Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim played down a blockbuster night at Old Trafford as he is “stressed already” ahead of his side’s appearance in the Europa League final later this month.
It’s an unsurprising reaction, given United’s terrible performance for an hour in a match they were widely tipped to breeze through.
Speaking to TNT Sports after the flattering 4-1 win over Athletic Club, Amorim said: “It’s the least we can do for these fans, for the support they have given us in this tough season. I’m stressed already because of the final. If we don’t do it, it means nothing, but we’re happy to be there so let’s see.
“I know I should be a better manager and the team should be better at this moment but we’re trying. We did quite well in Europe, but we are struggling in the Premier League.”
Tonight’s win secured a 7-1 aggregate triumph over a well-organised Spanish side who caused United far more problems than the scoreline would suggest.
But it comes in the midst of a dismal run of Premier League form, which has seen four defeats and two draws in the last six games, and the manager rightly has that on his mind despite tonight’s festivities.
The dire run of form has not been helped by injuries to important players, and Amorim said he is relieved to be regaining some more options for a league run-in which means little, and a Europa League final which means everything.
“When you have a full squad you can think about the game,” he said. “Sometimes we’re surviving with people in different positions, but with more options you can change the game and push forwards and these things can help you win games.”
Tonight’s hero was one of the returners fans could be forgiven for being less than excited at having back in the side, but his two-goal and all-action heroics indicate that Mason Mount has a lot to offer – indeed, Amorim sees him as “perfect” for a key role in his side.
The Portuguese was glowing about the Englishman, saying he is “so happy for him” and describing him as “such a player.”
He added: “When you see that kind of guy like Mason working hard every day, eating well, having ice baths, when you have this kind of player you just want to help him.
“He is perfect for this position as he can be a midfielder, but also runs like a winger so I’m really happy for him.”
Mount wasn’t the only substitute to catch Amorim’s eye: “I really like Kobbie Mainoo, just 10 minutes but everything he did was really good and sometimes you’re on the bench and can change the game.”
Featured image Michael Steele via Getty Images
Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social
Joe Ponting
Joe has spent more than half his life writing about football and all of it following United. As a child he told a doctor his name was ‘Paul Scholes’, but could never pick a pass like him no matter how much he tried.
