Ruben Amorim was able to pick out clear signs of progress from his Manchester United team after they knocked Arsenal out of the FA Cup on Sunday.
The Portuguese had suffered his first defeat as United boss at the Emirates Stadium at the start of December but just over a month on his side battled hard for an hour with 10 men after Diogo Dalot’s red card to take the third-round tie to penalties and eventually overcome their hosts.
Clearly there is still a long way for United to go before they become the team Amorim wants them to be. Had Kai Havertz not spurned two golden opportunities or had Altay Bayindir not saved Martin Odegaard’s penalty in normal time, the story could have been different and their FA Cup defence ended.
Clinton Morrison reacts as Arsenal are given a controversial penalty against Manchester United in the FA Cup.
But this felt like a big step forward from that Premier League loss. And when it is added to positive recent away-day results at Manchester City and Liverpool, the bigger picture is starting to look like an encouraging one for Amorim and United.
“Especially in the first half we played better than in the first game,” said Amorim. “We were better in set-pieces today, more aggressive, we showed spirit, even with 10 men.
Tempers flare between Kai Havertz and Harry Maguire
“The sending-off was really hard on us. There were some opportunities from Arsenal. The players were really tired.
“But I felt since the first minute today was our day. And I felt a connection with our fans.”
Discussing the resilience his side have increasingly shown, Amorim added: “When we score first it helps us to suffer. It’s more strength to suffer.
“We can calm down the game. We are understanding more the way we play – sometimes not playing well but you can control the game in certain moments. It’s clear we’re improving with the way we suffer. It’s a good thing for a team.”
Joshua Zirkzee celebrates after scoring the decisive penalty in Manchester United’s shootout win
The penalty shootout heroes – Altay Bayindir and Joshua Zirkzee – have certainly had to suffer during Amorim’s tenure. The goalkeeper conceded directly from a corner on his last appearance against Tottenham in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals, while Zirkzee was booed by his own supporters when he was taken off before half-time against Newcastle at Old Trafford.
“Your life as a footballer has cycles and moments and sometimes your life can change,” Amorim said on the impact those two players had at the Emirates.
“At Tottenham people were pointing the finger at Altay and today he was our hero also.
Altay Bayindir denies Arsenal in extra-time
“Josh had a small problem from the fans and today he has the last penalty. Life is like that. Your time will come.”
United haven’t won a game in normal time for six matches in a row. Yet perhaps their better times as a team are coming too.
Three home games in a row – against Southampton, Brighton and then Rangers in the Europa League – give them the chance to build on the foundations they have put in place over the past two games.
What’s coming up?
SNF
Sunday 12th January 12:30pm
