Man Utd suffer double injury blow ahead of Real Sociedad clash as Ruben Amorim faces new headache

Manchester United have suffered a double injury blow ahead of their Europa League round of 16 first leg clash with Real Sociedad.

After being knocked out of the FA Cup on penalties against Fulham on Sunday, United return to action by taking on La Real in San Sebastian in the first leg on Thursday.

However, it has emerged that the Red Devils will be without two key players for the fixture.

United trained at Carrington on Wednesday but neither Harry Maguire or Manuel Ugarte took part in the session, with Mark Critchley of The Athletic reporting that they are suffering from "minor issues" following the Fulham game.

The duo add to an already stacked injury list that includes Amad Diallo, Lisandro Martinez, Kobbie Mainoo, Altay Bayindir, Jonny Evans, Mason Mount and Luke Shaw.

But there is a welcome injury boost for Ruben Amorim as young midfielder Toby Collyer has returned to training after a period out of action and will rival the likes of Christian Eriksen and Casemiro for a starting berth.

Now out of the FA Cup and languishing in 14th place in the Premier League, the Europa League is United's best chance of winning a trophy and winning it will see them qualify for next season's Champions League.

Amorim claims Europa League win is not the main objective

However, Amorim believes that the more important ask for United is building for the future - something which he believes will last longer than any bit of silverware.

"Of course we lost last week in the cup, so people are looking at this Europa League as the unique competition that we can win," the former Sporting CP boss told Sky Sports.

"Also, the connection with winning the Europa League with Champions League (qualification).

"'But, to tell you the truth, I think we have bigger things to think (about).

"I know it's strange to say that but it's something that we are trying to build here, that is going to be more important than winning a cup in this moment.

"I know the responsibility that we have to fight for every trophy, but in this moment we are trying to build something that is going to last more than any trophy this season."