Ruben Amorim says United have to be “really careful” with Kobbie Mainoo’s fitness ahead of Manchester United’s crunch Europa League quarter final first leg tie against Olympique Lyonnais tomorrow.
Speaking at the pre-match press conference ahead of tomorrow’s game, the boss was asked how good it is to have Mainoo back with the squad.
“In this moment we have to be really careful with Kobbie He had some games out so we have to be careful with his fitness. We are really happy, he can play in so many positions, he can play as a 6 or a 10, We are really pleased with him, but we have to be careful with him.”
Asked for an update on the injuries to Matthijs de Ligt and Toby Collyer, the boss said:
“Matta has a problem with his foot. We are trying to assess. We don’t have the data on when he can return. Toby has a small issue in his leg, so we hope to have him in a few weeks.”
The next question was whether Mainoo can play as a central midfielder in his system.
“I think in England sometimes they played with three defenders, so he can play there,” he said.
“We need to help him. Casemiro is playing better because we are understanding better the way Casemiro can play. I think we can do that with Kobbie. He is good on the ball and near the opponent’s box.”
The next question was in regard to what more he needs to do, having played in central midfield for England.
“Yeah, but that’s the problem, in a way.
“When I see Kobbie, I see a lot of talent. But in the way I see it, I could be wrong, I see some things that Kobbie has to improve: the pace during the game. He has qualities he needs to improve in the build-up. Near the box, he has a lot of talent and that is why I think he did a really good game in the Europa League in that position.
“So when I see Kobbie Mainoo, I see not as a full player at the moment, because he is 19. If I say to Kobbie I have seen the final player, I don’t think I am helping Kobbie.”
The head coach was asked if Altay Bayindir would be selected again in the Europa League on his return from injury.
“”We will see,” he said. “Tomorrow, Onana is going to play. Altay is returning now. We have two top goalkeepers that are ready to play.”
Asked about Onana’s public spat with Nemanja Matic, Amorim said:
“If you see the full quote of Andre Onana, it is quite different. The first sentence is that ‘Lyon is a very, very good team’. Sometimes the players don’t listen to the full quotes and it is just a misunderstanding.
“I know Matic also, he is a great guy, so tomorrow is going to be a normal game.”
On tomorrow’s opponents, Amorim noted that “if you look in that department, it is quite simple, if you look at the team of Lyon, they are faster, stronger and bigger than Sociedad.
“Since [Paulo] Fonseca came here, they are winning most of their games, scoring more goals, they are suffering a fewer number of goals. They are a strong team physically, but they have a type of game that is really based on possession. So it’s going to be a different game.
“Against Sociedad we have to make a lot of runs, with Rasmus, with Josh. Against this team, we have to do things differently.”
Amorim was then asked what he felt about Matic’s comments about his time with him as a teammate. Matic had said Amorim was the most optimistic guy he had played with.
“That is clear; I am always saying that we are going to win the Premier League so you can see that I am always optimistic!
“I think I was born with that; you cannot change or fake it. Through your life, you are who you are. I see things in a positive way. Sometimes I get a bit frustrated but it’s a characteristic.”
The conversation then went back to Onana’s comments.
“It is really hard to deal with that. Again, if you look to all the quotes, you cannot see disrespect there, just respect. But to show confidence to his team. Everyone talks about bad things about Manchester United this year. Someone has to show some confidence in our team.
“So, I think that’s all. Again, I know Nemanja Matic really well and how good a guy he is. I think he has heard things by half, not the whole story, that for me is clear in this situation.”
On needing to win the Europa League, he said:
“It is really important in all aspects. The first one is to win a title, a European title. It will be massive for our confidence. Then to play in the Champions League in our club is completely different; the environment, the way we are going to face the summer, the budget for the summer, everything is connected with this competition.
“We know that pressure but again, it is not the biggest problem in United. We have other strengths to get this in the right way without Champions League next year. But of course, if we’re here, we want to win.”
The next question was about Joshua Zirkzee’s progress.
“I think he is improving in all aspects,” he said.
“I think he needs to be more selfish and that is a thing when you play as a striker. He is not a typical striker but he has to be more selfish.
“He is more aggressive now, he works better now, he is defending better now, he is connecting quite well and he played as a striker against Arsenal and did really, really well. In the games against Sociedad, he played more as a No.10. He is improving and showing good things.”
The final question was whether the intensity of the Europa League suits United better than the Premier League.
“It’s nothing tactical, I truly believe it is the pace of the game, the physicality of the game.” he replied. “We have the best league in the world [in England]. It is completely different. If you have one more second to think with the ball, it is a different game.
“Until now, I don’t know the game tomorrow. Until now, I have felt the difference from when we play in the Europa League to a Premier League game. That can give us an advantage to play better.”
Diogo Dalot was also speaking at the presser, see our separate article for his comments.
Featured image Alex Livesey via Getty Images
Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social
