Owen Hargreaves has opened up on an underrated trait of Rúben Amorim that Manchester United fans must start appreciating.
Manchester United, led by Rúben Amorim, stormed into the Europa League final with a 4-1 win over Athletic Club at Old Trafford, wrapping up a 7-1 aggregate victory.
Despite their 3-0 lead from the first leg, United were slow out of the blocks and fell behind to a stunning goal from Mikel Jauregizar. Alejandro Garnacho missed a big chance to equalise just before half-time, and United went into the break trailing on the night but still comfortably ahead on aggregate.
Amorim responded decisively, bringing on Amad, Luke Shaw, and Mason Mount early in the second half. The impact was immediate—Mount curled in a brilliant equaliser before Casemiro powered in a header from a Bruno Fernandes free-kick. Rasmus Højlund added a third as United turned on the style.
Mount then delivered the moment of the night with a spectacular strike from the halfway line, capping off a dominant display and sending United into the final, where they will face Tottenham Hotspur.
Hargreaves speaks on Amorim’s underrated trait
After the result, Amorim was very candid in his post-match interview with TNT Sports, explaining that he still felt his side could have played better in the opening 60 minutes of the tie.
In reaction to the interview, after the head coach had left the pitchside set-up, former United midfielder Owen Hargreaves opened up on Amorim’s honesty and communication as a manager, explaining that it is one of his best traits.
“I just want to say what an amazing communicator he is, Ruben, honestly,” Hargreeaves gushed. “He’s such a truth teller for the club and for himself. And to be as brutally honest as he is all the time… you just want to see him do well.
“He probably anticipated [the job] going a little bit easier, but they can finish it off with winning a European trophy and his first one ever as a manager. And they can get Champions League football. So it could be an absolutely amazing finish to the season.
“But I just love how he talks about his team. The care that he has for his players. But he knows ultimately… they have a huge opportunity in a down season to win one of the biggest ones [trophies].”
United fans must appreciate Amorim’s honesty
It has often gone under the radar just how open and honest Amorim has been. Although much has been made of some of his sound bite quotes, a lot of what he says seems to pass fans by.
Amorim has said many times that he feels he has underperformed as a manager and that he truly believes the squad will become a much better side next season. United’s fans need to listen to his words and have faith in the head coach.
Although results have continued to be inconsistent, there has been a marked improvement in many of Amorim’s most important players, and he deserves the chance to prove to himself across a full season with a pre-season under his belt and his squad fit and ready.
United fans have remained connected with Ole Gunnar Solskjær long after his departure due to the relationship he built with the club, first as a player and then as a manager, which was due to his honesty and communication skills.
Amorim possesses a similar ability, and he must be given time to implement his idea across the club.
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