Nemanja Matic was teammates with Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim during their time at Benfica.
Ruben Amorim also played alongside Victor Lindelof during his time at Benfica, all three of them will be reunited when Manchester United face Lyon on Thursday evening.
There is huge pressure on Amorim to win the Europa League this season as it is the only ticket remaining for the Red Devils to qualify for the Champions League.
But Matic’s Lyons stands in United’s way, and the Ligue 1 side are strong contenders also looking to go and challenge for the trophy.
Nemanja Matic raves about Ruben Amorim qualities
Ineos chose Ruben Amorim to lead their long-term rebuilding project at Old Trafford as he was identified as one of the most promising young managers across Europe.
Despite playing for Benfica, Amorim enjoyed his managerial success at Sporting Lisbon where he won two league titles.
Looking back on their time as teammates, Nemanja Matic discussed his thoughts on Amorim becoming a manager.
During Wednesday’s pre-match press conference, he said: “I didn’t know he was going to be a coach at the time, but he was very talented and intelligent on the pitch.
“He was a positive person, someone you could count on. He was the most positive person in the locker room.
“When he became a coach, we all saw his potential and what he had achieved in a few years. I’m happy for him.”
Matic also backed Amorim to succeed at United, but insisted he needs time and support.
“He needs time, but it’s difficult in modern football to have time, but I’m sure he’s the right profile. He needs support,” Matic said.
Ruben Amorim’s season will be defined by Europa League
With United slumped down in 13th in the Premier League table, there is nothing left to play for but pride domestically.
| Position | Team | Played MP | Won W | Drawn D | Lost L | For GF | Against GA | Diff GD | Points Pts |
| 12 |  BrentfordBrentford | 31 | 12 | 6 | 13 | 51 | 47 | 4 | 42 |
| 13 |  Man UtdManchester United | 31 | 10 | 8 | 13 | 37 | 41 | -4 | 38 |
| 14 |  TottenhamTottenham | 31 | 11 | 4 | 16 | 58 | 45 | 13 | 37 |
But in terms of finances and recruitment, qualifying for the Champions League will be pivotal for the Red Devils.
United remain unbeaten in Europe and have played some of their best football this season in the Europa League – including the dominant win over Real Sociedad last time out.
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It is the golden ticket back to Champions League football, and winning the competition means United summer and next season will be entirely different.
United have confirmed the squad to face Lyon and Amorim will want a strong result in the first leg to bring it back to Old Trafford next week.
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