Ruben Amorim says Man United find UEL easier due to slower pace

Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim reckons the club is finding playing in UEFA Europa League easier than the Premier League due to slower pace. The Red Devils is all set to take on Lyon in the first leg quarterfinal of the Europa League on Thursday.

United have won five and drawn one of their six Europa League games since Amorim took charge in November whereas they are languishing in the 13th place in the Premier League with 10 wins, eight draws and 13 losses in 31 games.

“I think it’s nothing tactical,” said Amorim.

“I truly believe it’s the pace of the game, the physicality of the game. We have the best league in the world, sometimes the games you don’t see a lot of intensity but I can guarantee you compared to games in the Europa League — and I have the data to think about it — it’s completely different.

“And if you have one more second to think with the ball, it’s a different game. Until now I felt a difference when we play Europa League and when we play any Premier League game, so that small space of time can give us an advantage to play better.”

The Portuguese said it would be immense for the Old Trafford-based club if they can go on to win the Europa League, which would also help them qualify for the next year’s Champions League.

“It’s really important in all aspects, the first one is to win a title, a European title,” said Amorim.

“Winning something like that is massive for us, for our confidence, then the future for next season.

“Playing Champions League in our club is completely different. The budget for the summer; everything is connected with this competition.”

The gaffer revealed Matthijs de Ligt will miss the clash against Lyon.

“Mattha has a problem in his foot, we are trying to assess,” said Amorim. “We still don’t have the data that he can return.”