Manchester United advanced into the semi-finals of the Europa League with their European results covering for a horrendous Premier League campaign – which Ruben Amorim admits doesn’t reflect well
Ruben Amorim was quick to bring Manchester United – and himself – back down to earth as he confessed their “reflection is the league”. The Red Devils enjoyed a historic night in the Europa League as they marched into the last four.
Harry Maguire’s goal in the 121st minute completed an incredible comeback in a nine-goal thriller. The victory keeps alive the club’s hopes of silverware as they eye European glory, which would ensure passage into the Champions League, but it comes amid a horrendous Premier League season.
United currently sit 14th and lost again at Newcastle on Sunday. The loss was their 14th defeat in the 32 matches they’ve played and they will finish in their lowest position in the history of the Premier League – surpassing the eighth place finish last term.
Amorim has been at the helm for the bulk of their defeats and has been unable to have any major impact since replacing Erik ten Hag in November. He concedes that he – and the team – will always be judged on what they do week in, week out in the Premier League.
He said on TNT Sports: “The reflection of the coach is the league. You can be good in European games but your reflection as a team is in the league and we are underperforming, but then we have to see the context.
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“We lack a lot of characteristics in our team – sometimes you want to push forward and you see that Garnacho is really tired but he’s the only one who can make transitions. Physically is it a problem. When we play against European teams you can see we cope better with that – in the Premier League we suffer a lot.”
United drew their first three games in the Europa League but since then have won seven of their nine outings with Amorim able to get a tune out of his side once they switch off from domestic action. Athletic Bilbao now lie in wait in the semi-finals with the La Liga outfit hoping to play the final in their own stadium.
Amorim has confessed that, in their pursuit of European honours, he may have to sacrifice certain league games and play their younger players so that their top stars remain fresh for their midweek exploits with belief growing.
He said: “It is one type of moment that can change a lot of things. These kind of moments can change a lot in the players’ mind. We have to be really focused on the Europa League and we have to take a risk with the kids in the Premier League. We have to be tough on that and the fans have to understand our focus is on the Europa League.”
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