Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has said he intends to give more minutes to younger players in the Premier League as the club aims for the Europa League — their last route to playing Champions League football next season.
United sit 14th in the Premier League and a massive 17 points adrift of the top five. But they reacted by continuing their mission to keep their European dreams alive when they somehow emerged with a dramatic 7-6 aggregate win over Lyon on Thursday to secure a place in the Europa League semi-finals.
This season, Amorim has already given appearances to teenagers Harry Amass, Ayden Heaven and Chido Obi, and all three look set to play an increasingly prominent role in the closing weeks of the league.
“It’s not a good time to play kids, but we have to. Sometimes you are surprised,” Amorim said.
Wolves’ manager, Vitor Pereira, who has lifted the team out of the relegation zone, was also praised by Amorim who highlighted their opponents on Sunday.
Victor Lindelof and Noussair Mazraoui missed the end of the Lyon because of personal issues but will return to boost United.
“We’re going to need a lot of our supporters,” Amorim said. “I know it’s been a long season, but we need them on Sunday.”
