Man Utdvs.Arsenal

Neither Maguire nor Ugarte have made the trip to Spain for Thursday's Europa League last-16 first leg against Real Sociedad, with the pair picking up issues in the FA Cup against Fulham at the weekend.

However, Amorim has said that the duo are only suffering from "small things", and it is expected that they will be available for the Premier League contest with Arsenal in Manchester.

"Small things. So we are being careful with them because, in this moment, we cannot allow us to lose more players for a long time. We are taking care of them in Carrington and they cannot play this game because it will be a greater risk," Amorim told reporters.

Toby Collyer has also returned from injury to make the squad against Real Sociedad, while Patrick Dorgu is available amid a domestic suspension, but he will be banned against Arsenal this weekend.

Maguire, Ugarte expected to return for Man United against Arsenal

Alongside Maguire and Ugarte, Lisandro Martinez, Amad Diallo, Luke Shaw, Kobbie Mainoo, Mason Mount, Altay Bayindir, Tom Heaton and Jonny Evans are currently on the sidelines for the 20-time English champions.

The expectation is that only Maguire and Ugarte from that group will be available against Arsenal, with the Red Devils therefore again likely going to be missing a host of players against Mikel Arteta's team.

Amorim has said that success in the Europa League this season "could change a lot of things", as the Red Devils will not be securing European football via the Premier League.

Indeed, a disastrous campaign has left the Red Devils down in 14th spot in the Premier League table, only picking up 33 points from their 27 matches, and they are 13 points behind fifth-placed Chelsea.

Amorim: 'Europa League success can change everything'

"I think it's not the crucial thing for the future of the club. That is my view. I'm here for three months and I think that is clear, but I understand it's a massive difference in our season, especially because we are out of the cups and in a bad position in the league," Amorim added.

"That [the Europa League] could change a lot of things, even the way they see the coach. So I know it's a massive pressure but I will say it again: Manchester United can call all the best players, even without Champions League in the future.

"We have to change a lot of things and we're trying to do that. There's more important things than winning cups in this moment. That is my feeling, but I understand winning Europa League can change everything for us in the next season."

Man United are unbeaten in the Europa League this season, and they have won each of their last five matches in the competition, scoring 11 times in the process.

Written by

Matt Law