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“Tomorrow I expect…” Sociedad boss makes surprising prediction about United ahead of Europa League showdown

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“Tomorrow I expect…” Sociedad boss makes surprising prediction about United ahead of Europa League showdown

Real Sociedad boss Imanol Alguacil has insisted that people who are choosing his side as favourites over Manchester United don’t have an idea about football.

A struggling United side are set to take on Sociedad in San Sebastian on Thursday in the first leg of a Europa League round-of-16 tie.

Injury-hit United named just 18 players in their travelling squad to Spain, with Manuel Ugarte and Harry Magure ruled out of the game with minor injuries.

Sociedad are seen in some quarters as the favourites to advance to the next stage of the competition but this suggestion has been totally refuted by Alguacil.

Alguacil told reporters [via Manchester Evening News] that the history of United and the quality of their players automatically translates to them being firm favourites to clinch progression.

He said about the Red Devils, “They are a great team in Europe, with a great history, and that we are able to face them these years is a positive thing. They have a great team with a great coach.”

“In the league they are not having results but in play they are doing things well, different. Tomorrow I expect a tough opponent – not because of their history, but because of their players. It will be very difficult and we will have to give everything to compete.”

“If someone has us as favourites, they don’t know what football is and what we have in front of us.”

He added, “Despite the injuries they have, they have great players, and I am not going to lack respect for a team like this.”

“Hopefully we all enjoy tomorrow, that we see a great game. We need the fans to be aware of what we have in front of us. These nights are the ones we wanted to live. With them everything will be easier. Hopefully we can compete like last Wednesday.”

“As much as they are favourites to win the tournament, whenever I face a big team I will think that by doing things well we can win. Otherwise, I wouldn’t be here.”

“We have to be sensible and recognise what is ahead. You have to play it. But without being brilliant and you playing the best game, you can lose because of the quality they have.”

Sociedad vs. United kicks off at 17:45 GMT.

Featured image Juan Manuel Serrano Arce via Getty Images

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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!

“We completely disagree”: United star’s agent fires back at Amorim as blame game over his client’s struggles erupts

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“We completely disagree”: United star’s agent fires back at Amorim as blame game over his client’s struggles erupts

The agent of Manchester United winger Antony has hit back at Ruben Amorim after he claimed that the player struggled in England due to his lack of physicality.

Antony was unable to have an impact at United, only managing 12 goals in 96 appearances for the club – an extremely disappointing return for someone who cost them £86m from Ajax.

He left United to join Real Betis on loan in January and has since enjoyed a dramatic change in fortunes. Antony has scored three times and provided a further two assists in seven games.

The Brazilian has instantly become a cult hero at Betis, who are keen on extending his stay at the club. The forward is also believed to be eager to remain in Seville.

In a recent interview with TNT Sports, Amorim highlighted Antony’s physicality issues – pinpointing them as the reason why he struggled at United.

Amorim told the news outlet, “When you play against any team in England, the physicality is there. If you don’t have physicality, you will struggle a lot. Antony is so much better now in Spain. It’s [because of] a lot of factors but I guarantee you it’s physicality.”

It appears Amorim’s sentiments didn’t go down too well within Antony’s camp.

In a sit-down with Marca, the 25-year-old’s agent – Junior Pedroso – snapped back at Amorim with a punchy response.

“We respect the opinion of coach Ruben Amorim, but we completely disagree with his analysis. To attribute Antony’s lack of success at Manchester United solely to the question of physicality is a very superficial argument and does not reflect reality.”

“The truth is that Antony has not had enough prominence or the confidence necessary to play his best football. Of the 15 games in which Amorim managed Manchester United, he only used Antony in nine, with a total of 252 minutes played.”

“This represents only 18.6% of the total possible minutes (1,350 minutes). How can you judge an athlete without a minimum sequence to prove his worth?”

The agent added, “The manager’s statement, although perhaps it was not his intention, ends up devaluing La Liga and the Spanish competitions. Spanish football has one of the most competitive leagues in the world, with top-level teams that constantly compete in the final stages of the Champions League and the Europa League.”

Pedroso opined that United are to blame for Antony’s woes, insisting that his client is not the only footballer to have improved after parting ways with the club.

“The reality is that Antony, since he arrived at Real Betis, has become one of the best players in the team and in the competition itself, demonstrating his full potential when given the right conditions to develop his game.”

