Rúben Amorim revealed which Manchester United stars he watched play over the international break as one put in an “amazing” performance.
The latest international break came at a good time for Manchester United and Ruben Amorim. While United were unbeaten in the last seven, several first-team players picked up injuries.
Ayden Heaven, who was standing in for the injured Lisandro Martinez, was on great form but was forced off on a stretcher against Leicester City. The injury doesn’t appear as serious as first thought, but another injury at the back has to be a concern.
Harry Maguire and Leny Yoro are both back available, meaning United won’t have to play third-placed Forest without three natural centre defenders.
Amorim would have bene overjoyed with the number of senior players returning, even though the Reds lost out against Nottingham Forest in their return to action on Tuesday evening.
“Concerned about injuries”, says Amorim
Despite his Portuguese nationality, Amorim reveals his primary concern over the international break was injuries, rather than the form of his country.
In an interview with MUTV, the United manager was questioned about what he did over the international break.
“Of course, I’m supporting Portugal, but in that moment, in that game, I’m more concerned about injuries, about game time. So that is my focus.”
Amorim added, “But of course I watch a little bit of Portugal and I’m happy with the results.”
Impressive performances from United’s internationals
Portugal vs Denmark in the Nations League Quarter-final saw five United players feature. In the first fixture, Christian Eriksen missed a penalty, but the Danes took the victory with a goal from United’s own Rasmus Hojlund.
Despite the 1-0 defeat, Portugal went through after a 5-2 win in Lisbon. Patrick Dorgu’s assist to Eriksen and a goal from the former Spurs midfielder weren’t enough to stop Roberto Martinez’s side. Bruno Fernandes continued his good run of form, and Diogo Dalot played 81 minutes before being withdrawn.
However, Dorgu was praised by many for an “amazing” overall display during the second leg of the crunch clash against Portugal.
Elsewhere, Andre Onana played twice for Cameroon in their World Cup qualification efforts. Noussair Mazraoui helped Morocco to two wins against Niger and Tanzania, registering an assist in the former. Manuel Ugarte also played 90 minutes as Uruguay drew 0-0 with Bolivia.
Matthijs de Ligt and Victor Lindelof also travelled for international duty, but the former Ajax defender only played six minutes, while Lindelof played 90 minutes in a friendly against Northern Ireland.
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