Nemanja Matic has expressed his strong belief that Ruben Amorim possesses the skills required to transform the fortunes of Manchester United, underlining the importance of affording him the necessary time to embark on this journey. The current season has proven to be challenging for United, with Amorim only managing to clinch six victories out of 20 Premier League matches since his appointment in November. However, Matic, who was a teammate of Amorim at Benfica, remains optimistic about the trajectory of the club, stating that he has been keenly observing their progress since leaving the club in 2022.
In an exclusive interview with TNT Sports, Matic emphasized, “I try to see as much as I can. Of course, the season is not great for Manchester United. It’s not easy in the league, but in the Europa League they are doing well.” He highlighted the presence of talented players and a competent manager within the club, reinforcing his faith in Amorim’s capabilities. Matic remembered Amorim’s attributes as a player, describing him as intelligent and positive, someone who always contributed to a good atmosphere in the dressing room. He was not surprised by Amorim’s rapid rise to coaching, pointing out the impressive achievements he has made in a short time.
Matic is convinced that Amorim is suited for the long-term vision that Manchester United is aiming to establish. He acknowledged the difficulties Amorim has faced this season but reassured that football often presents such challenges. “I believe that he can resolve every problem,” indicated Matic, bolstering Amorim’s prospects of success within the demanding environment of one of England’s most storied clubs.
Complementing this viewpoint, Paulo Fonseca, the manager of Lyon, has also praised Amorim. Fonseca, who is currently serving a nine-month ban that affects only domestic matches, anticipates engaging with Amorim, marking the first time he will face his former compatriot as a coach. He noted, “I know [Ruben] very well,” and reflected on their shared history, having played together at Benfica. Fonseca recognizes Amorim’s clear coaching identity and believes that, despite the struggles faced upon his arrival, Amorim will eventually find his footing in England. He expressed unwavering confidence in Amorim’s future successes, likening them to his accomplishments in Portugal.
As the managerial clash approaches, attention will not only be on Amorim but also on young talent Rayan Cherki of Olympique Lyonnais. With remarkable statistics this season—nine goals and 18 assists in all competitions—Cherki is becoming an increasingly talked-about player. Matic lauded the 21-year-old, stating, “He’s an amazing player. He’s very powerful. With the ball, he’s amazing. He’s training well, also.” However, he pointed out that a certain level of privilege comes from being a local star, while affirming that Cherki remains a good person at his core.
Fonseca echoed this sentiment, listing Cherki’s remarkable technical skills and his game-changing potential. “Rayan is an amazing player,” he noted, emphasizing Cherki’s importance to the team’s performance and his capability to shift the dynamics of matches single-handedly. Although Fonseca hinted that there are areas in which Cherki could improve, he remains convinced that the young player’s talent is exceptional and that he is destined for greatness in the future, likely to find himself among elite teams across Europe.
With the first leg of the quarter-final tie set for April 10 and the return fixture a week later in Manchester, Manchester United will be grappling with the dual challenge of navigating their current form and contending with Lyon’s prodigious talent in Cherki. The allure of the UEFA Europa League serves as an important platform for both clubs, as they seek European glory amidst their fluctuating seasons. Fans and experts alike are keenly anticipating the outcomes of these encounters and the potential for Amorim’s strategic finesse to take center stage.