“This highlights that the problem was not the physicality, but the context and the way he was managed in Manchester. Many players who do not prosper at United find success at other clubs, which leads us to wonder if the problem really lies with the players.”

The United loanee and his Betis teammates are back in action on Thursday as Real Betis take on Vitoria SC in the first leg of their Europa Conference League round of 16 fixture.

Featured image Fran Santiago via Getty Images

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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!

From Spain: United plotting blockbuster summer move for Real Madrid star to replace struggling ace Amorim wants gone

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From Spain: United plotting blockbuster summer move for Real Madrid star to replace struggling ace Amorim wants gone

Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim is having sleepless nights thinking about his team’s struggles at both ends of the pitch.

A lot has been written about Rasmus Hojlund’s confidence issues, but Andre Onana is equally culpable for United’s disastrous form this season.

The Cameroonian has never truly impressed since Erik ten Hag brought him to the club and his mistakes have increased manifold since Amorim’s arrival.

And the Portuguese is giving serious consideration to bringing in a replacement in the summer with the likes of Diogo Costa, Gregor Kobel and James Trafford linked with a move to Manchester.

Amorim wants Onana to be replaced

SPORT have revealed that Real Madrid ace Andriy Lunin is also on United’s radar and they could pounce given the Ukrainian’s lack of minutes at the Bernabeu this season.

Los Blancos owe their previous Champions League win to the 26-year-old who single-handedly kept Madrid in the tie against Manchester City including making multiple saves in the penalty shootout.

From making 31 appearances last season, the former Zorya Lugansk ace has been restricted to only nine starts this campaign with only two of the coming in Europe.

And United are ready to offer him the No 1 jersey given Onana’s disastrous form and super agent Jorge Mendes is ready to facilitate the deal with Real open to moving him on should the Old Trafford side submit a bid of €20 million.

Lunin as Onana’s replacement

“Lunin’s performances continue to be monitored by important teams that are looking to strengthen their goalkeeping and one of them is Manchester United.

“The English club wants the Ukrainian as a substitute for Onana, and the operation is feasible due to the good relationship between Jorge Mendes, the Madrid goalkeeper’s agent, and the ‘Red Devils’.

“Lunin has just turned 26 and has a long way to go. His departure depends on him asking to leave and on the offer that United can make for his transfer. His market value is 20 million, an amount that the Madrid club could accept to facilitate his departure.”

The 20-time English league champions need to strengthen up front, in the middle of the park and also out wide and given the financial woes at United, it remains to be seen if INEOS can also afford a goalkeeper in the summer.

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Ayantan has worked for 10 years in the Indian sports media industry, writing for the biggest newspapers and websites but his heart was always set on writing about his favourite club. Currently an editor at The Peoples Person. You can follow him on X: @ayantanc_25

World-class manager in talks with Ineos to replace Amorim, has made two compulsory transfer demands – report

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World-class manager in talks with Ineos to replace Amorim, has made two compulsory transfer demands – report

Former Barcelona boss Xavi has reportedly asked Manchester United to sign two of his former players at Camp Nou, as a condition to accept Ruben Amorim’s job.

There have been rumours that Amorim is under pressure amidst United’s struggles. Things haven’t improved since Amorim replaced Erik ten Hag in November last year and there have been suggestions INEOS could look to implement a change of guard in the summer.

Amorim has won just five of the 16 Premier League games he has taken charge of, with the Red Devils currently languishing in 14th place with a mere 33 points gained from a possible 81.

One coach whose name has popped up in recent weeks is Xavi. A previous report covered by The Peoples Person relayed that Xavi has rejected United at least twice over the past few months, although he would now be keen on the opportunity as he seeks a return to management ahead of next season.

Now, a report from Spain [via Football365] claims that Xavi could indeed succeed Amorim if Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS pull the trigger and part ways with the Portuguese tactician.

On Xavi, the report points out that “the possibility of joining the English team is very attractive to him, which is why he has resumed talks with Jim Ratcliffe and has already made his first requests.”

The Spain legend “would request the signature of two former pupils, starting with Frenkie de Jong” – a player who was “on their agenda before Xavi’s request, as he was also an obsession for Ten Hag.”

Xavi’s “other wish at Barca would be Ronald Araujo.” The Uruguayan is another footballer United have been strongly linked to in the past.

It’s understood that Xavi and Araujo grew “distant” towards the end of his spell at Barcelona but this “has not been an impediment for him to ask United to sign him.”

