Amorim on Yoro, being 'brave' and fan connection

Amorim on Yoro, being ‘brave’ and fan connection

Posted by Admin December 2, 2024 Football

Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim has been speaking to the media before Wednesday’s Premier League game against Arsenal (kick-off 20:15 GMT).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

Amorim confirmed that Leny Yoro “could be in the squad” as the defender is in a “good moment” and his “fitness is better”. The boss also said he will have to assess the fitness of his other players in training on Tuesday.
On having the chance to work with Yoro: “He is a special talent. We have to be careful in the first moments. We have not had a lot of training together, he has been training in a small group. He is really fast, a modern defender, which is really good when you want to press high. He can manage one on one with strikers and he is good with the ball so I am really excited to see him play.”
On what he has made of Yoro’s fellow defender Noussair Mazraoui: “In games, he is a top player. He understands games, knows how to attack, is very technical, very good defensively [and] in one on ones. He is a modern player – he is the future of our team. You need more players like him who can control the the play, are comfortable with the ball and understand the game.”
He also confirmed that Bruno Fernandes “is fit to play” after pictures emerged of him with ice on his ankle after being subbed off in their 4-0 win over Everton on Sunday.
On the importance of togetherness in the early days of his tenure: “That is something you cannot buy, the pedigree and size of the club. That is something we have to use. It is a key point for us and improving the youth teams, creating a connection with everybody to put the club where it needs to be.
He feels Arsenal will be the “biggest” and “best team” they have faced so far, but that “every game is a test” now as they have to manage the minutes of players.
On what he would like to see from his team in matches like this: “It is important to be brave. Not in pressing all the time high, we have to understand the game and moments of the game. We need to have the ball – we also want to dominate some moments of the game because in these matches it is hard to control all of the game. We have to be brave and to play the game.”
With fans already giving the new boss a chant in the stands, Amorim said he feels “a bit embarrassed, because I am the coach. They have to chant for players and the club”.
He added: “Not a good thing for me. I appreciate the connection with supporters but I want them to support the players because they are on the pitch. But I am honoured, I feel the connection with supporters but we need results to maintain that.”