Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim has admitted he has one eye on winning the Europa League, following their 2-0 victory over FCSB on Thursday evening.
Kobbie Mainoo scored one and created the other for Diogo Dalot as United clinched all three points and secured automatic progression into the last 16 of the competition.
After opening the new-look league phase with three disappointing draws under Erik ten Hag, United ended with five straight wins – four of them under Amorim – to finish in third place.
The Red Devils are also the only team to remain unbeaten in the Europa League.
After the final whistle, Amorim spoke to reporters and gave his verdict on his side’s performance. He said, “We controlled the game quite well, in the beginning, a bit more slowly with the tempo but the opponent was really close.”
“They covered all the space and sprint a lot and try to press our three defenders with one player.”
“We managed to create some chances, in the second half you can see the opponent getting tired, more slower, we had more space between the lines with Kobbie, one-vs-one with Amad and the pace of Garna helped a lot.”
“We scored two, should score more, had transitions sometimes four to two. A good game, we needed some rotation and now the focus is on the next game.”
Amorim added, “I don’t see a big difference in the way that we play, but today we had more time to think and now you can see some movements.”
“The idea is there because we have more time to play, to understand the game. I think we can go game by game and we can win it.”
“Then you have the responsibility, no matter what, no matter the context, you are in Manchester United so you must fight to win trophies, so we will see.”
“When you get to this stage of any competition, anything is possible and they can prove that in a good day, they can win against anybody, so we can think about that.”
On United avoiding next month’s two-legged play-offs, Amorim stated, “That is really, really important for us.”
“To have time to train, to create connection between everybody – even the staff, everybody there in training, go to the pitch, know each other in the right environment.”
“I think it’s really important. Then you can have one week to prepare a game, so in the beginning of the week you can work your idea and then you have time to also focus on the opponent and prepare the game in a better way. The players can rest, I can understand better my players.”
In his interview with MUTV, Amorim hinted at a permanent position change for Mainoo, who excelled in the number 10 role.
Amorim emphasised the same in his presser.
“The Kobbie position today, we need time to understand the players, he was struggling a lot defending as a midfielder.”
“Now more as a ten you can feel that he was so free, playing the ball near the box is really good, the small connections. We need time to work with the players and understand the best positions for them.”
United are back in action on Sunday when they host Crystal Palace at Old Trafford.
Featured image Richard Heathcote via Getty Images
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Derick Kinoti
Derick Kinoti is a football writer at The Peoples Person who has covered Manchester United and the game extensively for many years. He is a keen analyst with expertise in SEO and journalism standards. Derick is convinced Wayne Rooney is the true GOAT and won’t hear otherwise!
