Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has revealed the real reason behind two substitutions against Nottingham Forest in the Premier League.
The Red Devils suffered their sixth defeat of the season on Saturday after another underwhelming performance at Old Trafford.
United showed plenty of defensive resolve in the recent game against Arsenal away from home, but that was not visible against Forest.
They ended up with a second successive loss after a 3-2 defeat. Speaking after the game, Amorim explained the reason behind a couple of substitutions.
Bruno Fernandes scored United’s second goal with a powerful strike from the edge of the box, but he was soon after replaced with Mason Mount.
The decision was criticised by some fans. Fernandes was far from his best yesterday, but he has a knack for scoring important goals.
Meanwhile, Leny Yoro was substituted 10 minutes prior to Fernandes. After the defeat, Amorim explained the reason behind his decisions.
He told Sky Sports (via BBC Sport): “Bruno [Fernandes] was too tired, and I wanted [Mason] Mount to play that position of second midfielder who opens a bit on the left.
“[Leny] Yoro goes off because we can’t give him too many minutes.”
United failed to capitalise on Manchester City’s 2-2 draw at Crystal Palace earlier on Saturday. They are now eight points behind the fourth Champions League spot.
Things are unlikely to get easier. United have a tough trip to the Etihad Stadium next weekend. There is an away game at Viktoria Plzen in the Europa League before that.
The Red Devils need a resounding victory over the Czech outfit on the road so that they can go into the Manchester derby with some momentum and confidence.
United and Plzen have the same record in Europe, with two wins and three draws in five games this term.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com.
