Mazraoui injured: Amorim could start 19yo ace with Maguire and Shaw vs Arsenal

Manchester United are set to kick off their 2025-26 season by hosting Arsenal at Old Trafford in the Premier League on Sunday.

United have added Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha, Diego Leon and Benjamin Sesko to their ranks.

There is a buoyant mood around Carrington, but the real test is whether Ruben Amorim’s men can turn pre-season optimism into opening-day points.

Andre Onana and Joshua Zirkzee did not play any games in pre-season due to injuries.

United received a massive boost when the duo returned to team training this week.

However, Lisandro Martinez is still recovering from a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), with no confirmed date for his return.

It was reported earlier today that Noussair Mazraoui will also miss Sunday’s clash.

Martinez and Mazraoui have impressed at the back and would have been the sure starters if available.

Leny Yoro could partner Maguire and Shaw

Amorim may turn to teenage prodigy Leny Yoro to fill the right centre-back role in his back three.

Yoro played in all tour games and impressed with his front-foot defending and incisive ball distribution.

The 19-year-old moved to Old Trafford from LOSC Lille in a £52 million deal last summer.

His competitive debut was delayed for several weeks due to injury, but once he regained fitness, he looked calm and composed in almost every performance.

He spent this summer working tirelessly on his fitness, and he now looks bulked up.

Amorim expects his defenders not only to protect their goal but also to progress the ball through the lines.

Harry Maguire may edge out Matthijs de Ligt for the central slot in the back three, particularly against an Arsenal side dangerous from set pieces.

The 32-year-old is also a smart distributor of the ball, and his long passes could unleash United’s wing-backs.

Luke Shaw is another experienced head who could get the nod over promising youngster Ayden Heaven for the left-sided role.

Heaven has shown great maturity since arriving from Arsenal earlier this year.He looks solid on the ball and is a reliable defender.

However, Amorim may back Shaw’s experience to start in the first game of the season.

The England international has missed the majority of the last two campaigns due to injuries.

Hopefully, he can stay fit this term and prove to be a valuable option for the Portuguese head coach.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com

Article written by Sanidhya Bhardwaj .