Amorim Reveals Zirkzee's Season-Ending Injury and Onana's Return

Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim confirms Joshua Zirkzee's season-ending injury and Andre Onana's return to the starting lineup against Lyon in the Europa League quarter-final. Amorim also emphasizes the need for squad improvement.

Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim confirmed that striker Joshua Zirkzee will miss the rest of the season due to a hamstring injury. “Joshua is out for the season. He is not going to play anymore this season. We must prepare him for next season. It is hard for any player to stop, but it's football. He has to be ready to recover,” he said.

Amorim announced that goalkeeper Andre Onana will start against Lyon in the Europa League quarter-final. “Onana will play tomorrow. I think as a former coach and a player, I try to do things that can help a player in this situation. We talk about managing players physically, but we also have to manage them mentally. This week, my thinking was to put Onana to play. I am trying to be clear on things and make the valuation. Andre is ready to return and to start this game.”

Ruben Amorim acknowledged the significance of securing Champions League qualification for Manchester United's budget. Amorim Reveals Zirkzee's Season-Ending Injury and Onana's Return, “If you have Champions League, you know you have a better budget to put forward a different team next season. I think it is something we will discover next season,” he said.

Amorim emphasized the need for improvement across all positions, recognizing the potential impact of Champions League qualification on the team's future development and budget.

Ruben has decided which goalkeeper will start against Lyon ✅#MUFC || #UEL

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) April 16, 2025

Ruben Amorim emphasized the significant impact of Champions League qualification on Manchester United's budget and planning for next season. “I think it is about the budget when planning for next season. The Champions League can change everything. If you are in the Champions League, you play top teams on a Wednesday and at the weekend. This is the best thing.”

Amorim stressed the need for comprehensive improvement across the entire squad, saying, “We need to improve every position on the field; goalkeeper is the same. If our team scores more goals and our strikers are better, we will defend better. Sometimes you have a season where you are underperforming. We are going to make that evaluation for any position in the squad.”

Onana's Return

Ruben Amorim believes Andre Onana deserves to start against Lyon, despite his mistakes. “When I made that decision in the last week, I talked with Andre and that is important for me to explain what I am thinking. I have the conversation (with my coaches) but it is my decision in the end. I think Andre deserves to return to the competition.”