Ruben Amorim was delighted by Rasmus Hoylund and Amad Diallo’s post-match spat in the Czech Republic as the Manchester United manager saw the fire he wanted from his players.
After defeats to Arsenal and Nottingham Forest added up to shock sporting director Dan Ashworth, the Red Devils lifted spirits with a 2-1 Europa League comeback win at Viktoria Plzen on Thursday.
Andre Onana’s error led to former Burnley striker Matej Vydra putting the hosts ahead early in the second half, but United substitute Hoylund quickly equalized before slotting home Amorim two minutes from time to secure Amorim’s first away win as United boss. coach
Bruno Fernandes’ assist for Rasmus Hoylund’s winning goal was the seventh chance he created against Viktoria Plzen.
But the overriding feeling for the two-goal winner in regulation time was one of disappointment at having been denied the chance to complete a hat-trick when Diallo opted to go solo rather than cross.
In another stoppage time, Hojlund decided to deny a pass to the striker, leading to an argument at the final whistle that recently appointed Amorim saw as a positive.
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“Yes (I was aware of that), and for me it’s perfect,” said the head coach of United.
“You know, at this point we have to feel something. If we have to fight each other, that’s a very, very good sign to me. We have to feel something, and that’s important “.
Rasmus Hoylund has been involved in 50% of Manchester United’s goals in the UEFA Europa League this season.
For the Portuguese, it shows the care of the players, he said. “It’s clear.
“When you don’t care, you don’t do anything, when you care, you fight with your brother, with your father, with your mother, for me it’s a very good sign.
Ruben Amorim tonight became the third Manchester United manager to win his first two games in both of Europe’s major competitions in charge of the club, following Matt Busby and Alex Ferguson.
“It’s a normal thing, I think it’s a positive, healthy thing, so I’ve let the players and the captain calm things down.
“If I see that it’s too much, I’ll go to the dressing room, but it’s their territory, they have to talk, they have to fight, and again for me it’s a very important thing.”
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Robert Earnshaw reflects on Manchester United’s Europa League win over Viktoria Plzen
Thursday’s win saw United take a giant step towards the knockout stages of the Europa League and boost their chances of finishing in the top eight, meaning they would skip the knockout stages.
It was a welcome shot ahead of Sunday’s trip to tempting rivals Manchester City, and another step forward as Amorim looks to build a side in character.
No other UEFA Europa League team has conceded more points than Manchester United this season (7).
“At this moment, in this context, as we give a goal to the opponent, it was important not to give up,” he said.
“It’s a great message. It wasn’t a great game, but we manage to do these good things, which is good when you build a team, and I think we deserved to win.
“I’m happy that we won the game and we’re still fighting each other, it’s a very good thing.
“When you win and you fight with your teammate because you want to score another goal, for me it’s a very good day for us.”
