Ruben Amorim has addressed fitness issues within his Manchester United squad, acknowledging that Rasmus Hojlund appeared dead during the match against Bodo/Glimt.
Having succeeded Erik ten Hag, Amorim is determined to refine the Red Devils’ performance.
However, Thursday night’s game at Old Trafford highlighted the significant work that remains to be done. ..Continue Reading
United trailed for 22 minutes before Rasmus Hojlund scored twice, securing a crucial 3-2 victory in their pursuit of Europa League knockout stage qualification.
Following the match, Amorim noted some improvements compared to Sunday’s performance at Portman Road. Nevertheless, he emphasized that maintaining fitness in his demanding 3-4-3 system could play a critical role in the team’s progress.
“We had more chances [than against Ipswich] and were more dangerous. But we will have to change players,” Amorim told TNT Sports. “I felt that Rasmus was dead. Some [players] were really, really tired.
“We made four substitutions because of the fitness of the players, not because of what was best for the game. We are in that moment. We need the squad all together and fit.”
Manchester United’s defense was frequently exposed during the first half, as Hakon Evjen and Philip Zinckernagel turned the game around for Bodo/Glimt after Alejandro Garnacho’s opening goal in the first minute.
Rasmus Hojlund leveled the score just before halftime, but the team only began to show real composure after Ruben Amorim adjusted the formation and replaced Tyrell Malacia with Diogo Dalot.
Although it’s still early in the Portuguese manager’s tenure, he faces a steep learning curve, with a home match against Everton this Sunday followed by a challenging visit to Arsenal next week.
“I get anxious because I don’t know what will happen,” he explained. “You don’t control anything at the moment. We are trying to see different things. Of course, we have an idea for each game, but I don’t know the players very well.
“We go to the game excited because we want to see different things, but at the same time you are a little bit anxious and nervous because you don’t know how the game will go.”
