Ruben Amorim says Lisandro Martinez is available for Manchester United’s Europa League clash with Bodo/Glimt tomorrow.
Speaking at the pre-match press conference ahead of the game, the United head coach confirmed that Martinez will take part but Harry Maguire, who is also in training, is not yet ready.
“Not Harry, Licha is ready. He didn’t stop too much time, so I feel he is ready. The situation is different to Harry’s,” he said.
Asked when Leny Yoro will be fit enough to play, Amorim said:
“He is training. We believe a lot of him and we are preparing the best way to start with Leny.”
The next question was in regard to what the new head coach feels about his first home game.
“It will be a special time,” he said.
“I just want to win the game. Before the match it will be like a new sensation. After the whistle, it will just be another game.
“We have a lot of games and we are in the beginning of something. We will try to win every game, not just focus on this game and have a clear of idea of how to play.”
Amorim then mentioned again that he will be rotating the team tomorrow and for the foreseeable future.
“They [the squad] is already split,” he explained. “If Bruno plays tomorrow, he cannot train for two days. He can only train slowly. Some of the guys will field the game, some of the guys will train the next day.”
A Norwegian reporter then asked the boss about what he expects from Bodo/Glimt.
“I am expecting a tough game. They run a lot and we need to improve that. They have some special players in the wings. They are winning all the time so I am expecting a very, very intense game and a good game. It will be a good game.”
On reports Glimt will rotate, he said:
“I am not thinking about that; I am just focusing on winning our first game in Old Trafford. If you win, it is a big help. I know the players and the way the team [Bodo/Glimt] plays. I am focused on seeing things in my squad.”
He was then asked how long it will take the team to adapt to his methods.
“It is a different league and it is harder than in Portugal,” he replied. “But I also have experienced players who play in their national teams. Having a lot of games without time to train means it will be difficult for me, but it will be tougher for them.”
In regard to the issues faced against Ipswich, he noted that “it is not a surprise [there were problems]. These are different things. I have to use the names of the players to explain the situation to you guys. I have explained why we had some problems in the first half. It was not a problem with the players; it was about me [and my ideas].
“I believe we can play in different systems. Sometimes we defended in a 4-4-2. We have to play in different systems because nowadays teams change their dynamic. I think our structure, the power of this structure, is to change formation in each game.”
Amorim finally fielded a question about whether a recognised striker is a priority for him, given that he benched two strikers against Ipswich and played winger Marcus Rashford up front.
“I think there is a concern in that, but we have to improve as a team. We controlled the ball in the second half but we were not dangerous. Rasmus and Josh and Rash will score more goals. Amad has to be better nearer the goal. Bruno has to score more goals.
On Rashford specifically, he said:
“I will try to help him. It was not easy for him in that position [centre forward against Ipswich] because he was facing two giants.”
“We will continue to look for solutions for him and for the other players. Marcus has to be Marcus. He will have the help of all the staff and the fans because he is a Manchester United kid, but it has to come from him first.
Featured image Richard Pelham via Getty Images
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Red Billy
Red Billy is the managing editor of The Peoples Person, author of three books and totally obsessed with football’s transfer market. Billy still insists Matteo Darmian and Alex Telles could have made it at United given half a chance.
