Ruben Amorim has confirmed a new approach at Manchester United for the rest of the season which no fan of the club would have expected.
Manchester United’s dramatic comeback against Lyon in the Europa League will be remembered as one of the most thrilling in recent memory.
The Reds initially took control with early goals from Manuel Ugarte and Diogo Dalot, racing to a 2-0 lead in the first-half. However, two sloppy moments in the second half allowed Lyon back into the game, and it looked as though United’s hopes were slipping away.
Even after Lyon captain Corentin Tolisso was sent off for a second yellow, the French side surged ahead in extra-time. Rayan Cherki put them in front before Alexandre Lacazette doubled their advantage from the penalty spot, converting coolly after Luke Shaw brought down Fofana in the box.
With just six minutes remaining, Casemiro won a penalty that Bruno Fernandes calmly slotted home to make it 4-3. Then, in the 120th minute, Casemiro produced a clever flick to set up Kobbie Mainoo for the equaliser.
A minute later, Casemiro once again was involved as he delivered a precise cross from the left, and Harry Maguire rose at the far post to nod home the winner, completing an unforgettable turnaround for United.
Amorim just confirmed new United approach
Ruben Amorim had to try and find some words after the game when he spoke to the media.
The United boss has been playing down the importance of winning the Europa League since he arrived at the club. He has consistently said that it is financially important but not crucial for this team to progress forward .
Amorim has also said multiple times that it is still very important to treat the Premier League seriously despite United being in the bottom half of the table.
That all seemed to change after Thursday night.
Speaking to TNT Sports after the game, Amorim confirmed that his approach has now changed and that the Reds will need to take “risks” in the league by playing Academy stars while putting their focus in Europe.
“I think we will have to be really focused on the Europa League,” the United boss said. “And we will have to take a risk sometimes with the kids in the Premier League.
“We have to be tough on that and the fans have to understand that we have to focus on the Europa League.”
United fans won’t argue with Amorim
Funnily enough, no United fan will argue with that change from Amorim despite him suggesting that they need to understand it. They’ve been begging for it.
Not only to give United’s first-team regulars much-needed rest, but also to give some of the talented players within the Academy a chance to impress.
The difference between 16th and 13th isn’t much. Both positions are embarrassing for this club to be in. Winning the Europa League would certainly make things better.
Players like Bruno Fernandes, Diogo Dalot and Alejandro Garnacho have been playing so much football and it seems like Amorim is finally going to start giving these players a rest ahead of the semi-finals.
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