Manchester United Hit By Defensive Injury Crisis Ahead Of Crunch Europa League Tie Against Lyon
Manchester United are facing a pivotal moment in their season as they travel to France to take on Lyon in the Europa League quarter-final first leg, but their hopes have been dented by a raft of injuries to key players, most notably influential centre-back Matthijs de Ligt. With Champions League qualification largely dependent on European success, the Red Devils must confront this challenge against a daunting backdrop of an ever-expanding injury list.
Ruben Amorim’s men enter the contest following a lacklustre 0-0 Manchester derby and a shaky run of recent form. Yet these attacking woes now pale beside their defensive headaches. At his pre-match press conference, Amorim confirmed De Ligt and midfielder Toby Collyer will both miss Thursday’s tie, while United’s lengthy absentee list casts an ominous shadow over their European ambitions.
The Dutch defender has quickly become integral at Old Trafford since arriving from Bayern Munich. Nominated for United’s March Player of the Month, his stature and composure have steadied the rearguard, and his substantial European pedigree—captaining Ajax during their famous 2019 Champions League run—made his presence against a seasoned continental opponent like Lyon invaluable.
De Ligt initially appeared to shake off an ankle injury sustained during the defeat to Nottingham Forest, completing the match and expressing confidence he’d be fit for the City clash. But scans revealed a more persistent foot problem. Despite optimism earlier, Amorim clarified: "Matta has a problem in his foot. We are assessing; we don’t have data yet on when he can return." That has now culminated in his omission from the 23-man squad travelling to France, a blow that cannot be overstated.
Instead, Amorim will turn to the experience of Harry Maguire alongside Leny Yoro and Noussair Mazraoui. While Maguire’s leadership is valued, De Ligt’s absence removes a player with the kind of big-match know-how Manchester United sorely need at this stage of European competition.
Collyer, sidelined with a leg issue, is another promising youngster whose energy will be missed, though Amorim holds hope he returns "in a few weeks." Ayden Heaven, despite initially worrying scenes after his stretcher exit in Leicester, is likely to return before season’s end, offering some reassurance for the future. But crucially, the likes of Lisandro Martinez, long-term ACL absentee, and veteran Jonny Evans still remain out with little clarity on return dates.
As small silver linings, midfield starlet Kobbie Mainoo – out since February due to muscle problems – was spotted training and is included in the Lyon squad, although Amorim remains cautious: “In this moment, we have to be careful with Kobbie.” Fledgling talents Jaydan Kamason, Godwill Kukonki, and Jack Moorhouse have also travelled, eyeing potential dream debuts on a major stage.
Meanwhile, Amorim views the Europa League not only as a trophy opportunity but the club’s realistic route back into the Champions League, given their poor Premier League form. With domestic qualification slipping away, conquering Europe’s second-tier competition is now central to the Red Devils’ ambitions. The manager will need to blend youth and experience carefully to navigate these choppy waters, particularly without top defenders who have anchored the campaign so far.
This injury crisis lays bare how much United still rely on core experienced players—and how a lack of squad depth can threaten even their continental aspirations. Supporters will cling to the resilience glimpsed in Amorim’s early reign, hoping the likes of Maguire, Mainoo, and emerging prospects can plug the gaps as they chase a semi-final berth.
Can Manchester United overcome these obstacles to salvage their season by progressing against Lyon, or will their depleted defensive line prove too great a handicap? Fans are invited to share their predictions and opinions below as the drama unfolds in France.
