Ruben Amorim joked that Amad Diallo saved him from an awkward conversation with Sir Jim Ratcliffe after his 12-minute hat-trick saved Manchester United against Southampton.
Minority owner Ratcliffe sat in the stands alongside CEO Omar Berrada, technical director Jason Wilcox and advisor Sir Dave Brailsford, watching as United huffed and puffed against the worst team in the league and stared defeat in the face with ten minutes to go at the hands of Manuel . Own goal by Ugarte.
But after three moments of magic from Amad, Ratcliffe and Amorim were able to make a rare catch-up and the United boss was grateful that smiles and not frowns were on the menu.
“Yes, I had five minutes with him to talk about different things,” he said. 'The game wasn't good, but the result helped the conversation!
'Today was more important [to get] the victory. I know the fans want to see so much better football, but we have to win games. We managed to win and we will prepare for the next match.'
Only Wayne Rooney (21 years and 4 days against Bolton in October 2006) scored a Premier League hat-trick for Manchester United at a younger age than Amad did here against Southampton (22 years and 189 days).
But his heroics here mean the Ivorian is now the Red Devils' youngest-ever hat-trick scorer at Old Trafford in the competition.
'He still has a lot to improve, but this game is in the passing. Enjoy tonight, it is a special moment and he must appreciate these moments, but tomorrow is a new moment and we must prepare.”
Southampton boss Ivan Juric accused his players of playing like 'innocent children' and urged them to 'be more Italian' after throwing away and losing a 1-0 lead.
'We were much better than Manchester United [for most of the game]”For the last fifteen minutes we were like innocent children,” he groaned.
'You don't have to play 75 minutes to win this match. In the last 15 minutes you have to be more and more evil to win the game. There are many situations where we are naive.'
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