Man Utd get three injury boosts ahead of Europa League semi-final as 'shining light' returns
Ruben Amorim will have more options at his disposal as three of his Manchester United stars returned to training ahead of the Europa League semi-final clash with Athletic Bilbao
Ruben Amorim has welcomed Manchester United star Amad back to team training after fears the winger would be out for the rest of the season. Before his injury, the 22-year-old had blossomed since the Portuguese coach's arrival at Old Trafford and Amorim will hope he can soon return.
Amad was joined by Matthijs de Ligt and Toby Collyer in offering a boost as the Red Devils prepared to make the trip to face Athletic Bilbao in the Europa League semi-final first leg. United's Ivory Coast international has been ruled out since February with an ankle ligament injury, while De Ligt has been absent since the start of April.
The young star was seen pumping his fist in his return to training with the rest of the group as they made their final preparations before heading to Spain. De Ligt was also present in the session but Collyer was conducting an individual programme as he bids to reach full fitness.
Speaking earlier this month Amorim revealed Amad could overcome initial fears he would not play until next season. The ex-Sunderland loanee has been present training individually outdoors, though United's boss was still cautious in his assessment.
"He’s doing quite well," Amorim said. "We hope to have him before the season is finished. We'll see, but he's anxious to play, so we are waiting for him."
READ MORE: Man Utd controversy that 'didn't make sense' sees the FA overturn banREAD MORE: Man Utd announce David de Gea homecoming as summer plans take shapeAnd Amad could now find himself back in contention as United's focus centres on Europea success. The club sit 14th in the division but still have aspirations of earning Champions League football by winning the Europa League.
Amad remains among United's top goals scorers and most impactful players. The winger has scored nine goals and provided seven assists, with only Bruno Fernandes offering more goal contributions.
The star has previously been lauded as a 'shining light' in the club's season. After netting a 90th-minute winner against Manchester City, ex-United star Gary Neville lavished praise on Amad.
"It is bedlam in that far corner and on the Manchester United bench," Neville said. “Amad, what have you just done? An absolute shining light.
"What must Pep Guardiola be thinking? Amad has been sensational – the only Manchester United player to look like a Manchester United player.
"The pass from Martinez is good, and the run between Nunes and Gvardiol is. The touch is perfect, and the finish – Gvardiol maybe could have cleared it but take nothing away from this boy.
"The first touch is beautiful. He gets enough on it, and he has turned the game on its head."
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