Ruben Amorim is doing something controversial - and it is annoying some Manchester United fans

Manchester United flew to Spain on Wednesday ahead of their clash with Real Sociedad. Ruben Amorim oversaw a training session at Carrington before the team travelled to San Sebastian and United's head coach will be hopeful his side can bounce back in the Europa League.

United were knocked out of the FA Cup fifth round on penalties against Fulham last weekend, meaning winning the Europa League is the only hope of winning a trophy this season.

If United won the Europa League, they would achieve Champions League qualification for 2025/26 and that would be a huge boost to their finances and their transfer plans.

The Reds finished third in the revamped Europa League table and are undefeated in the competition so far.

Amorim will not fill his bench for a third successive game. UEFA rules allow 23-man squads for European fixtures, but Amorim named an 18-man travelling squad and opted against picking five youngsters who would have benefitted from the experience.

The Under-21s' next game is scheduled for next week and there are players from that group who would have gained experience from being able to travel with the squad to Spain.

They could have been named in the squad to see how the senior players prepare and act in the dressing room. A lot of fans won't give it much thought, but it probably sends the wrong message to youngsters who want to see a pathway to the first team.

Followers of the academy have noticed Amorim's decision not to fill his bench and they are disappointed with the United head coach. Amorim promoted many young players at Sporting Lisbon and while it is perhaps a message to the board on the work that needs to be done in the summer transfer window, it sends the wrong message to the club's young stars.

United