Ruben Amorim sees signs of progress in Man United’s penalty shootout win over Arsenal

Ruben Amorim sees signs of progress in Man United’s penalty shootout win over Arsenal
Ruben Amorim sees signs of progress in Man United’s penalty shootout win over Arsenal

New Delhi: Ruben Amorim felt his team Manchester United are on the road to improvement after their thriller FA Cup penalty shootout win against Arsenal. The results have given Amorim some reassurance after a bleak start to his stint at Old Trafford. For a while United have given many false hopes to their fans with both previous managers, Erik ten Hag and Olde Gunnar Solskjaer having a few breakthrough moments.

Amorim of course would have thought that the same destiny was headed his way after starting his life at United with a three-game undefeated streak before the Red Devils went back to their struggling ways, with just one win over Manchester City being their only point of redemption.

However, the weekend before, United played amazingly against Premier League leaders Liverpool, drawing 2-2 at Anfield, a result that everyone would have thought was impossible. With their confidence ignited, they have defeated Arsenal as they keep hopes of title defence alive. 

Amorim noted that the side had improved a lot since their 2-0 loss to Arsenal the month before after the Gunners scored both times from set pieces. The Portuguese felt that the team had played brilliantly in the first half and did well even in the set pieces, playing much more aggressively in the FA Cup clash despite playing with one manless after Diego Dalot received his second yellow card.

Their second-choice shot-stopper Altay Bayindir and forward Joshua Zirkzee deserved most of the credit for the win after receiving criticism lately. Bayindir was blamed for United’s exit in the League Cup against Tottenham Hotspur, while Zirkzee was heckled off as a first-half substitute during their loss to Newcastle last month. 

However, they rose to the occasion as United progressed in the competition. Amorim felt that the win with just 10 players on the field was a lesson for how much the game can change for everyone. He noted that in just a month the game had turned Bayindir from a villain to a hero and even noted the support Zirkzee was receiving in the game from the fans. He noted that the team needs to keep working in order to improve their results.

Amorim was asked if Marcus Rashford had played his last game in the United outfit after he was left out of the squad. To this, the 39-year-old replied that Rashford was still part of the United set-up and needed to work hard to stay in a team he loves to play for. However, Amorim didn’t deny that he has to make choices now.

 Manchester United FA Cup win against Arsenal comes only week after the Red Devils shockingly managed to draw game against Premier League leaders Liverpool at Anfield.  Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today