogo Dalot move into the back three.
Amorim confirmed the injuries in post-match interviews, stating both players felt pain and were withdrawn as a precaution to avoid further damage ahead of Sunday’s crucial Premier League match against Fulham. “He [De Ligt] has a pain, so he cannot risk it,” Amorim told MUTV. “Leny felt pain also, so he cannot risk it. We cannot lose anybody.”
The manager stressed the importance of squad depth, highlighting his confidence in all his players and the need to manage their fitness strategically. He reiterated this sentiment in a separate interview with TNT Sports, emphasizing the need to protect his players despite the pressure of the competition.
Meanwhile, right-back Noussair Mazraoui was omitted from the squad altogether as a precautionary measure following an injury sustained in the recent loss to Brighton. However, there was some positive news as defender Victor Lindelof has returned to training.
United’s victory, sealed by Bruno Fernandes’ 92nd-minute winner following Cyriel Dessers’ equalizer, keeps them on track for the Europa League last 16. Despite the win, Fernandes himself felt the team should have secured the victory earlier. The match highlighted both the team’s resilience and the manager’s need to carefully manage his squad’s fitness throughout a demanding season.
First Piper 