Amorim: It's a special moment in my career

Thursday 28 November 2024 23:14

Ruben Amorim was blown away by the reception he received from Manchester United fans before his first game at Old Trafford, saying it's something he will remember for the rest of his career.

The match itself, against Norwegian champions Bodo/Glimt, was fairly noteworthy too, with United running out 3-2 winners, thanks to Rasmus Hojlund's double either side of the break.

Our visitors had earlier struck twice in the space of four minutes in reply to Alejandro Garnacho's opener, which hit the net after just 49 seconds.

Below, in his interviews with TNT Sports, MUTV, beIN SPORTS and various other broadcasters, Amorim reviews the Europa League encounter and highlights three Reds who particularly impressed.

But it was the welcome he was given by all four corners of Old Trafford that will linger long in the memory...

A RECEPTION TO REMEMBER

“The first thing is that half of the stadium doesn't really know me. I came from Portugal - I did nothing for this club yet. So the way they make me feel at home, it's so special, you know, it's not after something, it's before something. This is something special. And I will keep this to the end of my career. It’s a special moment in my career, I hope it will be one of the many games here. It’s a great crowd, great supporters. They are hungry for wins, that’s what we want to give them. One more win in Europe, improve the team, show them what we are working on.”

WIN WAS MERITED

“We knew that Bodo was a strong team. Very good on transitions. They have quality players, good connections, a very good team. But I think we had the first goal, like the last game and then we suffered two goals in transitions. We controlled the game, we controlled the tempo of the game. Just the last 10 minutes was tough for us. We had opportunities to kill the game and then in the end we suffer a little bit, but I think we deserved the win.”

WHY I CELEBRATED SECOND GOAL

“I was more enthusiastic with the second one, I think because we deserve it. The first goal, you cannot say we deserve it because the game was in the beginning. But the second goal, I think we were controlling very well the game. We suffered two transitions and it was I felt a really important moment in the game. It was like a game, like a journey, a good moments, bad moments and then good moments again. And like I said, I think we deserved the win.”

WHY BRUNO WAS DEEPER

“You can feel it that he's the most experienced player. Sometimes we start the play and Bruno is the right man to start with the tempo of the play. Then they play with the back four. They close really inside. We tried to switch play all the time and Bruno is the best one doing that. So that's why I think he's a midfielder. If you see this game Mason Mount always with his back for the goal. It's hard. And Bruno it’s better with the goal in front of him.”

Ruben: We improved from the last game Video

Ruben: We improved from the last game

Ruben Amorim details where he saw growth from his new side in Thursday's victory over Bodo/Glimt...

ON HOTSHOT HOJLUND

“I'm very happy for him. I think he improved the connection. I think he has to improve more because sometimes he takes too many touches when he holds up the ball. It is very important for us because when we are in the low block he is the guy to hold the ball and connect us in transitions. He did that very well and he has that characteristic. He was aggressive in the goals and in the box, he is a quality player. I think he scores the most difficult goals. He has a lot to improve but that is the same for every player. He did a great job today."

MARVELLOUS MAZRAOUI

“He’s an incredible player, he’s our future. He played in different positions, he looks always fresh but we have to be careful. There’s a lot of games but he’s here to stay. This kind of player is what we need.”

STILL EARLY STAGES

“Yeah, and I get anxious because I don't know what will happen. You know, because you don't control nothing 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 and we don't work a lot together. So 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.”

THERE WILL BE UPS AND DOWNS

“I know it will be tough. We will have problems in the future but that is normal in every club and with every coach. We are changing in the middle of the season and we know that we don’t have time to train. I believe in the people, I believe in the players, I believe in the staff and I feel at home. I have a job to do and I know how to do that job. You have to be lucky, sometimes the ball hits the post and goes in so these small things will help us. I am confident because I believe in everyone in this squad.”

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