Manchester United still aren’t quite on track under Ruben Amorim but there have at least been some encouraging signs.
Ruben Amorim watched on as his Manchester United side drew 1-1 with Real Sociedad on Thursday night.
United will hopefully see off the tie at home with the second leg coming later this week.
Only taking a draw was a touch disappointing though with United the better side for large spells.
United didn’t find a clinical edge though with Diogo Dalot passing up a golden chance to set up Rasmus Hojlund.
Once Real Sociedad drew level, United wobbled and surrendered control, with Amorim no doubt looking to make the most of games in which United are on top.
Photo by James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images
Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images
Ruben Amorim spots Manchester United improvement
United are still nowhere near where the club needs to be and Amorim knows it.
Amorim feels that improvements are being made around Carrington but accepts that performances still aren’t up to scratch.
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The United boss has though seen some encouraging signs on the pitch with defenders in possession giving him reason for optimism.
Amorim feels that United’s back three are looking ‘more confident’ and are ‘playing in a different way’ on the ball.
Amorim added that he really feels that some players are improving on an individual level, highlighting Joshua Zirkzee.
Zirkzee joined United from Bologna last summer and arrived as a striker, but has now taken on a role as a number 10 under Amorim.
The United boss now feels that Zirkzee is really ‘improving’ in his new position having scored against Real Sociedad on Thursday night.
“I think we are improving in the last two games [before Real Sociedad], for example, the way we have possession. Our central defenders are playing in a different way, more confident,” said Amorim.
“And, if they play well, our team will play better. I think some players are improving individually. Josh, I think is improving, in changing, a little bit, the position,” he added.
Joshua Zirkzee starting to shine
Zirkzee made a blistering start to his United career, scoring the winner on his Premier League debut against Fulham.
The Dutchman has been through ups and downs since then though with Zirkzee’s substitution against Newcastle United a low point.
Zirkzee has shown real character to hit back though and is now emerging as one of United’s more confident players on the ball.
Possessing outstanding control and skill, Zirkzee may not have shown exceptional pace or goalscoring instincts as a striker, but playing deeper has allowed him to show his technical quality.
Now praised by Amorim, Zirkzee is emerging as one of his few success stories from a difficult period as United boss.