Despite this report, it’s well-known that United are still planning their summer transfer window under the assumption that Amorim will be in the dugout.

The hierarchy are undoubtedly keen to shape the squad in his image by bringing in players that suit his preferred style of play and football philosophy.

It’s also unlikely that United would be interested in De Jong and Araujo again, having missed out on them before. Both players publicly turned down potential moves to United, emphasising on multiple occasions that they wanted to stay with the Blaugrana.

This report from Spain should therefore be taken with a pinch of salt until the information is verified by more reliable sources.

Meanwhile, United are back in action on Thursday when they face Real Sociedad in the round of 16 of the Europa League. Kick-off is at 17:45 GMT.

Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social

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!

Man Utd: Amorim makes bullish ‘media’ claim over academy snub as ‘only player who turns up’ named

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Man Utd: Amorim makes bullish ‘media’ claim over academy snub as ‘only player who turns up’ named

Ruben Amorim says he will not bend to the will of “friends and the media” by selecting Manchester United Academy players and once again insisted “the system is not the problem”.

The Red Devils were dumped out of the FA Cup by Fulham on penalties on Sunday, leaving them with just the Europa League as a chance of silverware in another harrowing season for the club.

United were expected to improve under Amorim after he replaced Erik ten Hag in November, but their Premier League position hasn’t changed – they remain 14th – and the performances have if anything got worse as the players struggle to adapt to the Portuguese manager’s philosophy and his 3-4-3 formation.

But Amorim was adamant he wouldn’t change his style when he arrived at the club and has been true to his word, insisting once again in his press conference ahead of their trip to face Real Sociedad in the last-16 of the Europa League that he “will not change”.

He said: “I think the system is not the problem; it is the way of playing. We have a lot of problems and we are trying to work on the problems. Every system needs different characteristics. I am still really confident. I will not change that [my formation].”

UEFA rules state that teams can name 23-man squads in the Europa League, but Amorim has opted to take just 18 players with him to Spain amid an injury crisis.

He could have taken more members of the academy if he wanted to, but Amorim says he will select them just to pacify the media or their friends.

Amorim said: “I am trying to manage everything, it is a big step for them. I am trying to think about every aspect. I am not thinking about what it will look like with their friends and the media.”

Amorim is well aware of the importance of the Europa League in attracting top players and having the wherewithal to sign them, as it would grant them entry into the Champions League next season.

He added: “Because we are out of the cups that could change a lot of things. Manchester United can have the goal to have the best players in the future. I understand that the Europa League can change things.”

“If we win the Europa League, we will be in an amazing position next season.”

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Ally McCoist isn’t hopeful based on current form, claiming captain Bruno Fernandes is “the one player who turns up” for the Red Devils.

“I’m not sure they’ll go to the next round. Not on this form,” he told talkSPORT.

“Bruno Fernandes is the one player who turns up, you know, he’ll give you a goal, he’ll give you a freekick, he’ll give you something.

“But apart from that… I thought his goal [at] the weekend was a brilliant strike, I mean it was a tremendous goal, but he’s the only one.

“If you need something, there’s no one else. [Rasmus] Hojlund sadly looks lost, it’s horrible.”

World-class manager in talks with Ineos to replace Amorim, has made two compulsory transfer demands – report

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World-class manager in talks with Ineos to replace Amorim, has made two compulsory transfer demands – report

Former Barcelona boss Xavi has reportedly asked Manchester United to sign two of his former players at Camp Nou, as a condition to accept Ruben Amorim’s job.

There have been rumours that Amorim is under pressure amidst United’s struggles. Things haven’t improved since Amorim replaced Erik ten Hag in November last year and there have been suggestions INEOS could look to implement a change of guard in the summer.

Amorim has won just five of the 16 Premier League games he has taken charge of, with the Red Devils currently languishing in 14th place with a mere 33 points gained from a possible 81.

One coach whose name has popped up in recent weeks is Xavi. A previous report covered by The Peoples Person relayed that Xavi has rejected United at least twice over the past few months, although he would now be keen on the opportunity as he seeks a return to management ahead of next season.

Now, a report from Spain [via Football365] claims that Xavi could indeed succeed Amorim if Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS pull the trigger and part ways with the Portuguese tactician.

On Xavi, the report points out that “the possibility of joining the English team is very attractive to him, which is why he has resumed talks with Jim Ratcliffe and has already made his first requests.”

The Spain legend “would request the signature of two former pupils, starting with Frenkie de Jong” – a player who was “on their agenda before Xavi’s request, as he was also an obsession for Ten Hag.”

