TNT Sports
Ruben Amorim reflects on what changed in Manchester United turnaround v Plzen - 'Lack of speed, lack of movement'
By
Published 12/12/2024 at 21:32 GMT
Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim was relatively content with his side's 2-1 win over Viktoria Plzen in the UEFA Europa Leauge on Thursday night in Czechia. After falling behind due to an Andre Onana error, substitute Rasmus Hojlund struck twice to earn three points for the away side. Speaking to TNT Sports after the win, the Portuguese praised both Hojlund and his team-mate Amad Diallo.
‘We lacked speed and movement’ – Amorim says Man Utd ‘reacted well’ in comeback win
Video credit: TNT Sports
Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim said it was "important" to win against Viktoria Plzen, picking out Amad Diallo and Rasmus Hojlund for praise.
The Premier League side travelled to Czechia and pulled off a 2-1 comeback win after an Andre Onana error allowed Matej Vydra to put the home side ahead in the second half.
Hojlund, alongside Antony and Mason Mount, was in the first batch of five substitutes the Portuguese made over the remainder of the game, and the Dane chipped in with two goals to win the match.
Transfers
Mancini in shock link with Man Utd, Potter set for new job - Paper Round
18/10/2025 at 08:13
The three points took United into fifth place in the league phase, which would be enough for an automatic qualification spot for the next round.
The win came after a home defeat to Nottingham Forest at the weekend in the Premier League, and speaking to TNT Sports, Amorim seemed content with the performance, and the second-half improvement.
He said: "I think we improved throughout the game. We controlled the game in the first half without any great chances.
/origin-imgresizer.tntsports.io/2024/12/12/4071915-82575953-2560-1440.jpg)
‘We’re getting better’ – Hojlund hails Man Utd for win in ‘difficult circumstances’
Video credit: TNT Sports
"A lack of speed, a lack of movement. Controlling the ball - the pitch was difficult to make the connection with the strikers and the frontal support. But Viktoria did not have chances either.
"The second half, we gave a goal away and then reacted. We pushed the opponent into their half and managed to score.
"We couldn’t score before, but it is an important win. It’s important to look at the performance, but a win is always better to prepare for the next game."
Asked what he had told his players to change before the restart, he explained: "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."
Discussing Hojlund, Amorim said the former Atalanta man was adjusting to the requirements of a new manager, adding: "He’s improving. I think he’s nearer the goal, he knows better the movements he has to do.
/origin-imgresizer.tntsports.io/2024/12/12/4071907-82575788-2560-1440.jpg)
‘Take a bow, fella’ - Hojlund wins it for Man Utd after brilliance from Fernandes
Video credit: TNT Sports
"He could have scored more this evening, but he’s scoring, he’s working, he’s controlling the ball better. He’s improving, and other guys on the bench [are there] to change the game, and they did it."
Diallo, another former Atalanta player, also impressed. The wide man featured as a No. 10, and Amorim said he has the attributes that suit the position.
"I think he can be a very good player in that position," the new coach added. "He has a left foot, we needed a left-footer in that role.
- Super-sub Hojlund nets double to rescue Man Utd win after Onana error
- Hearts beaten in Copenhagen, Galatasaray held to draw as Roma win
"I think in the first half he was coming for the ball too much. He needs to play near the goal, near the back line. It’s the first time he will improve in the future.
"We controlled the transitions well, we were aggressive when we lost the ball. We need time to work on the possession.
"This team needs to spend a lot of time near the opponents’ goal, not just in transition. We are trying to work on that, but it’s good to win, to prepare for the next game. It’s really important for us."
- - -
TNT Sports will show over 500 matches from the UEFA Champions League, the UEFA Europa League and the UEFA Conference League across the 2024/25 season. The streaming home for TNT Sports in the UK is discovery+, where fans can enjoy a subscription that includes TNT Sports, Eurosport and entertainment in one destination.
Related Topics
Thoughts?