Ruben Amorim says he is willing to risk more heavy defeats in the Premier League to keep his Manchester United side fresh for the Europa League after their dramatic quarter-final win against Lyon.
United looked dead and buried at Old Trafford after a dramatic turnaround from ten-man Lyon saw the French side 6-4 ahead on aggregate with ten minutes of extra-time remaining.
But Amorim’s side instead staged a dramatic late comeback as goals from Bruno Fernandes, Kobbie Mainoo and Harry Maguire in the space of seven minutes saw the hosts turn the tie on its head to claim a remarkable 7-6 aggregate victory.
The result sees the Red Devils, who currently languish 14th in the league, progress to the semi-finals and keep alive their hopes of silverware and Champions League qualification for next season.
And Amorim insisted his full focus will turn to the Europa League for the remaining weeks of the season as he looks to plot a route back to Europe.
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The Portuguese coach made several changes at the weekend in preparation for Thursday’s clash, with a rotated side thumped 4-1 by Newcastle United at St James’ Park.
But the Red Devils coach warned that fans may have to get used to similar defeats in the league as he looks to keep his side fresh for the only games that really matter between now and the end of the campaign.
‘We will have to be really focused on the Europa League and we will have to take a risk with the kids in the Premier League,’ he told TNT Sports post-match.
‘We have to be tough on that and the fans have to understand that we have to focus on the Europa League.’
Former United defender Rio Ferdinand quickly supported the notion, saying: ‘I think it’s so important about how you go into those games physically.
‘Man United need to be in a good place physically, so get all your experienced players back and if they do that they’re in a good place.’
Keen to take the positives on the night, however, Amorim was hopeful that the nature of his side’s dramatic quarter-final victory could give his players the belief to go on and win the whole competition.
‘It’s one moment that can change a lot things,’ he said. ‘Sometimes we just look at the tactical aspect or the physical aspect, but these types of moments can change a lot.’
Asked whether United can win the Europa League, he added: ‘Yes, you can see it in the stadium. Everyone believes it can be possible.
‘The sound of the stadium for the goals by Harry Maguire and Kobbie was the best sound I ever [heard]. They [the fans] are crazy.’
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