Ruben Amorim outlines key factors Manchester United must get right against Plzen

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Ruben Amorim knows what Manchester United need to do to ensure they get three points from their Europa League clash against Viktoria Plzen.

The Europa League has been a rocky affair for United this season after failing to win their first three matches in the competition.

Erik ten Hag was unable to win a single match in the competition before being sent his marching orders. United’s first win came against PAOK while Ruud van Nistelrooy took charge as interim manager.

However, United beat Bodo/Glimt in Amorim’s first European clash with a few minor hiccups. A hard-fought 3-2 win over Bodo/Glimt at Old Trafford means the players would be naïve to underestimate Plzen.

United are currently positioned 12^th in the Europa League table. Amorim cannot afford to drop more points in the competition if the team is to secure a place in the next round, so the pressure is on.

Ruben Amorim sets instructions for Europa League tie

If United are to reach the next round, Amorim’s side needs to beat Plzen.

A slow start in the Europa League means Manchester United need close to maximum points from their remaining group stage fixtures.

Speaking to reporters in his pre-match press conference, Amorim explained what he expects from his players against Plzen, referencing the need to keep possession better than they managed in previous games.

Amorim said: “It is really important for us as a club, as a team, in this moment that if you pass to the next stage without play-off you take two games from our schedule and that is massive. For some teams it is nothing but for us it is really important.

“But we are facing a team that maybe a lot of people in England don’t know the name of but they are unbeaten at home. In Europe they are very strong they run a lot and we cannot play the game one v one in all of the pitch like they want, we have to have possession, we have to control transitions and we have to be very good in second phases, like after crosses, then next cross. We have to improve in these details.

“We have to be so much better in set-pieces and we have to win it.”

Amorim expects tough clash from Plzen

The Manchester United first-team has been warned not to underestimate their opponents on Thursday.

Amorim spoke highly of Bodo/Glimt before United made hard work of that win. While we would take the same result tonight, the boss wants to see a strong performance from his players.

Amorim also stressed that it is important for United to get three points from the game.

“It is so important that we win but not just win but [also] to play well,” Amorim added.

“Tomorrow is going to be really really tough.”