Blow for Man Utd as ‘monstrous’ star set to miss Man City clash; But Amorim thinks he has perfect replacement | OneFootball

Manchester United will reportedly miss the services of Matthijs de Ligt when they host Manchester City at Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon.

The Dutch defender was spotted limping out of the stadium following his team’s defeat to Nottingham Forest on Tuesday.

While the defender initially tried to play down the whole issue with reassuring words, Ruben Amorim admitted he might have to do without him in the Manchester Derby while offering injury updates in his pre-match press conference.

According to Man United insider Sully, De Ligt is set to miss Sunday’s clash through an ankle injury, as the technical staff doesn’t want to risk him, especially with two Europa League quarter-final contests against Lyon just around the corner.

This could be a sensible decision on Amorim’s part, as the Manchester Derby only represents a prestigious occasion at this stage of the season, with the team having very little left to play for as they lie 13th in the Premier League table. On the other hand, the Europa League is their last resort to secure Champions League football next season.

With the ‘monstrous’ Netherlands international joining Ayden Heaven, Johny Evans and long-term absentee Lisando Martinez on the sidelines, United’s defence has been pared down to the bone.

Matthijs de Ligt will skip Manchester Derby

(Getty Images)

Nevertheless, Amorim is confident Noussair Mazraoui can fit in seamlessly at the back. The Morocco international is originally a full-back, so he’s been fielded both as a wingback and a defender in the Portuguese manager’s 3-4-2-1 system, but Amorim believes he’s best suited as a centre-back.

“It’s hard to see the best position. His background is like a full-back, in a defence of four,” explained the 40-year-old in his pre-match interview with the club’s media team.

“So in our way of playing, he can play in different positions. I see him as one of the defenders in this moment, because of his quality, he can defend.

“He can play one against one, defending, attacking. So I’m seeing him with a future to play as a wing-back and as a centre-back.”

Mazraoui will likely join the returning Harry Maguire and Leny Yoro at the back, while Diogo Dalot and Patrick Dorgu take the wings.