Ruben Amorim, the Manchester United coach, never ceases to surprise. At a press conference before the semi-final return of the Europa League against Athletic Bilbao, the Portuguese technician launched an ironic declaration that risks talking. While his team has a catastrophic season in the Premier League, Amorim allowed himself to underline the strange paradox that could see the Red Devils become “The worst team in the history of the Premier League to win a European title”.
If the irony used by Amorim was clearly aimed at provoking a pride reaction in its players, one can nevertheless question the relevance of this method. Manchester United, far from its usual standards, has a very disappointing season on a domestic level and seems to need unity and trust. Amorim, by publicly lowering his group, takes the risk of a fracture in the locker room rather than obtaining the expected positive reaction.
Amorim plays with fire: can his “Worse United History” really win the Europa League?
The Portuguese coach is however realistic on the current flaws of his team. Despite the comfortable victory at the first leg (3-0 in Bilbao), he wanted to recall the difficulties encountered in the first minutes of the match. “We lost the ball too easily, which allowed them to create opportunities”he explained, stressing that his team will again have to “suffer” to reach the European final, where a direct qualification for the Champions League would await them.
Amorim, irony to prick its players
By using such a provocative speech, Amorim undoubtedly hopes to arouse an awakening of pride among his men. But this double -edged tactic could be dangerous. By dint of publicly lowering his players, Amorim could as well cause the opposite effect, by arousing an internal rebellion instead of a positive reaction on the ground. Mutual respect between coach and players remains fundamental.
Be that as it may, Amorim now put everything on this European competition, aware that a success would save appearances. It remains to be seen whether its public irony will have the expected result, or if it will add an additional problem to an already complicated season. Tonight, facing Bilbao, United will give the answer.
