Ruben Amorim says a key player is sick and may not make Tottenham Hotspur match

Ruben Amorim Faces Squad Woes Ahead of Crucial Tottenham Clash

As Manchester United prepares for a pivotal Premier League showdown against Tottenham Hotspur, head coach Ruben Amorim has revealed a fresh setback—one of his key players has fallen ill and may not be available for the match.

Speaking at a pre-match press conference, Amorim confirmed that none of his previously injured players—Mason Mount, Luke Shaw, or Victor Lindelof—have recovered in time for Sunday’s fixture. When asked if there was any hope of their return, his response was blunt:

“No. It was a good week until two days ago, but now we have some issues. Unfortunately, none of our injured players are back, and on top of that, we have another concern—a player who has fallen ill. We’ll have to wait and see how he progresses before the weekend.”

Staying Focused Amid Club Challenges

While Manchester United is navigating internal struggles, including reports of job losses, Amorim remains resolute. He acknowledged the difficulties but emphasized that his primary focus remains on the pitch.

“Right now, our biggest concern is Tottenham. We understand the club’s situation, but these challenges are not new. My responsibility is to prepare the team and ensure we are ready for the game. External matters cannot affect our preparation.”

When questioned about INEOS’ ambitious target of winning the Premier League by 2028, Amorim expressed optimism but maintained a realistic outlook.

“Yes, we have discussed that goal. We want to be champions, and with the right work, things can change within a few years. At the moment, we are in a tough spot, but progress comes from daily effort and focusing on small improvements.”

Admiration for Postecoglou and Tactical Principles

The conversation shifted towards Tottenham’s head coach, Ange Postecoglou, with whom Amorim shares mutual admiration. He praised Postecoglou’s football philosophy but noted the differences in their respective situations.

“I have great respect for Ange Postecoglou—he’s a fantastic coach and a great person. We both face similar challenges, but I believe I’m at a club with greater pressure. Regardless, we must stick to our principles. He believes in playing football the right way, and I respect that. As coaches, we understand the pressures that come with this job, especially when results don’t go our way.”

Rising Talent and Player Development

When asked about young striker Chido Obi’s impressive hat-trick in midweek, Amorim remained reserved about potential first-team opportunities.

“I don’t want to single out names, but we had some issues this week, which led to some younger players training with us. Obi is among them, but we have to be careful with how we manage their progress.”

On the topic of former United players thriving elsewhere, Amorim acknowledged the reality of football but pointed out the structural challenges at the club.

“Sometimes, players perform better after leaving—it happens at every club. The pressure at Manchester United is immense. Ideally, you need a strong core of experienced players to support young talents and those arriving from abroad. When the team functions well collectively, it becomes easier for individuals to excel.”

Final Countdown to Kickoff

With the much-anticipated clash against Tottenham set for Sunday at 4:30 PM, Amorim and his squad are fully focused on securing a crucial result. Amid the uncertainties surrounding player availability and the club’s broader challenges, all eyes will be on how United navigates this high-stakes fixture.

Stay tuned for match updates as Amorim’s side battles for a critical victory in London.