Manager Reflects on Fatigue and Momentum Shift After 1-1 Draw with Real Sociedad
Ruben Amorim, Manchester United’s interim manager, has declared that the “pressure is on” his side as they prepare for a decisive UEFA Europa League second leg against Real Sociedad at Old Trafford next week. The comment comes after United battled to a 1-1 draw in Spain on Thursday, a result that leaves the tie finely balanced.
United started brightly in the first leg, taking the lead in the second half through Joshua Zirkzee. However, the momentum shifted when Bruno Fernandes conceded a penalty, which Real Sociedad’s Mikel Oyarzabal calmly converted in the 70th minute. Amorim, speaking to TNT Sports after the match, admitted that the equalizer changed the complexion of the game.
“Until the penalty, I felt we had control,” Amorim said. “But the penalty changed the momentum. I think our team was really, really tired in the last 30 minutes. You could feel it in the game—we were late on the ball, even in transitions. They were stronger in that period.”
The Portuguese manager attributed part of the drop in performance to fatigue, exacerbated by injuries that left United with limited options from the bench. Despite the challenges, Amorim praised his team’s efforts, particularly their possession and moments of quality, though he acknowledged that decision-making in the final third could have been sharper.
Looking ahead to the return leg at Old Trafford, Amorim emphasized the heightened expectations that come with playing at home. “We take this stage to Old Trafford,” he said. “It’s going to be a different game. The pressure is on us in that stadium. We have to be ready.”
Before the crucial Europa League clash, however, United face a tough Premier League test against Arsenal on Sunday. Amorim stressed the importance of managing his squad’s physical condition, stating, “The key will be surviving physically on Sunday and being ready and fresh on Thursday.”
With the tie delicately poised, all eyes will be on Old Trafford next week as United aim to secure their place in the next round. For now, Amorim’s focus is on navigating a packed schedule and ensuring his team is primed for the challenges ahead.
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