Xavi’s “other wish at Barca would be Ronald Araujo.” The Uruguayan is another footballer United have been strongly linked to in the past.

It’s understood that Xavi and Araujo grew “distant” towards the end of his spell at Barcelona but this “has not been an impediment for him to ask United to sign him.”

Despite this report, it’s well-known that United are still planning their summer transfer window under the assumption that Amorim will be in the dugout.

The hierarchy are undoubtedly keen to shape the squad in his image by bringing in players that suit his preferred style of play and football philosophy.

It’s also unlikely that United would be interested in De Jong and Araujo again, having missed out on them before. Both players publicly turned down potential moves to United, emphasising on multiple occasions that they wanted to stay with the Blaugrana.

This report from Spain should therefore be taken with a pinch of salt until the information is verified by more reliable sources.

Meanwhile, United are back in action on Thursday when they face Real Sociedad in the round of 16 of the Europa League. Kick-off is at 17:45 GMT.

Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social

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!

“We have to put everything on the line”: In-form United star issues rallying cry ahead of season-defining fixture

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“We have to put everything on the line”: In-form United star issues rallying cry ahead of season-defining fixture

Matthijs de Ligt’s summer signing was not universally popular given his past ties with Erik ten Hag and the fact that he had not progressed since leaving Ajax as many had predicted.

But the Dutchman has performed well since arriving in Manchester and arguably put in his best shift for the club during the FA Cup defeat to Fulham last Sunday.

With the club languishing in 14th position in the Premier League and out of both domestic cup competitions, it has turned out to be a nightmare season for the Red Devils.

The Europa League represents the 20-time English league champions’ last shot at silverware this season while also providing a pathway into the Champions League next season.

De Ligt’s rallying cry

And the Dutch defender urged his teammates to forget what had happened in the past during this tumultuous campaign and to give it their all against Real Sociedad in the Round of 16 first leg tie on Thursday.

“That is the consequence [Champions League qualification] if you win the tournament. That is our main goal. We need to take it game-by-game. We have to put everything on the line to win the game and hopefully we will get a good result tomorrow,” De Ligt said during the pre-match press conference which was also attended by Ruben Amorim.

When asked what has gone wrong for the club, the Netherlands international admitted that the players have underperformed but also pointed to luck not being on their side at times.

“We would have expected a little bit better than it is at the moment. We know we have not been good enough and we try to improve things. It is also something, in the end, a little bit to do with luck. We know we have to improve.”

The players have been rightly criticised and the atmosphere around the club has turned toxic, something the Dutch defender also alluded to when asked about the current situation at the club.

Players need to keep working hard to overcome bad times

De Ligt has the experience of playing for giants like Ajax, Juventus and Bayern Munich before arriving at Old Trafford so he knows how to handle the negativity when things are not going according to plan.

His advice for the younger members of the squad was to keep working hard to improve.

“We have encountered a lot of pressure and a lot of criticism. For me, it is not something different as I have been at clubs where you are expected to win titles. You have to keep going, you have to work hard and you have to improve.”

Hopefully, the three-time European winners can get their act together for the game at Reale Arena, their season depends on it.

Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social

Ayantan has worked for 10 years in the Indian sports media industry, writing for the biggest newspapers and websites but his heart was always set on writing about his favourite club. Currently an editor at The Peoples Person. You can follow him on X: @ayantanc_25

“Managing the expectations of the kids”: Amorim explains reason for hugely controversial recent strategy

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“Managing the expectations of the kids”: Amorim explains reason for hugely controversial recent strategy

Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim has defended his decision not to select Chido Obi for the Europa League squad.

Amorim was speaking at the pre-match press conference ahead of the first leg of the tie against Real Sociedad, alongside Matthijs de Ligt.

He was asked why Obi was not included in the registered squad.

“It was a different context in that moment,” he replied. “It was completely different and we chose different players.”

A question was then posed as to why he was only taking a squad of 18 players to San Sebastian and why he has not filled the bench with substitutes in the last two games.

“We try to manage all the squad and the substitutions,” he answered. “To bring those [young] players is a big step, we are managing expectation of the kids.”

“I am trying to think about every aspect. I am not thinking about what it will look like with their friends and the media.”

Asked why he didn’t include Jack Fletcher in the travelling squad, the Portuguese replied:

“He didn’t train with us. Amass is here today, in the last game against Fulham we wanted him too but he played all game against Arsenal so he was not able.

