Ruben Amorim has revealed the reason behind one Manchester United decision he has made for the Europa League clash against Lyon that he hasn’t done beforehand at Old Trafford.
Manchester United have had a difficult period since returning from the international break, with a defeat and draw against Nottingham Forest and Manchester City in the Premier League.
However, some would argue that United played well in both of those games but just lacked the killer instinct that has been a problem at Old Trafford all season.
Ruben Amorim will be desperate that some attacking quality is on display against Lyon, with the Reds set to face the French side in the first-leg of their Europa League quarter-final.
He has chosen Rasmus Højlund to lead the line for United in this game, with Bruno Fernandes and Alejandro Garnacho playing behind the Dane in the split no.10 roles.
André Onana also starts between the sticks following his pre-match war of words with ex-United midfielder and current Lyon star Nemanja Matic.
Amorim reveals reason behind unchanged United XI vs Lyon
Amorim’s mid-season arrival at United meant that there would be a lot of experimenting and finding out who is best for his style of football.
This initially led to him using a lot of different players in different positions but it is clear that he is now getting used to the squad at his disposal.
That was shown by the fact that the 40-year-old named the exact same team which faced City last time out. It is the first time since he joined that he has made no changes to the starting 11.
Asked about his unchanged lineup by club media, Amorim explained that he wants a balance in the team of being able to control the game both in and out of possession, and that is what they offer.
“We want to be a team that can control the games with possession, but we have proved already that we have a team that can control the game without the ball,” he explained.
“So, we need to be a complete team, we need to be really focused on every detail of the game, so we are ready for the challenge.”
Amorim’s midfield choice reflects Lyon concern
Amorim warned his United side of Lyon’s physicality in the days leading up to this game and that has reflected in his decision to keep Manuel Ugarte and Casemiro together in the midfield.
Fernandes has often operated there alongside one of those players but the Portuguese boss believes that he needs the extra legwork in the engine room.
However, as he has done in previous games, it would be no surprise if Amorim makes an in-game adjustment to take out one of those players and move Fernandes deeper, while bringing on a more attack-minded player.
The likes of Mason Mount, Kobbie Mainoo and Joshua Zirkzee are all part of a strong United bench that will be hoping to make a positive impact in the game.
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