Ruben Amorim Pre-Arsenal 🎙️ | Press Conference

Summary

In this transcript, the manager discusses several key issues concerning the team's upcoming matches, player availability, and the challenges they face. There are concerns about injuries, player fatigue, and the need to balance preparation for a crucial match against Arsenal with recovery. The manager emphasizes the importance of staying competitive and focused despite the pressures, including external challenges like protests. He also mentions the difficulties in managing a smaller squad, especially with key players out, and acknowledges the influence of Arteta's approach at Arsenal while emphasizing the unique situation at Manchester United.

Takeaways

• 😀 The manager is unsure if players Harry or Manuel will be available for Sunday’s match against Arsenal.
• 😀 The team has been struggling with fatigue, particularly after a physically taxing game, and the manager is focusing on managing recovery for the upcoming fixtures.
• 😀 Players like Cheeto (Rosmus) might be considered for a starting role on Sunday, depending on their readiness after training.
• 😀 The manager expressed concern about the team’s anxiety around scoring goals and is working to ease this through training and visualization.
• 😀 Fatigue and player rotation are significant challenges, especially with the tight schedule of Premier League and Europa League matches.
• 😀 Europa League fixtures are more physically demanding than Premier League games due to the recovery time required, making squad rotation more difficult.
• 😀 External pressures, such as the planned protest before Sunday’s game, do not affect the manager's focus, as he remains committed to improving the team and achieving good results.
• 😀 The manager is hopeful that some injured players, including Ahmad, will return before the end of the season.
• 😀 The team must remain competitive for Sunday’s match against Arsenal, even with the potential risks of player injuries from fatigue.
• 😀 The manager acknowledged that Arteta’s rebuilding of Arsenal is an inspiration but emphasized that his current situation at Manchester United is different, lacking the same time to rebuild.

Q & A

Will Harry or Manuel be available for the match on Sunday?

The manager is unsure if Harry or Manuel will be available, as they are still assessing the players' recovery. The priority is to prepare for the crucial game on Thursday.

Can Cheeto potentially start on Sunday against Arsenal?

Yes, Cheeto is on the list and can potentially start if he trains well and is fit for the game.

What is the manager's approach to easing the team's anxiety about scoring goals?

The manager emphasizes improving the team's movement and tactical execution. He believes once the team scores the first goal, it will become much easier for them.

Is the manager worried about the upcoming protest before the Arsenal match?

The manager acknowledges the protest but maintains that his focus is on improving the team's performance. He believes the protest is part of the club's culture, and everyone has the right to express their opinions.

How is the manager handling the physical and mental fatigue of the players?

The manager is carefully managing player fatigue by prioritizing recovery and rotating the squad to avoid injuries. He acknowledges that the Europa League's demanding schedule adds extra pressure.

Will the manager rotate players for the upcoming matches, given the tight schedule?

Due to the small squad, player rotation is challenging. However, the manager is doing his best to freshen up the team and ensure that players who are fit and not at risk of injury are selected.

Is there any update on Mason Mount, Luke Shaw, and other injured players?

Mason Mount and Luke Shaw could potentially return before the season ends, while Amad's return is also a possibility, though the manager is cautious about providing firm timelines.

What are the biggest challenges the manager is facing right now?

The biggest challenge is managing player fatigue and ensuring the team is competitive despite having a small squad. Additionally, balancing the Europa League and Premier League fixtures is proving to be difficult.

Does the manager believe that the team's poor form is due to external pressures or internal factors?

The manager believes the focus should be on internal improvements. While external pressures, such as protests, are acknowledged, his priority is on improving the team and their performance on the pitch.

How does the manager view the comparison between his situation and Arteta's at Arsenal?

The manager feels that Arteta’s situation is different, particularly in terms of having more time to implement changes. While Arteta's work at Arsenal is inspirational, the manager acknowledges that his circumstances are not the same.