Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim is a little disappointed at the timing of the international break following his side’s 3 – 0 win over Leicester City.
The Red Devils came in with much confidence after defeating Spanish LaLiga side Real Sociedad in the round of 16 of the UEFA Europa League and travelled to the struggling East Midlands side for more confidence boosting. They got it after a 3 – 0 win, with the goals coming from Rasmus Højlund, Alejandro Garnacho and Bruno Fernandes.
Amorim was especially happy for the Danish striker, who finally ended his three-month scoring drought against the Foxes. This is one of the reasons he is disappointed about the international break.
“I think it was good. I felt a little bit a lack of energy, but they gave everything,” Amorim began. “Some players were tired and also with the Ayden [Heaven] problem. I think we deserved the win and we controlled the game. We could be better with the ball but I understand after these two weeks with a lot of games.
“I think the lads deserved the win. And it was a perfect way to end this week with the win for our away supporters.”
Højlund’s Goal Brings Relief and Confidence
Then he said on Højlund’a goal: “It is a difficult goal, a difficult control [with] the right foot. So it’s a shame we are going to stop for [the] national teams. But he will return with confidence. It’s [also] just one win away and we have to continue when we return.
“The most important thing for me is the work that they are putting in, especially defending. They are improving so much, but they live from assists and scoring goals. Rasmus [Hojlund] today, his goal was really good, really good control, with his right foot and then [Alejandro] Garnacho, he is also always trying to score a goal. He deserved that feeling.”
Amorim was also asked about managing captain Fernandes, who had barely gotten any rest this season. He is the most capped player in Manchester United for the 2024/25 season and will also be lining up for Portugal in their FIFA World Cup qualifiers this international break. After the break, he is expected to be thrust back into his captain duties with United.
While his performances have gotten better with time this season, his physicality has been a source of concern for many. Speaking on the issue, Amorim said: “No, I don’t feel that in Bruno [Fernandes]. He’s a special guy in that aspect.
“He’s always ready. He can recover quite well. I don’t know [about] the future. I am just reading what the performance department tell me [about the numbers] and then what I see in the game. So I always see a Bruno that is dangerous, and one Bruno that can recover in every situation. So he’s going to stay there.”
