Manchester United boss has poured cold water on Diogo Dalot’s failure to ping a simple cross to Rasmus Hojlund during the draw vs. Real Sociedad, urging everyone to move on rather than focus on the “fighting” that took place between the two players.
United were unable to turn a positive performance into a Europa League victory as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Real Sociedad in San Sebastian.
Joshua Zirkzee gave his side the lead in the 57th minute, only for Mikel Oyarzabal to level from the spot with Sociedad’s first shot on target after the VAR spotted a Bruno Fernandes handball.
The Red Devils had several chances to score but they were left ruing these missed opportunities as they were forced to settle for a draw.
After the match, Amorim spoke to reporters in his post-match presser and gave his verdict on the performance and result.
Asked if the result could be better, Amorim answered, “Yeah it could be better, but it could also be worse because in the last 20 minutes, I felt the team was really tired. But until the penalty, I felt the team was in control of the game.”
“After the goal we were so near to getting the second goal with transitions. You felt in the stadium they were nervous but in the end the penalty, I think, changed [the game] a little bit and then when the momentum changed we got tired a little bit more easily. We’ll talk the game to Old Trafford and we’ll try to win there.”
In his interview with TNT Sports, Zirkzee insisted that he and his teammates need to be more clinical.
Amorim emphasised this, stating, “Yeah, that is clear. We are creating chances and sometimes you don’t see it in the xG because we manage not to shoot but the great opportunity is there and you can see it: we have transitions, we have situations and sometimes we’re missing something but that can change, especially in this kind of games that need goals. That can make a difference.”
The United head coach was asked about the moment in the game, where Dalot passed up the opportunity to square the ball to Hojlund, who had made a good run inside the box. Hojlund was visibly upset as the chance faded out
Amorim said about this instance, “It’s hard to say but maybe Diogo doesn’t know for sure that Rasmus has the advantage and he felt that he has a lot of time to think about the play.”
“One thing that I’m sure is they are really anxious to score goals and to win games, so they’re doing the best they can but sometimes they want do the best but they are not deciding the best way in that position.”
“It was a clear situation, Rasmus did really well, Dalot did really well…the decision was not the best but the important thing is to move on and not stay like them fighting. Let’s move on to the next opportunity.”
Amorim further said about Hojlund’s display, “He’s trying really hard. He gave everything, he made the runs. We know that Sociedad has a high line and he used this space to win and fight. The other things will appear in the right moment. He has to continue to play and not be anxious.”
“In that position with Diogo, he did a great run in the position…sometimes the ball comes, sometimes it doesn’t”
The 40-year-old explained that he was really pleased with Zirkzee.
“I think he deserves it because he’s working really well…he’s improving in a lot of things in this game. He deserves these moments and he was really important for us today.”
On what motivated his decision to take off Alejandro Garnacho, Amorim told reporters, “I felt he was tired.”
“You see it because we did a lot of transitions in the second half, he was late to defend. I felt he was too tired to recover and do the same things.”
United are back in action on Sunday when they host Arsenal at Old Trafford.
Featured image Juan Manuel Serrano Arce 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!
