Manchester United has struggled this season for the goal in the Premier League, but could have been easily set up against Elite Population in the Champions League
Ruben Amorim has admitted that Manchester United would not have been competitive in the Champions League this season. Amorim has passed Old Trafford for a painful first seven months, but a Europa League final against Tottenham Hotspur provided a route to the European Elite competition.
But United was beaten 1-0 in a matte final in Bilbao. They are now going to League Two Grimsby on Wednesday in the second round of the Carabao Cup with Amorim that is only able to compete on domestic fronts this season.
“We were not willing to play in Europe. That was my feeling,” said Amorim. “(We were not prepared) to play strong matches in the Champions League and then play in the Premier League.” I said that last season. We need time to prepare every game.
“The games are real, really competitive and we need time to build the basics, and then, in the future, to move forward. We will reach a moment when we have to reach Europe for everyone to have more games.”
Despite the investment of £ 200 million in signing Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko, no United player scored this season. After losing 1-0 to Arsenal in their opening match of the Premier League season, their goal was in the 1-1 draw with Fulham's own goal. The off-target header from Leny Yoro broke Fulham forward Rodrigo Muniz on his way to the net, just after Bruno Fernandes had skied a penalty kick.
Amorim can be relieved that his side does not play European and Premier League football at the same time, but it will certainly bother its margin players. He is inflexible with his 3-4-3 formation, which has left Kobbie Mainoo and Joshua Zirkzee on the outside.
The two United Stars, as well as young people Ayden Heaven and Chido Obi, can expect to appear or even start in Blundell Park. When asked if he will make changes to the Mariners, Amorim said: “We have two games this week. We have quality players and we need rotation to try to win every game.
“We need time to develop as a team. So they just have to fight for their places and then everything can change. Sometimes one and then other boys play a play, and then we have the cups. There will be many games for everyone.”
Noussair Mazraoui, who is close to a return. The Moroccan is out with a dijing injury and is no longer visible since playing 45 minutes in the 1-1 preseason of United with Leeds.
Amorim said: “Maybe he will return next week, we will see it. But he is in the neighborhood. We are just some exercises with him to ensure that he is not going to have another problem.”
United is at home in Burnley on Saturday in the competition.