Ruben Amorim was able to pick out clear signs of progress from his Manchester United side after they dumped Arsenal out of the FA Cup on Sunday.
The Portuguese suffered his first defeat in charge of United at the Emirates Stadium in early December, but more than a month after Diogo Dalot’s red card, he fought hard with 10 men in the third round on penalties and for the playoffs to eventually overcome their hosts.
It’s clear United still have a long way to go before they become the team Amorim wants them to be. Had Kai Havertz not spurned two golden chances, or had Altai Bayandir not saved Martin Odegaard’s penalty in normal time, the story might have been different. , and their FA Cup defense would be over.
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Clinton Morrison reacts after awarding Arsenal a controversial penalty against Manchester United in the FA Cup.
But it was a big step up from that Premier League defeat, and when you add to that the positive results away at Manchester City and Liverpool, the bigger picture is starting to look promising for Amorim and United.
Especially in the first half, we played better than in the first game,” Amorim said. “Today we played better, more aggressive, showed spirit even with 10 men.
Violence breaks out between Kai Havertz and Harry Maguire
“The away game was very difficult for us. There were some chances from Arsenal. The players were really tired.
“But I felt because the first minute today was our day. And I felt a connection with our fans.”
Discussing the resilience shown by his team, Amorim added: “When we score first, it helps us to suffer. Suffering is more power.
“We can relax the game. We understand more about how we play. sometimes we don’t play well, but you can control the game at times. It’s clear that we are improving with our suffering. It’s a good thing for the team.
Joshua Zirkzee celebrates after scoring the decisive penalty in Manchester United’s shootout
Penalty heroes Altai Byndir and Joshua Zirkzy have certainly suffered under Amorim, with the goalkeeper missing from a corner in his last game against Tottenham in the Carabao Cup quarter-final, while Zirkzy was booed by his own supporters when he was sent off at Old Trafford. at Trafford” Before the break against Newcastle.
“Your life as a footballer has cycles and moments and sometimes your life can change,” said Amorim, referring to the influence of the two players at the Emirates.
“At Tottenham people were pointing fingers at Alta and today he was also our hero.
Altay Bayindir deny Arsenal in extra time
“Josh had a bit of a problem with the fans and he has the last penalty today. That’s life, your time will come.”
United haven’t won a game in six straight games in normal time, but perhaps their team’s good times are coming.
Three home games in a row against Southampton, Brighton and Rangers in the Europa League gives them the chance to build on the foundations they have laid over the last two games.
What’s to come?
SNF:
Sunday, January 12 at 12:30 p.m
