Manchester United’s manager, Ruben Amorim, has expressed his satisfaction with the return of winger Amad Diallo and the continued development of midfielder Casemiro, highlighting their significance in the team’s recent performances.
Amad Diallo made a notable comeback in the 3-0 victory over Athletic Club in the Europa League semi-final first leg, having been sidelined since February due to an ankle ligament injury.
Amorim acknowledged the challenges faced during Amad’s absence, emphasizing the player’s role in creating scoring opportunities prior to his injury.
“It was really hard for us because at that time he was creating all the situations,” Amorim remarked. “For a player like him, it was very difficult, especially as he was going through a good period.”
He noted that while Amad may not yet be at peak fitness, his return offers an additional option with his left foot, which is valuable for the team’s attacking strategies.
Regarding Casemiro, Amorim praised the Brazilian’s ongoing progress, particularly highlighting his performance in the recent match against Athletic Club, where he scored the opening goal.
“You can see not only how he plays, but also how he runs,” Amorim observed. He pointed out that the team’s data reflects Casemiro’s hard work, making it increasingly difficult to exclude him from the starting lineup.
Amorim emphasized that Casemiro’s development serves as a lesson to all Manchester United players, demonstrating how quickly circumstances can change with dedication and performance.
Amorim also discussed tactical adjustments involving Casemiro’s positioning, noting that at times, the team employed a three-defender setup to allow Casemiro to maintain a deeper role while the full-backs advanced.
He credited Casemiro’s adaptability and commitment for the success of these tactical changes, underscoring the midfielder’s importance to the team’s overall strategy.
As Manchester United prepares for the second leg of the Europa League semi-final, Amorim’s reflections on Amad Diallo’s return and Casemiro’s evolution underscore the significance of player development and tactical flexibility in achieving success at the highest levels of European competition.