Harry Maguire

Ruben explains Maguire substitution

Thursday 31 July 2025 05:14

Ruben Amorim has explained why Harry Maguire was substituted at half-time of Manchester United’s 4-1 win against Bournemouth in Chicago.

The centre-back was replaced by Matthijs de Ligt during the interval at Soldier Field – the only change the boss made before the 70th minute, when the other nine outfield starters were swapped out.

Amorim told journalists after the game that the decision was made on a precautionary basis.

Care is being taken around the England international, who returned to training on the grass at Carrington a little later than other members of the squad due to injury.

Ruben's post-match press conference Video

Ruben's post-match press conference

PRESS CONFERENCE | Ruben spoke to sections of the media in Chicago, after our pre-season win over Bournemouth...

“He had an issue during the holidays, during training,” Ruben explained in his post-match press conference. “They were training in the holidays.

“He’s a little bit late, so we have to be careful with him.

“It’s just a little bit fatigue with the trainings, so we are trying to control everything and saving all the players, to give the exact minutes they need.”

Matheus Cunha sat out of the Reds’ victory over the Cherries, secured thanks to goals from Rasmus Hojlund, Patrick Chinazaekpere Dorgu, Amad and Ethan Williams.

The Brazilian started our first two pre-season games but was rested for this encounter.

Amorim suggested he could return against Everton on Sunday, in a fixture United only need to draw to clinch the Premier League Summer Series trophy.

Bryan Mbeumo may also be involved in that fixture, having sat out of our two outings in the United States so far, as he dials up the workload at his new club.

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