Ruben Amorim admitted to a “responsibility” to “win trophies” at Manchester United after the Red Devils reached the Europa League knockout stages.
After a shaky start in the competition under Erik ten Hag, which saw United register three consecutive draws, the team found its rhythm and secured five straight victories to finish third among 36 teams in the league phase.
Four of those wins came under Amorim, showcasing the team’s steady progress under his leadership.
The final group-stage match in Romania saw United claim a 2-0 victory, with rising star Kobbie Mainoo providing the assist for Diogo Dalot’s opener before sealing the result with a goal of his own.
This ensured that United remained unbeaten in the group stage—an achievement no other side in either the Champions League or Europa League managed this season.
Reflecting on the team’s progress, Amorim stressed that while their style of play hasn’t drastically changed, the players are now executing their movements more effectively which makes him dream of lifting silverware in May at Bilbao.
“I don’t see a big difference in the way we play, but today we had more time to think and now you can see some movements, the idea is there because we have more time to play and understand the game,” Amorim told reporters.
“I think we can go game by game and we can win it.
“Then you have the responsibility, no matter the context, you are in Manchester United so you must fight for winning trophies.
“When you get to this stage of any competition, anything is possible and they can prove they can win against anybody.”
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One of Amorim’s key objectives since taking charge in November has been avoiding the Europa League play-offs, which would have added more fixtures to an already packed schedule. Securing direct qualification to the Round of 16 has now given United the much-needed breathing room to focus on training and refining their tactics.
“That is really important for us, to have time to train, create connection between everyone, the staff, everyone there in training, go to the pitch, know each other in the right environment,” Amorim added.
“Then we have one week to prepare a game, the beginning of the week you can work your idea and then have time to prepare the game and focus on the opponent.
“I can understand better my players.”
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However, United’s potential opponents in the round of 16 include Real Sociedad, Galatasaray, AZ Alkmaar, or FC Midtjylland.
However, with the knockout rounds set to begin later in March, Amorim will now turn his attention to keeping United’s momentum going in the domestic competitions with a fixture against Crystal Palace next in the Premier League on Sunday.
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