Ruben Amorim hints Benjamin Sesko in line for return vs. Bournemouth but rules out duo | OneFootball

Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim has indicated that Benjamin Sesko could return for Monday’s meeting with Bournemouth, but two other stars will certainly not be available for selection.

United aiming to win consecutive games

Having beaten Wolverhampton Wanderers 4-1 earlier this week, United will undoubtedly head into the Bournemouth game eager to make it back-to-back Premier League wins for just the second time this season.

The victory over Wolves catapulted United to sixth place in the table. Three points against the Cherries would massively boost the club’s bid to finish within the guaranteed Champions League places.

A recent report covered by The Peoples Person relayed that Amorim may have to get a result vs. Bournemouth without the services of Harry Maguire, Matthijs de Ligt and Sesko. The trio missed training on Thursday, fuelling speculation that they are not fit enough for the contest.

Speaking to reporters ahead of the game, Amorim has confirmed that Maguire and De Ligt are still recovering but Sesko could play, although he is dealing with food poisoning.

Amorim’s presser

Amorim said, “Maguire is out De Ligt is out. Ben, we have to see if he is available. He had some food poisoning – we have two trainings still.”

He further noted about De Ligt, “I think he has something in his back. I don’t know for sure. He finished the game against Crystal Palace, but sometimes he feels pain, and we have to be careful with that.”

There are still doubts over whether Amad, Bryan Mbeumo and Noussair Mazraoui will feature against Bournemouth as they are required to be with their respective national teams ahead of the start of the Africa Cup of Nations.

Asked about the three players, Amorim answered, “We are still in conversations with the national teams. The game is Monday, they are here and training, but we are preparing all the scenarios for the game.”

The Portuguese coach added, “I don’t know if it’s going to be the same situation. It depends on the games and every national team has an idea of when they want their players. I expect to know today.”

“It’s frustrating, but at the same time, nobody knows who is going to play, so it’s a good thing. We have players to cope with everything. With a long week, you can see a lot of things and work on stuff to prepare for any situation.”

Mason Mount has picked up form over the past few weeks, with the England international playing a key role in United’s uptick in performances and results.

When Mount starts, United boast an impressive win rate of 71.4% in comparison to the 25% whenever he doesn’t start.

Having been made aware of this stat, Amorim explained, “I think it’s hard to make that connection. It’s a fact [good record when Mount starts], but it’s not just that. We have to look at the way the game was, but he’s a very, very smart player, he’s really technical.”

“Because sometimes to be a technical player is not just having fun with the ball. It’s the quality of the pass, the reception, how to receive the ball, and with these things he’s really smart. He can balance our team quite well, so he’s a very good player.”

Amorim was full of praise for Andoni Iraola and Bournemouth, warning that they remain a serious threat despite a slight decline in results.

“I think they are a top team, top manager, with special players. I don’t look to their results, I look at the way they face every opponent, and they press really strong. They are really direct in the game, they can play with different options in front, which gives us a lot of options to work and prepare for the game.”

“I expect a Premier League game that is really tough, but we need to win, especially at home, which is the goal.”

He said about Iraola, “Special. The way they play the game like a big team, what he is doing for some players. He is improving players and you can look at that team and think several of their players can play at a high level, so it’s an amazing job from the manager.”

United vs. Bournemouth kicks off at 8pm.

Featured image Matt McNulty via Getty Images

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