Ruben Amorim to play Man United kids in Premier League with eye on Europa League

LONDON – Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim will give his younger players more game time in the English Premier League as they focus on the Europa League – their last hope of qualifying for the Champions League next season.

United are 14th in the Premier League, but the Red Devils advanced to the semi-finals of the Europa League on April 17 with a sensational last-gasp 7-6 aggregate victory over French side Lyon.

Amorim has already used defenders Harry Amass and Ayden Heaven, both 18, in several games this season while forward Chido Obi, 17, has had three appearances.

All three players are set to play more minutes in the English top flight as the United boss looks to win the Europa League title that will give them a direct ticket to next season’s Champions League.

“It’s not the best moment or the best season to put some kids to play, because they need a strong base to really show what they can do. But in this moment we need to do it, and sometimes you have surprises,” Amorim said.

“Ayden just played (recently) and I can be honest, we did it because we had injuries in that moment. But today, I think Ayden is my player. So when he is ready and facing the competition in the team, he is ready to play.

“Amass did really well (against Lyon). Chido, when he played, he played quite well. It’s a difficult moment, it’s not the right moment for the kids to play, but if we have to do it, we will do it.”

United host Wolverhampton Wanderers on April 20. Amorim praised his Portuguese compatriot Vitor Pereira, who took over in December when they were 19th and has since guided them to the brink of safety.

“I think he is doing an amazing job... He is doing quite well and he is changing some players. He has really quality players,” he said.

“(Matheus) Cunha, all these guys, they have a real quality. They are fresh, so we know that it is going to be a tough match.

“We are going to need a lot from our supporters. I know it’s a bad thing to ask anything from our fans this season, but we need them on Sunday.”

The United manager said Victor Lindelof and Noussair Mazraoui would both be available against Wolves, after they left Old Trafford during the game against Lyon due to personal issues.

“Everything is okay now,” he added. “I know football is important but there are things that are more important. They will be ready to face Wolves in the next game.”

Amorim was also asked about goalkeeper Andre Onana, who has come under massive criticism for numerous poor performances this season that led to defeats.

“I think he did really well (against Lyon),” he said. ”So he did a good game and he has to continue to do good games.

“I am really happy for him because it was a tough moment, but let’s move forward. Now he has to be ready for the next game.”

Pereira, meanwhile, said that United’s second-leg win over Lyon – in which they trailed 4-2 in extra time before fighting back to win 5-4 – was an emotional “proper game” of football.

“It was a massive win, and this is the kind of win that brings confidence. I believe that we’ll face a team more confident,” he said.

“But as I said since the beginning, it’s about us. It’s not about Manchester United – it’s about us.

“It’s about how to do our work. How to keep our identity with personality, our ambition, to believe in ourselves, believe in our work, and play and compete for the three points.” REUTERS, AFP