Manchester United got their US tour off to a strong start with an impressive 2-1 victory over West Ham United.
Bruno Fernandes scored a penalty and an outstanding strike to give United the win.
Speaking in his post-match press conference via the club’s official website, manager Ruben Amorim stated that there are still places up for grabs in the starting eleven.
When asked if the strong first eleven that played over 65 minutes of action were going to start against Arsenal in the league opener, he denied that the team was picked with the Gunners in mind.
Competition for places
He claimed, “it’s a strong team because we need to prepare all the players. We need to take this game seriously and we don’t have a lot of weeks, a lot of games to prepare all the team but that can change. You saw in the second half team or last 20 minute team, there are players who can play in the first team. So it’s not a decision that I have already made.”
Bruno Fernandes’ importance
Amorim then lavished praise on his captain Bruno Fernandes, who was once again a difference maker for his side. Commenting on his performance he asserted, “it was so clear last season. Not just the goals and the assists. I felt now and during the tour that there are more players to help him to lead the group. But he is our leader. He is really important not just on the pitch but also off it.”´
The manager added, “he leads by example, he works really hard. He’s always available, sometimes he plays with pain.” Nonetheless, he did admit that Fernandes can get frustrated and lose positional discipline but that he sees that being less of an issue this year due to the new summer signings.
Amorim claimed, “sometimes he wants to help his teammates and it is not the best thing to do. They have to learn to do their job and Bruno has to learn to do his. For example, to wait for the ball in different situations. In these kind of things he is a leader but he needs help and he is going to have help.” He also explained that “I think with different characteristics with (Matheus) Cunha and Bryan (Mbeumo). I really like Kobbie Mainoo’s game. So I think he will have more help this season.”
Bruno in a deeper role
Amorim also defended his captain and claimed that he has the physicality to play in a deeper midfield role during the season. He explained, “Bruno runs a lot. He has a lot of endurance, he is smart. So its not about that.”
The head coach continued, “I spoke about that against Leeds because I felt that everybody in the midfield lacked pace. But today it was there. Manu and Kobbie did their job but the physicality of Bruno is not the concern. He’s ready for the physicality playing deeper as a midfielder.”
Praise for Rasmus Hojlund and Manuel Ugarte
Amorim also had kind words for Rasmus Hojlund’s performance. It has been widely reported that United are on the lookout for a striker this summer but Amorim made sure to praise his current number nine. He stated, “I really like the Rasmus game. The runs, the way he fought during the game, the one against one. He connected with his teammates and he did a great job.”
Finally, he praised Manuel Ugarte’s performance and claimed he is developing in confidence and adapting to his role in the team.
Featured image Shaun Botterill via Getty Images
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Alex Browne
Alex is a huge Manchester United fan, inspired by greats of his homeland such as George Best, Harry Gregg and Norman Whiteside. Proud owner of such niche shirts such as Kleberson, Eric Djemba-Djemba and Gary Neville. Grew up pretending to be Ruud van Nistelrooy and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in the back garden, with little success.
