Manchester United manager, Ruben Amorim, has come out to say that despite beating Athletic Bilbao 3-O in the first leg of their semi-final clash in the Europa League, the tie is not over.
Speaking recently at his post-match news conference, Amorim revealed that sending off the Bilbao player changed the game completely.
According to him, MUFC definitely struggled a lot at the beginning of the game, and because the opponents are known to be strong and intense, he expects them to fight very hard for a comeback at Old Trafford.
“The result is really good, but we have to understand the result at the same time.
We struggled a lot at the beginning and the sending off changed the game. Any game can change with one situation. We had an opportunity to score one more. This is not done and they can do the same at Old Trafford.
They’re really strong and intense. We need to be prepared,” he said.
Ruben said that playing at Old Trafford would surely make the difference in the return leg, so he and his assistants will ensure they remain careful with the players’ fitness before the reverse fixture.
He believes that several players need to be managed better, while emphasising how Noussair Mazraoui and Patrick Dogu were feeling exhausted after the match.
“Of course we are have an advantage. We have our fans, but again this could change. Anything can happen in one game.
We need to be really careful with our players against Brentford. Noussair Mazraoui is dead, Patrick Dorgu is tired… we have to manage the players,” Amorim said.
Speaking on Maguire’s influence on the first goal, Amorim revealed that Harry’s entire performance was impressive on the night, and despite his past issues with MUFC fans, everything the English defender does is for the team.
“Maguire’s influence on the first goal and on the entire performance: He’s a good winger!
Sometimes there are moments in our life and Harry has had difficult moments. Everything he does is good for the team, so we have to enjoy,” he added.
Manchester United have now won more games in the Europa League (seven) under Ruben Amorim than in the English Premier League (six). MUFC have also scored only three fewer goals under the Portuguese manager in European competition (24) than in the EPL (27), despite playing 14 fewer games in Europe.
