“We need momentum now” – United boss Amorim wants to maintain urgency after Chelsea win | OneFootball

Manchester United’s victory over Chelsea on Saturday has brought some much needed positivity for the Red Devils, as Portuguese manager Ruben Amorim looks to recover from a frustrating start to the new season.

Goals from captain Bruno Fernandes and veteran Brazilian midfielder Casemiro put United in control at Old Trafford following an early red card issued to Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez. Casemiro was then sent off himself just before the break, after which The Blues pulled a goal back through Trevor Chalobah in the second period, but United held firm to secure an important three points.

“It was really important,” Amorim said after the match. “I understand the environment around the team, the coach, so this game was really important for that. But again, it’s Manchester United winning a game at home. It’s just that. Three points.

“So we try to create the momentum. We cannot forget that we suffer a lot if we’re not at our maximum in all aspects of the game. We can lose against Grimsby, we can beat any team. That’s the thinking we need to take into next week. It feels really good. Now it’s time to create a little bit of momentum.”

The early red card for Chelsea came amid a fast start by United, who have tended to begin games well this season. The second half, during which the teams were back to numerical parity, was a little less convincing, but Amorim continues to recognise bright signs in his ranks which he hopes to take forward

“We started the game really well, really aggressive,” he said. “I cannot remember a very good play from us, but we pushed the opponent with how aggressive we were in second balls, first balls. Of course we cannot have the sending off near half time with Casemiro, so we always like to complicate our games. But in the end it was a good day.

“I felt the urgency, especially in the beginning of the game. Of course the sending off helped us. In the first half we had many opportunities of 3 vs 1, 3 vs 2… we have to be more clinical to finish the game sooner. We have to take every chance to kill the game.

“Now I’m just thinking about the next one. Of course it’s really good to win, and you can feel it in the dressing room. But forget that feeling. I prefer the other feeling now, because it will bring us the urgency to win again.

“Sometimes we have moments where we feel the urgency to get a result. This team has shown many times they have that urgency. Today we won, it’s nice to win. But let’s forget that and return to that urgency. We need to win the next game. Because in a big club there’s no feeling of relaxing a bit because today was a really good game. Let’s return to that urgency. We need to win the next one.”

United’s next match is a trip to Brentford at lunchtime on Saturday, after which they host Sunderland at Old Trafford ahead of the international break. The Red Devils currently sit in 11th place with 7 points from their first five matches.