Manchester United defeated Arsenal via penalties in the FA Cup to advance to the next round and Ruben Amorim could not be prouder of his side.
The Portuguese tactician praised his team’s aggressiveness and the way they handled the challenge, which came only a month after they had faced the same Arsenal side and lost in embarrassing fashion.
“I think we play, especially in the first half, we play better [than] in the first game,” Amorim commented. “We were better in set pieces today, more aggressive. We show different spirit, even with 10 men. We are improving on that aspect.
“I think we had a lot of difficulties in the beginning of the game to control the game with the ball and then we suffered, not big opportunities, but we suffered running after the ball, especially to switch of play, to win the first pressure of Arsenal.
“But then we can take in this moment, take the game to a different level when we talk about aggressivity. And that is a very good thing. We managed to score and then I felt in that moment we were able to improve with the ball, but with the [player] sent off [it] was really hard on us. And then we suffered all together, defending very well, with some opportunities from Arsenal.
“The players were really tired, but I felt since the first minute that today was our day. And I felt also a connection with our fans, our staff. It was a very good day for us in that aspect. We need to improve the way we play football.”
Amorim was also asked to comment on the team’s struggles and the ideas he has about how they are supposed to play.
“I think that is clear. I think also [it] is clear that when we score first, that helps us to suffer,” he began. “It’s like more strain to suffer after if something happened. When the opponent has one opportunity, we can stop the game. We can count down the game, and I think we are understanding more the way we play football.
“Sometimes you are not playing well, but you can control the game in certain moments. But it’s clear that we are improving in the way that we suffer playing football, and that is a good thing. It’s not nice, but it’s a good thing for our team.
“Part of the idea then, like I said, with the ball we had some difficulties. I think players like [Alejandro] Garnacho, who want to play open, playing inside, they need to suffer. I can put them open, but then I will have to change the idea and then it will take more time.
“I think it is also good for a player with the quality. For example, like Garnacho and Amad, if they are able to play inside and outside, they will be so much more complete. So, I think the idea still needs a lot of time, but in that part of the spirit to suffer, to understanding the game, to make some pauses. No, on the game, I think we are improving.”
