“We improved not just the way we played” - Ruben Amorim shares what he told Manchester United players to inspire comeback in win over Plzen
Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim shared how he inspired his team to secure all three points against Czech outfit Plzen in the Europa League. The English giants secured a 2-1 win away from home on Thursday, December 12.
The Red Devils traveled to the Czech Republic on the back of their 3-2 defeat to Nottingham Forest in the Premier League last weekend. Manchester United failed to break the deadlock in the first period against Plzen before conceding three minutes into the second half.
However, Amorim's side turned things around, courtesy of a brace from Rasmus Hojlund in the second half.
After the match, the Portuguese manager was asked what he told his players to change after going 1-0 down. He replied(via Eurosport):
"The speed - I told the players we need more movement in front. They have to feel that we are also a danger to use the space in behind."
"We also changed the game, the guys that came off the bench also helped. We improved not just the way we played, but the speed of the game," Amorim added.
Amorim took over the reins at Old Trafford last month after Manchester United parted ways with Erik ten Hag. The Portuguese's first game in charge ended in a 1-1 draw against Ipswich Town in the Premier League.
He then secured back-to-back victories against Bodo/Glimt in the Europa League and Everton in the Premier League, before suffering consecutive losses to Arsenal and Nottingham Forest in the league.
"He knows he made a mistake" - Bruno Fernandes defends Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana after Plzen win
Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes insists the team's belief in Andre Onana remains intact despite the goalkeeper's mistake that led to Plzen's first goal.
The Cameroonian attempted pass to center-back Matthijs de Ligt was intercepted by Plzen's Pavel Sulc. The Czech attacker laid it off for Matej Vydra, who found the back of the net.
This comes after Onana's disappointing display against Nottingham Forest last weekend, which left fans incensed. However, Fernandes defended his teammate, insisting Onana was aware of his blunder.
The midfielder said after the game (via Manchester Evening News):
"We don’t look at individuals here, when something happens on the wrong side or the good side, it’s for the players involved. We have huge belief in Andre, he knows he made a mistake, he’s a clever guy, we don’t need to tell him."
"He’s going to help us many times coming out from the back. We trust his quality on the ball, they made good pressure, they got the goal, but the most important thing is we had the resilience and fighting spirit to win," Fernandes added.