Amorim got team 'absolutely spot on'
- Published
On the recent episode of The Devils' Advocate podcast Gaz Drinkwater reflects on Ruben Amorim's first Premier League home game: "[He] got his team selection absolutely spot on. It’s not just a case of giving people an opportunity for opportunities sake, but Rasmus Hojlund scores those two goals [against Bodo/Glimt] and he’ll say in his head: 'I’m the starting striker now'. I’m not saying he isn’t going to give enough in training because of that, but if he’s confident, then naturally there will be one percent of his brain saying: 'I’m fine, I’m going to be starting'.
"Amorim makes the bold call of throwing in out-of-form, under-pressure striker Joshua Zirkzee, who has a phenomenal game. I have criticised Zirkzee so much, but he was phenomenal against Everton, not just the goals, but in the build-up. Now they're both going to be biting, wanting to prove to the manager they can start the next game."
United fan Jay Mottershead added: "Amorim has to take some credit. I think he’s been quite fair in giving players the opportunity.
"He’s obviously doing well with these players in getting them believing in themselves and getting the confidence up and giving them the opportunity. I think that’s the right thing to do if you’re coming in as a new manager.
"Amad Diallo has come in this season and done well. I wasn’t sure he was going to be a wing-back but he’s been phenomenal. How often do we see United attackers get in that final third and make the wrong decisions? He makes the right decision time and time again and he did that against Everton.
And supporter Kim Burdett added: "What’s really interesting with Amorim is he keeps saying that he is focusing on the performance - the result is just one thing. Isn’t that a complete 180-degree turn from Erik ten Hag?
"It seems like Amorim is trying to play the long game. Of course, results are great and we need those, but he is more bothered about how this is going to progress in the future."
