Ruben Amorim problems mount as Manchester United wide-man now doubtful for Manchester City clash

Ruben Amorim, Manager of Manchester United, looks dejected during the Carabao Cup Second Round match between Grimsby Town and Manchester United at Blundell Park on August 27, 2025 in Grimsby, England.
(Image credit: George Wood/Getty Images)

Man United visit the Etihad Stadium after September's international break as Amorim and co seek back-to-back Premier League victories.

The Red Devils were last-gasp winners over Burnley during the final game before this month's break for international fixtures, defeating the Clarets 3-2 courtesy of Bruno Fernandes' stoppage time penalty.

Man United have struggled throughout much of 2025, though, and it was hoped a full pre-season under head coach Amorim and the arrival of a new attacking trio would galvanise the club.

Ruben Amorim dealt Manchester United injury concern

Manchester United full-back Diogo Dalot

Manchester United full-back Diogo Dalot (Image credit: Getty Images)

While the result against Burnley indicates the team are moving in the right direction, they will face their biggest test yet away against Pep Guardiola's Man City in less than a fortnight.

In the lead up to that match, Portuguese international Diogo Dalot has withdrawn from the national team squad citing 'muscular discomfort'.

Dalot has appeared in each of the team's three Premier League fixtures so far this term, starting in their season opener against Arsenal, coming off the bench in the 1-1 draw with Fulham and completing the full 90 minutes versus Scott Parker's Clarets last weekend.

The 26-year-old also featured throughout Man United's Carabao Cup exit to Grimsby Town just over a week ago.

Whether Dalot's departure from the Portugal camp is precautionary or something more serious remains to be seen, but it is hardly ideal for compatriot Amorim.

The head coach is under pressure to turn the club's fortunes around after £200 million worth of attacking players was added to his squad over the summer transfer window.

Ruben Amorim, Manager of Manchester United, looks dejected after his team concede during the Carabao Cup Second Round match between Grimsby Town and Manchester United at Blundell Park on August 27, 2025 in Grimsby, England.

(Image credit: Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

If Dalot is absent for the visit to Man United's city rivals, Amad Diallo is likely to deputise as the right-sided wing-back.

The Ivorian winger is naturally more attacking than Dalot, therefore would be put to the test against Man City's wide attackers.

Joe Donnohue
Senior Digital Writer

Joe joined FourFourTwo as senior digital writer in July 2025 after five years covering Leeds United in the Championship and Premier League. Joe's 'Mastermind' specialist subject is 2000s-era Newcastle United having had a season ticket at St. James' Park for 10 years before relocating to Leeds and later London. Joe takes a keen interest in youth football, covering PL2, U21 Euros, as well as U20 and U17 World Cups in the past, in addition to hosting the industry-leading football recruitment-focused SCOUTED podcast. He is also one of the lucky few to have 'hit top bins' as a contestant on Soccer AM. It wasn't a shin-roller.

You must confirm your public display name before commenting

Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.