After Manchester United's 1-1 draw with Arsenal in the Premier League, it is becoming increasingly difficult to qualify for Europe through the Premier League. The team is now 15 points and 23 goal difference away from the top four, 13 points off the Europa League zone and even 12 points away from the UEFA Cup. With both the Carabao Cup and FA Cup out of the picture, the Reds' season hopes can only be pinned on the Europa League. Ruben Amorim will lead Real Sociedad to Old Trafford for the second leg of the quarter-finals on Thursday, with a return to help.

Manchester United's official website has announced that Uruguayan striker Ugarte, who joined for 60 million euros in the summer window last year, will return from injury and participated in this game, Ugarte missed the last two games, and Manchester United drew 1-1 with Real Sociedad and Arsenal respectively. Asked if there would be a return for any player, Amorim replied: "Maybe Manuel [Ugarte], I'm not sure yet, let's wait and see." Amorim then gave a firmer answer to Ugarte's injury: "I think Manuel can come back."

However, against Arsenal, France's €72 million central defender Lenny Yoro was injured in the first half and was replaced by Arsenal's youngster Eden Haven after the break.

Yoro has always had problems against Arsenal and was seriously injured in the game against the Gunners before the season. Referring to Yoro's injury this time, Amorim said that an examination is needed. 'There's a bit of a problem with Lenny's [Yoro's] foot, I think so, and we'll have to check to see if he's available on Thursday." Amorim said.

In addition to injuries, the intensive schedule is also a difficult task for Amorim to deal with. "We have to be ready for Thursday, we played three games in the last week. We played one man less in the first half against Ipswich Town, then played 120 minutes in the FA Cup against Fulham and travelled away to Spain. Now we play Arsenal and draw 7-1 in the Champions League. Now we are preparing for the Europa League and it will be a big game for us."

If Yoro is unable to play, then Amorim will only have three authentic centre-backs, De Ligt, Lindelof and Haven. But the United boss spoke highly of Haven's Premier League debut: "I think he played very well, he was in possession and sometimes even beyond his level! He's very relaxed, which is a good thing. He's also very aggressive and I think we have a very good player."

Amorim could also opt for Mazraoui as a guest at centre-back, as new signing Patrick Dolgu, who was only banned for domestic competitions in England, was available for the Europa League in January. Dolgu could split the wing-backs with Diogu Dalo, while Mazraoui played as one of three central defenders.

United's bigger problem is their ability to score up front, with Amorim hoping for more Bruno Fernandes to step up and score again against Arsenal.

'Bruno [Fernandes] has proven himself in every game and he came here to help the club. Sometimes he gets frustrated, he wants to win more than anyone else. He always gave it his all, against Fulham, he ran 16km. He competed in all competitions and was always available. Sometimes his body language is targeted and people can't understand it. But I think he's a good captain and we're very happy with him." Amorim said bluntly, "It's clear that we need more Bruno."

Opta data shows that since joining United in February 2020, Fernandes has been involved in 109 goals in 186 games, including 61 goals and 48 assists, behind Liverpool's Mohamed Salah (116 goals, 61 assists) and Tottenham's Son Heung-min (79 goals, 45 assists).