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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Sport
Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

Why Matthijs de Ligt is missing from Manchester United squad against West Ham today

Manchester United are without Leny Yoro and Matthijs de Ligt for Thursday night’s Premier League clash against West Ham.

The defensive pair started the 2-1 win over Crystal Palace at the weekend as Man United came from behind to pick up an important three points on the road.

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However, De Ligt is not in the matchday squad for the Hammers’ visit to Old Trafford as he has emerged as one of the two pre-match doubts Ruben Amorim highlighted in the press conference.

That said, the Man Utd boss has revealed he does not expect the Dutchman to be sidelined for too long.

"It's hard because, if you see that position, especially this year, it's just Harry [Maguire] and Matta playing those positions," Amorim said.

"It is a blow. He is playing really really well. But I'm really excited with Ayden [Heaven]. He is working there. I think he has the right characteristics to play there.

"It is a big opportunity for everyone to see Ayden.

"For Matta, it is a small thing. I expect to have Matthijs next game [at Molineux]."

When explaining the reason for Yoro dropping to the bench, Amorim suggested it was for tactical reasons after the Frenchman was criticised for his reaction to conceding a penalty against Palace.

In place of Yoro and De Ligt are Ayden Heaven - making his first Premier League start of the season - and Noussair Mazraoui, while Matheus Cunha returns after missing the last two games with a knock.

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