De Ligt now a big doubt for Europa clash but Amad can give United manager a timely boost

No sooner was Matthijs de Ligt back in for Manchester United than he was back out.

- By SAMUEL LUCKHURST

He limped to the United team coach as he exited Brentford's Community Stadium on Sunday.

Ruben Amorim almost tied himself in knots over the extent of De Ligt's injury until he realised it himself.

"With Mattha, I don't know, I'm just talking," he admitted.

Amorim had 'no idea' how bad De Ligt's injury was.

The apparent impact injury De Ligt suffered, how immediately he signalled to the United bench, and the swiftness in which Carlos Fernandes summoned Harry Maguire would make it a shock if the defender is involved in United's open training session at Carrington tomorrow.

That will be two weeks out from the Europa League final. United have only two games between the semi-final and the final. De Ligt has not completed 90 minutes since April 1.

Realistically, anyone who is unable to play against Athletic Bilbao and West Ham United this week will not start the final.

We are at the risk of getting ahead of ourselves, of course. Liverpool, Tottenham and Bournemouth have won 3-0 at Old Trafford this season.

Manchester City, Newcastle United and Bournemouth recorded that scoreline at the stadium last season.

Lyon went from 2-0 down to 4-2 up less than three weeks ago. United collapsed from 3-0 up against Coventry City to almost lose 4-3 in the FA Cup semi-final 12 months ago. United have lost eight games at home this season.

The more you ponder the second leg, the more you can understand why Amorim is so phlegmatic.