Manchester United: Head coach Ruben Amorim believes the club’s absence from European football next season could work to their advantage as they prepare for the upcoming campaign.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the 40-year-old Portuguese tactician stated that missing out on European football presents an opportunity for the team to better prepare and build a strong core for the future. Amorim expressed, “I have to say that for us not to be in the Champions League could be an advantage, to perform well and prepare better the games. To build that core we need for the future.”
He emphasized the potential benefits of not having European commitments, suggesting it could allow the team to focus on performing well in domestic competitions. Amorim shared his thoughts during a pre-match press conference ahead of the Maybank Challenge Cup match between United and ASEAN All-Stars.
United will not participate in European competition next season after finishing 15th with 42 points in the Premier League this season. Amorim refrained from specifying targets for the next season but highlighted the importance of winning the first game and preparing thoroughly during the summer to meet expectations of returning to the top.
Amorim also mentioned that United is open to players from any region, including Southeast Asia, as long as they meet the club’s standards. “We want the best players in the world. If I see someone (from the ASEAN All-Stars) with value, he could be in our list. No matter the region, you all have space if you can perform and you are one of the best in the world,” he added.
The match between United and the ASEAN All-Stars is set to take place at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil, with anticipation building for the encounter. The last time the Red Devils played in Malaysia was during the 2009 pre-season tour, securing victories against Malaysia XI on July 18 and 20.
Following the match in Malaysia, the 13-time Premier League champions are also scheduled to travel to Hong Kong as part of their post-season tour, where they will face the Hong Kong national team at the Hong Kong Stadium on May 30.