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
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.
