‘It’s hard to explain’ – Ruben Amorim on difference between Man United’s fortunes at home and abroad

BILBAO – Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim admitted that it is “hard to explain” how his team are enjoying such differing seasons domestically and in European competition, following the English Premier League strugglers’ 3-0 win at Athletic Bilbao on May 1.

Their Europa League semi-final, first-leg victory at the San Mames Stadium ensured they remain the only team unbeaten in Europe this season, in contrast to the fact they are on course for a worst-ever Premier League points haul.

“It’s hard to explain. We improve in the last games. I don’t look just to the results. We had some games we won that we didn’t play well, and some games we lost but we played well. Sometimes you just need a little bit luck,” Amorim said.

“We can win this competition and in Premier League we are just suffering game after game, and try to manage both things with some injuries. Sometimes it’s harder even for the players... It’s hard to understand, but sometimes it’s the context, it’s the way we see things.”

United had indeed some luck at 2-0 up when Athletic centre-back Daniel Vivian was sent off for pulling back striker Rasmus Hojlund just before half-time, and captain Bruno Fernandes slotted home the resulting penalty.

Amorim was at pains to point out that United’s Europa League final spot is not secured, despite three first-half goals – Casemiro scored the opener before Fernandes’ brace – giving the visitors a healthy advantage going into the second leg at Old Trafford on May 8.

After their surprisingly comprehensive success, Amorim has called for caution and focus despite the fact that all 133 teams who have won the first leg of a Uefa Cup or Europa League knockout-stage tie by three or more goals away from home have gone on to win the tie.

“They have to think about the second leg. And they have to think more about the first 20 minutes than the rest of the game because the game is going to be really tough,” said the Portuguese.

“There is no away goals so anything can change and that is my message to the players, and we have to think now about Brentford (in the league on May 4) and then the second leg.”

If they make it through to the final, they will likely face Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur, who also put aside their woeful domestic season with a 3-1 home victory against Norway’s Bodo/Glimt.

Brennan Johnson’s header after 39 seconds and a clever James Maddison finish put Spurs 2-0 ahead at the break, and striker Dominic Solanke increased their lead just past the hour mark when he calmly converted a penalty.

There was a late twist as captain Ulrik Saltnes’ deflected effort gave Bodo/Glimt hope for next week’s second leg which will take place inside the Arctic Circle.

“I think it puts us in a good position. I thought the players were outstanding today,” Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou said.

“They scored the goal late, which doesn’t reflect our dominance in the game, but if we repeat that performance next week it’ll be enough for us to get through.”

Like United, Tottenham are on course for their worst Premier League season since 1993-94 with 19 defeats from 34 games leaving them in 16th place – United are 14th – and Postecoglou facing an uncertain future.

Meanwhile in the Conference League, Chelsea strolled to a comfortable 4-1 victory at Swedish side Djurgarden in the first leg of their semi-final to all but book their spot in the final.

First-half goals from forwards Jadon Sancho and Noni Madueke put the Blues in control at Stockholm Arena, before striker Nicolas Jackson grabbed a brace midway through the second period.

“It’s a good result, but we have the experience from the Legia Warsaw game, where we won 3-0 there and we struggled a little bit (Chelsea’s only loss in the tournament came at home in the return fixture), so we need to be focused on the second leg,” manager Enzo Maresca said. REUTERS, AFP