Man United ‘more in control’ under Ruben Amorim, says Andoni Iraola

LONDON – Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola has paid tribute to Ruben Amorim’s impact at Manchester United ahead of the Cherries’ English Premier League match at Old Trafford on Dec 22.

Brought in after Erik ten Hag was sacked as United boss, the Portuguese manager’s stint began with a 1-1 draw against Ipswich Town.

The Red Devils have since won four games and lost three, with their 2-1 away win over Manchester City on Dec 15 followed by a 4-3 League Cup quarter-final away loss to Tottenham Hotspur.

Results have not been consistent but Iraola believes that there has been improvement.

“I think they are different,” said the Spaniard, whose side won this fixture 3-0 last season.

“I think they play in a different way, different system, different approach to the games. I think they keep the games more in their control. They’ve raised the possession they have on the ball and they have really good patterns.

“If we allow them to dictate the game and to be the team taking the decisions on the ball, it’s going to be very difficult because I think they are playing very well.

“They are conceding very few chances, very few goals, they have very good defensive stats.”

United, however, have looked vulnerable at set pieces, especially from corners.

“It’s true that they’ve conceded a good amount of goals from set plays but they have very good defenders and a lot of the goals are very good execution from the opposition,” added Iraola.

Amorim, meanwhile, confirmed that Mason Mount is facing another lengthy spell on the sidelines after picking up an injury in the City game, compounding his misery during another stop-start season at United.

The midfielder has been a peripheral figure since arriving at Old Trafford in July 2023, struggling with a loss of form and persistent injury issues. He has played just 32 times for United so far, scoring a solitary goal.

“I don’t know the exact date, but it’s going to be for a long time,” Amorim said.

“What I can do is to help Mase, to teach him how to play our game when he’s recovering, try to use that time for him to think in different things.”

The United boss also said Marcus Rashford would be available for the clash against Bournemouth after the 27-year-old forward was absent from the squad for the games against City and Spurs.

He insisted it was not a disciplinary issue, after Rashford admitted earlier this week that he was “ready for a new challenge” away from United in an interview – without first consulting Amorim.

On his side, the 39-year-old felt that his players were making progress despite languishing in mid-table.

“I think we are improving near the opponent’s box,” Amorim said.

“We had some games that we are near the box, but without a real threat. And you could see different things (against Tottenham).

“You can see that we can shoot. We are near the goal and you feel it, you really feel it. I think it’s a good thing in our team. I feel that our team is faster, are pressing more.

“The physicality is improving, the understanding of the game and you can see it by the controlling of the game.” AFP