“We tried to imagine all the subs. We know bringing players is a big step.”

The boss also confirmed that Harry Maguire and Manuel Ugarte will not take part.

“We are being careful. They cannot play the game,” he said.

On his current squad options and how winning the Europa League might affect how much it could be strengthened in the summer, Amorim said:

“Because we are out of the cups that could change a lot of things. Manchester United can have the goal to have the best players in the future. I understand that the Europa League can change things.

“If we win the Europa League, we will be in an amazing position next season.”

The boss was once again asked whether he would change his 3-4-3 formation and system in light of United’s struggles. Inevitably, the same reply came again.

“I think the system is not the problem, it is the way of playing,” he explained.

“We have a lot of problems and we are trying to work on the problems. Every system needs different characteristics. I am still really confident. I will not change that.”

Matthijs de Ligt’s comments are covered in a separate article.

Tomorrow’s crucial game kicks off at 5.45pm GMT.

Featured image Alex Livesey via Getty Images

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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.

How important is the Europa League?

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How important is the Europa League?

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Ruben Amorim

Old Trafford.

Wednesday 05 March 2025 19:41

Ruben Amorim says that the Europa League can ‘change everything’ for Manchester United next season, but that it is not crucial for the club’s future in the transfer market.

Sunday’s exit to Fulham in the Emirates FA Cup means probably our last realistic hope of qualifying for continental competition next season lies in lifting this trophy in Bilbao in May.

That would secure a spot in the Champions League, which would not only be a financial boon for the club but a boost for all around Old Trafford.

But, in his pre-match press conference ahead of the meeting with Real Sociedad in San Sebastian, Amorim said qualifying for UEFA’s top tournament is not necessary when it comes to attracting premier talent to the club…

Amorim and De Ligt’s press conference Video

Amorim and De Ligt’s press conference

PRESS CONFERENCE | Get the latest news and views from San Sebastian, after Ruben and Matthijs sat down with the media…

EUROPEAN PLACE NOT CRUCIAL

“I think it’s not the crucial thing for the future of the club. That is my view. I’m here for three months and I think that is clear, but I understand it’s a massive difference in our season, especially because we are out of the cups and in a bad position in the league. That [the Europa League] could change a lot of things, even the way they see the coach. So I know it’s a massive pressure but I will say it again: Manchester United can call all the best players, even without Champions League in the future. We have to change a lot of things and we’re trying to do that. There’s more important things than winning cups in this moment. That is my feeling, but I understand winning Europa League can change everything for us in the next season.”

Read the rest of our head coach’s quotes below…

EXPLAINING YOUNGSTERS’ ABSENCE

“It’s a different context in that moment. Rasmus and Josh was playing in the same position [as Chido Obi] so we try to manage all the things, even the expectations of the kids. So it was that. The context was completely different and we choose different players [for the Europa League].”

“He [Jack Fletcher] didn’t train with us, and he had a game before Fulham. [Harry] Amass is here today – in the last game against Fulham we wanted Amass also but because he played a full game against Arsenal he was not in our squad. We try to manage all the teams and try to imagine the substitutions and we know to bring some players [in] is a big step. We are taking care of the expectations of the kids.”

WE’RE USED TO THESE TESTS

“We have a lot of experience. Matta [Matthijs de Ligt] is a young player, but he has a lot of experience. We are ready. The good thing about playing in the Premier League is that there is a lot of experience. We are ready for everything. It’s a big challenge. We are going to face a very good team – vey intense, with a lot of experience and international players. But we are ready because we face those teams every weekend.”

NO RISKS WITH HARRY AND MANUEL

“Small things. So we are being careful with them because in this moment we cannot allow us to lose more players for a long time. We are taking care of them in Carrington and they cannot play this game because it will be a greater risk.”

A LOT TO CONSIDER WITH THE KIDS

“When I put the squad I see the players that I have that train with us and then I imagine the substitutions. That’s why I sometimes call it one or two. Then I’m trying to see if they train with us. Then I’m trying to see if they come here to play or be on the bench for you guys to be seeing a lot of youth. I’m trying to manage everything. I know it’s a big step for them. I’m trying to cope with everything. When I do my squad, I’m trying to think about every aspect, of the formation of the kid, of the squad and not if it will look really well with the fans and the media.”

