What Ruben Amorim told his Man United players at half-time to inspire Plzen win, his message was clear

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Manchester United started slowly against Viktoria Plzen but came from behind to pick up three priceless points.

The unbeaten record in the Europa League remains intact after Manchester United beat Viktoria Plzen 2-1 away from home on Thursday night.

Ruben Amorim has never lost three games in a row as manager but he looked headed for a third successive defeat when Andre Onana made a glaring error to hand Plzen a lead.

However, Rasmus Hojlund was superb and rescued three points after coming off the bench and scoring a brace, including a late winner in the 88th minute.

Amorim deserves credit for his in-game management after his substitutes had a huge impact against Plzen, and he has now revealed what he told his players at half-time.

Ruben Amorim’s half-time message to Man United vs Plzen

Ahead of the Plzen match, Amorim urged United to control possession and not play one-against-one across the pitch. Those instructions were heard loud and clear with the Red Devils ending the match with 69% possession.

However, having possession of the ball did not translate into chances with United struggling to create and cause danger – especially in the first half.

United fans slammed Marcus Rashford for his display after he looked toothless on the left, while Joshua Zirkzee showed glimpses of promise but ended with only one shot on goal.

When asked by TNT Sports what he told his players at half-time, Amorim replied: “The speed.

“I told the players that we need more movement in front because they have to feel that we are behind and need to use the space.

“We changed a little bit of the game. The guys who came off the bench also helped but I think we improved not only the way we played but specifically the speed of the game.”

Man United players responded to Ruben Amorim instruction

When Amorim arrived at Carrington last month, everyone at the club was aware that it will take time for him and his staff to implement his tactical philosophy.

Amorim called for patience this week as he continues to work with his players, but against Plzen players proved they are buying into the system.

The first half was lethargic and slow, almost as if United players were too focused on executing Amorim’s demand to control the ball.

READ MORE: Ruben Amorim could do what Man Utd have not managed in Europe before

However, United were much better in the second half in terms of threatening in attack. Hojlund looks well-suited to Amorim’s system and must start against Manchester City on the weekend, while Amad thrived at No.10 and injected the energy and speed that Amorim was asking for.

Against City on Sunday, United cannot afford to wait until the second half to play with that intensity.