Manchester United will take on Norwegian outfit Bodo/Glimt in the Europa League at Old Trafford on Thursday night in what will be Ruben Amorim’s first home game in charge.
Fans are excited to see a taste of the Portuguese’s tactics in action with the former Sporting Lisbon boss excited to play under the lights in front of a packed Theatre of Dreams.
However, the Red Devils cannot afford to take their opposition lightly and need a win so as to climb up the table. United are currently 15th in the standings with only the top eight progressing to the knockout stages directly.
The Portuguese tactician’s first game was not great with the team lacking fluidity while many players did not seem like they suit the new coach’s demands.
Europa League is a target
Amorim has preached patience but has been realistic to admit that even though the adaptation process will be slow, the players have to keep winning games, something that should be a prerequisite at a club like United.
And club captain Bruno Fernandes agreed with the 39-year-old and he told TNT Sports ahead of Thursday’s game how the entire team is desperate to win the Europa League this season.
He termed the European competition the biggest prize on offer this season while also claiming that the team is looking at Cup competitions with greater emphasis while looking to improve in the league as well.
“I see it as a target,” he told TNT Sports. “It has to be. This club, we can’t hide from it, we have to win trophies. It’s about winning trophies. Either we fight for all of them or not.
“We have to go into every competition understanding that we have to fight and do the best we can to get into the moments where we can win something.
“As the manager said, we need time to implement everything that he wants, but at the same time, we need points. When you start to win with a foundation and with the base you have, you start to believe even more as a player and as a manager that we can do things right and the way he wants.
“For us, the Europa League is a target. It’s probably the biggest target we have for the season, as silverware in a European competition – it’s really big. We’re still in the FA Cup, which is massive for us. We know really well from last season how much it means for us and the fans.
“We’re still in the Carabao Cup, and in the league, we have to do the best we can to get in the highest position possible.”
Fernandes was also very happy for his compatriot to be finally managing at Old Trafford and felt that fans at Old Trafford would offer Amorim a grand welcome.
Special United fans
He also praised the United faithful for their passion and their habit of always having the boss’ back even in bad times.
“It’s going to be a warm [reception],” he said. “You could see it already at the end of the game at Ipswich. They already had a song for him!
“He’s going to feel it. Old Trafford is special and he’s going to understand it even better now. He’s been here as a player against, but now he’s going to understand how much love the fans give to everyone in this club, either in good or bad moments. It’s going to be a special day for him and all his staff.”
Hopefully, the team can put up an improved display and ensure three points.
Feature image Nathan Stirk via Getty Images
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Ayantan Chowdhury
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
