Manchester United will be without young centre-back Leny Yoro for their crucial Europa League clash against Real Sociedad on Thursday. However, the French teenager’s absence is expected to be short-term.
Yoro, who has been a regular starter in 2025, was substituted at halftime during Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Arsenal due to a foot issue. This raised concerns about a prolonged absence, especially since the 19-year-old had already missed several months earlier in the season with a broken foot after joining United last summer.
Head coach Ruben Amorim eased these fears after the match. While initial hopes of Yoro’s immediate return were unfounded, Amorim provided some positive updates during Wednesday’s pre-match press conference.
Yoro will miss Thursday’s game against Real Sociedad and this weekend’s Premier League clash with Leicester City. However, he is expected to return once club football resumes after the March international break, likely making his comeback against Nottingham Forest on April 1.
Harry Maguire is also unavailable for the Real Sociedad match, leaving United short of defensive options. With Yoro, Maguire, Lisandro Martinez, and Jonny Evans all sidelined, January signing Ayden Heaven could be handed his full debut. The 18-year-old impressed after replacing Yoro in the second half against Arsenal and is likely to start.
Amorim’s alternative option would be to drop Noussair Mazraoui into a back-three formation. This was less feasible against Arsenal due to Patrick Dorgu’s domestic suspension, which limited United’s wing-back options.
Dorgu is now available and expected to return to the starting lineup. However, Amorim confirmed it is “too soon” for Mason Mount to feature, despite the midfielder’s return to training.
Veteran midfielder Christian Eriksen has emphasized the importance of Thursday’s game, with United’s only realistic route to European football next season being through winning the Europa League. Success would secure a place in the Champions League.
United have already been eliminated from the Carabao Cup and FA Cup, which also offered European qualification. Additionally, their chances of qualifying via domestic league position are slim, as they currently sit 14th in the Premier League.