WE NEED TO CREATE FOR STRIKERS

“Sometimes there are things that are hard to explain. For example, before the last match, we had some games without opportunities and chances and that is impossible for them to score, so it’s a team thing. I felt like, in the last games, sometimes it’s luck, the way we keep the ball a little bit more a metre inside. We had opportunities to score, we didn’t score. Sometimes, really that’s it. One thing is to create situations. We created in the last game but, in certain moments we need a little bit of luck and, when you score one, you take out the big pressure and you score two or three in the next games.”

STILL GOT SELF-BELIEF

“Yes. What I mean is that we have to think as a club, as a long project and not just solve things in this moment, and if we win the cup, we are in a bad position, and if we win the Europa League, we will be in an amazing position in the next year, because the problems would continue here even with the Champions League. That’s what I want to say and I know you guys make counts of my reasoning. I’m just trying to show I don’t care and I’m really confident on the big goal of this club, that’s all. I’m trying to show the big picture to our supporters, that’s all.

“I know what to do. Sometimes, this is the result, it’s a life of results and you have to win games. I know the consequences when we don’t win games but I’m really confident. Since day one, I’m a little bit more frustrated but I’m still confident.”

IT’S NOT ABOUT SYSTEMS!

“I think it’s quite simple. I think we talk about the system, I think the system, it’s not the problem. It’s the way of playing. You build up with three, with two defenders and one midfielder going down so it’s quite simple. I don’t see football like that. The problem of our team is not the system. We have a lot of problems. We are trying to work on these problems. Of course, every system needs different characteristics but I was always really clear: I have one idea and I’m still really confident because I have an idea of how to play football and I will not change that no matter what. I will not change that. I’m not talking about the system, it’s the way I see football. I will not change that. We are going to do it – or not, we will see.”

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    The Reds prepare for the Europa League round-of-16 tie against Real Sociedad…

Old Trafford.

Wednesday 05 March 2025 19:41

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Amorim explains smaller squad selection

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Amorim explains smaller squad selection

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Amorim explains smaller squad selection

ManUtd.com reporter Adam Marshall at Old Trafford.

Wednesday 05 March 2025 19:12

Ruben Amorim has outlined the reasons why he has opted to only take 18 Manchester United players to Spain, for the Europa League clash with Real Sociedad.

The Reds travelled with depleted resources for the round-of-16 tie after Harry Maguire and Manuel Ugarte were ruled out due to injury.

There are three goalkeepers in the group – Andre Onana, Dermot Mee and Elyh Harrison – and defender Harry Amass is likely to be among the substitutes.

However, our head coach was asked about why other young players could not join him, with the likes of Jaydan Kamason, Jack Fletcher, Jack Moorhouse and James Scanlon training with the senior squad at Carrington on Wednesday.

“When I put the squad, I see the players that I have that train with us and then I imagine the substitutions,” Ruben reasoned, during his press conference at the Reale Arena. “That’s why I sometimes call it one or two. Then I’m trying to see if they train with us.

“Then I’m trying to see if they come here to play or be on the bench, for you guys to be seeing a lot of youth. I’m trying to manage everything.

“I know it’s a big step for them. I’m trying to cope with everything. When I do my squad, I’m trying to think about every aspect, of the formation of the kid, of the squad and not if it will look really well with the fans and the media.”

Jack Fletcher is eligible but striker Chido Obi, who did well as a substitute against Fulham last time out, is not, and the boss was asked about both players during his chat to the assembled journalists in San Sebastian.

“He [Jack] didn’t train with us [earlier],” explained Amorim. “And he had a game before Fulham [the FA Youth Cup victory over Arsenal]. Amass is here today. In the last game against Fulham, we wanted Amass also but, because he played a full game against Arsenal, he was not in our squad.

“We try to manage all the teams and try to imagine the substitutions and we know to bring some players [in] is a big step. We are taking care of the expectations of the kids.”

Amorim and De Ligt’s press conference Video

Amorim and De Ligt’s press conference

PRESS CONFERENCE | Get the latest news and views from San Sebastian, after Ruben and Matthijs sat down with the media…

As for Obi, the squad had to be registered with UEFA in early February, and Ruben pointed out that the picture looked a little different back then, before the 17-year-old broke onto the senior scene.

“It’s a different context in that moment,” he said. “Rasmus [Hojlund] and Josh [Zirkzee] were playing in the same position, so we try to manage all the things, even the expectations of the kids.

“So it was that. The context was completely different and we choose different players.”

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Wednesday 05 March 2025 19:12

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