Amorim emphasises togetherness

The Reds were missing a number of key individuals for the Boxing Day encounter, including inspirational captain Bruno Fernandes, and ended the match with a very youthful line-up.

The outstanding Ayden Heaven and Tyler Fredricson were together in the middle of the defence, while Jack Fletcher replaced Mason Mount at the interval.

In the end, Patrick Chinazaekpere Dorgu's first-half volley proved the difference between the teams and Amorim spoke to Sky Sports and MUTV afterwards about playing a back four, battling for the victory and his faith in the youngsters...

SUFFERING TOGETHER

"We played two games in one. We had to suffer, all together, in the stadium and in the game. It was really difficult for us. We did good in the first half but, in the second half, we just defend and try to do something with [Matheus] Cunha. We had our opportunities with transitions but it was a good win. I had so many games here, saying we played really well but didn't get the three points. Today was the opposite. We suffered together and managed to win the game."

THE CHANGE IN SYSTEM

"I think, in the first half, we showed that, I felt it was the only way to create more danger and to have opportunities, with a back four. Lots of guys inside, even to keep the ball. I remember the game last year [against Newcastle], we lost one against one, outside. So we just tried to imagine the game to help the players feel comfortable."

DORGU'S CONFIDENT DISPLAY

"Because you put him in one position that is more in front. The responsibility is not the same. He had a little more freedom, he can take more risks, and I think it helped Patrick to play better. They just need to understand, and Manu [Manuel Ugarte] did a very good game today, they must understand that, sometimes, you can have a good day and the next day can be worse. You have to deal with that and train well and to go forward."

THE SQUAD GOING THROUGH THE EMOTIONS

"I think we spend a lot of time with each other. We had some low moments and, sometimes, we can bring good things to the group, that it is good to have that feeling and good to have the experienced players helping the kids, some of the kids. Understanding we are suffering and it doesn't matter if you're outside the pitch. You can play the game and I think everyone played the game."

BRING THE BELIEF

"It's the belief, even without a lot of team-mates, they believe they can win games and that is really important. I'm always talking about not just improving the way we play but suffering together, putting everything on the line when defending the box. Today, we showed that."

MORE OF JACK FLETCHER

"It's very important for any kid. He is going to hear from his father already. I know Darren is going to talk a lot of things but he needs to back up, to calm down and just praise the kid because he's really humble. He works really hard and deserves this."

THE ACADEMY

"We have a squad and I try to choose the best players to play. I understand the history of the club. I want to be part of that. Sometimes, you just need to choose the best players to win. Today was the opposite of many games, we put players of the Academy in because we had to do it and they deserved it."

IN CONCLUSION

"Clean sheet. Back four. So I think I don't need a press conference. Kobbie [Mainoo] is injured, so I think that's all the subjects. We can go home to enjoy Boxing Day. Three points then, tomorrow, nobody is going to remember how the game was. So let's go the next one."