Manchester United received a much-needed boost on Wednesday morning as spirits were noticeably high during an open training session at Carrington. The reason? The return of Amad Diallo and Matthijs de Ligt, both of whom were fully involved in the session and later included in the 26-man squad that traveled to Spain for the crucial second leg of their Europa League semi-final. The team touched down at Vitoria Airport, setting the stage for a high-stakes showdown with Athletic Bilbao.
Their inclusion marks an encouraging sign in their respective recoveries, although caution remains the priority. Manager Ruben Amorim, known for his strategic thinking and focus on long-term squad health, made the conscious decision to name a larger-than-usual squad for the trip. In a further demonstration of detailed planning, United will remain in the Basque region after the game rather than immediately returning to Manchester. The extended stay allows for a recovery session and light training on Friday, a move that reflects Amorim’s calculated management style as the club navigates the business end of the season.
Amad’s return is especially uplifting. The Ivorian winger has been sidelined for nearly three months due to an ankle injury he sustained shortly after his standout display in the FA Cup victory over Leicester City. That performance hinted at a breakthrough, but the injury halted his progress at a crucial time. Although Amad’s full participation in training is a positive indicator, Amorim is unlikely to rush him back into action. The coaching team is expected to manage his minutes carefully, likely introducing him slowly over the coming weeks to avoid a relapse.
De Ligt, meanwhile, has also been on the injury list, having suffered a muscular issue during the narrow defeat to Nottingham Forest in early April. The Dutch defender has since missed key matches, including both legs of the quarter-final against Lyon. His return provides a significant lift to United’s backline, which has been tested in recent weeks due to injuries and squad rotation. His experience and defensive intelligence are crucial assets that Amorim will be eager to reintegrate.
Both players showed strong intensity and sharpness in training, but the staff’s approach remains one of steady reintegration rather than urgency. Still, their presence in Spain offers more than just tactical flexibility. It brings a psychological edge. Senior players like Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro were seen interacting with Amad and De Ligt, highlighting the strong camaraderie within the squad.
As the Red Devils prepare for what promises to be a tough clash with Bilbao, having these key figures back—if only on the bench—could be pivotal. It shows that United’s squad is regaining strength, and under Amorim’s guidance, the team is slowly building belief, cohesion, and momentum at just the right time.
