Ruben Amorim says he’s willing to risk more heavy defeats within the Premier League to maintain his Manchester United side fresh for the Europa League after their dramatic quarter-final win against Lyon.
United looked dead and buried at Old Trafford after a dramatic turnaround from ten-man Lyon saw the French side 6-4 ahead on aggregate with ten minutes of extra-time remaining.
But Amorim’s side as an alternative staged a dramatic late comeback as goals from Bruno Fernandes, Kobbie Mainoo and Harry Maguire within the space of seven minutes saw the hosts turn the tie on its head to assert a remarkable 7-6 aggregate victory.
The result sees the Red Devils, who currently languish 14th within the league, progress to the semi-finals and keep alive their hopes of silverware and Champions League qualification for next season.
And Amorim insisted his full focus will turn to the Europa League for the remaining weeks of the season as he looks to plot a route back to Europe.
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The Portuguese coach made several changes on the weekend in preparation for Thursday’s clash, with a rotated side thumped 4-1 by Newcastle United at St James’ Park.
However the Red Devils coach warned that fans can have to get used to similar defeats within the league as he looks to maintain his side fresh for the one games that actually matter between now and the top of the campaign.
‘We may have to be really focused on the Europa League and we may have to take a risk with the children within the Premier League,’ he told TNT Sports post-match.
‘We’ve to be tough on that and the fans have to grasp that we now have to give attention to the Europa League.’
Former United defender Rio Ferdinand quickly supported the notion, saying: ‘I feel it’s so vital about the way you go into those games physically.
‘Man United have to be in place physically, so get all of your experienced players back and in the event that they do this they’re in place.’
Keen to take the positives on the night, nevertheless, Amorim was hopeful that the character of his side’s dramatic quarter-final victory could give his players the idea to go on and win the entire competition.
‘It’s one moment that may change loads things,’ he said. ‘Sometimes we just have a look at the tactical aspect or the physical aspect, but a majority of these moments can change loads.’
Asked whether United can win the Europa League, he added: ‘Yes, you may see it within the stadium. Everyone believes it will possibly be possible.
‘The sound of the stadium for the goals by Harry Maguire and Kobbie was the most effective sound I ever [heard]. They [the fans] are crazy.’
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