Amorim Stands Firm on Three-Back System
Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has confirmed the absences of Harry Maguire and Manuel Ugarte for their Europa League clash with Real Sociedad on Thursday night. The Red Devils are traveling to the Reale Arena for their third meeting with Sociedad in four years, and neither side is enjoying the season they had hoped for. Despite facing criticism for his stubbornness over the three-back system, Amorim remains confident in his approach. "I think the system is not the problem; it is the way of playing," he stated. "We have a lot of problems and we are trying to work on them. Every system needs different characteristics. I am still really confident. I will not change that [my formation]." Amorim’s unwavering commitment to his tactical strategy is a clear indication of his belief in the team’s potential to turn things around, even in the face of adversity.
United’s European Hopes and De Ligt’s Resolve
The Red Devils are well aware that their current Premier League position makes European qualification through domestic means a distant hope. Central defender Matthijs de Ligt acknowledged this reality and focused on the immediate goal of the Europa League. "That is the consequence [Champions League qualification] if you win the tournament. That is our main goal," he said. "We need to take it game-by-game. We have to put everything on the line to win the game and hopefully we will get a good result tomorrow." De Ligt’s pragmatic approach reflects the team’s determination to channel their efforts into this competition, where success could provide a lifeline to their European ambitions.
Handling Pressure and Criticism
De Ligt also addressed the intense pressure and criticism the team has faced this season. "We have encountered a lot of pressure and a lot of criticism. For me, it is not something different as I have been at clubs where you are expected to win titles," he explained. "You have to keep going, you have to work hard, and you have to improve." His comments reveal a seasoned professionalism and resilience, qualities that are essential for a player at a club with United’s high expectations. Despite the challenges, de Ligt and his teammates remain committed to bouncing back and meeting those expectations.
Falling Short of Expectations
While de Ligt remains optimistic, he is also honest about the team’s shortcomings. "We would have expected a little bit better than it is at the moment. We know we have not been good enough and we try to improve things. It is also something, in the end, a little bit to do with luck. We know we have to improve." This candid admission highlights the collective understanding within the squad that they need to elevate their performance to achieve the desired results. The players are acutely aware of the gap between their current form and the standards expected of Manchester United.
Real Sociedad’s La Liga Position and Ambitions
Real Sociedad, the opponents for this crucial match, are currently sitting 9th in La Liga. They are just four points off a European place themselves, making the Europa League a significant opportunity for the Basque club. As they prepare to face United, the team’s ambitions are clear: a strong performance in this competition could propel them to higher European honors. The close gap to European qualification in La Liga adds an extra layer of motivation for Sociedad, making the match against United a pivotal one for both sides.
Alguacil’s Perspective on the Match
Earlier in the day, Real Sociedad manager Imanol Alguacil addressed the press, acknowledging Manchester United’s status as favorites for both the tie and the competition. However, he believes that his team can secure a victory if they execute their game plan effectively. "United are the favorites, but we believe in ourselves," Alguacil said. "If we do our duties well, we can beat them." His confidence and realistic assessment underscore the high stakes of the match and the determination of both teams to secure a favorable outcome. The stage is set for a compelling clash, with both Manchester United and Real Sociedad eager to make a statement and advance in the Europa League.
