Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim praised the intensity and passion displayed by his players after a heated exchange between Rasmus Hojlund and Amad Diallo during the team’s hard-fought 2-1 Europa League victory against Viktoria Plzen. Amorim described the post-match argument as a positive sign of commitment and a reflection of the team’s fighting spirit.
A Critical Victory
Thursday’s match at the Doosan Arena in the Czech Republic marked a significant turning point for United, navigating a turbulent season under its newly appointed manager. A goalkeeping error from Andre Onana gifted former Burnley striker Matej Vydra an early second-half opener for the hosts, putting the Red Devils on the back foot.
However, United showed resilience, with Hojlund equalising shortly after becoming a substitute. The Danish striker, who has been in scintillating form with five goals in as many matches under Amorim, sealed the victory with a powerful strike just two minutes later.
The win not only boosted United’s chances of advancing to the Europa League knockout stages but also provided a much-needed morale lift following back-to-back Premier League defeats to Arsenal and Nottingham Forest and the sudden resignation of sporting director Dan Ashworth.
The Bust-Up That Stole the Headlines
Despite his match-winning performance, Hojlund’s frustrations boiled over in stoppage time when he was denied the opportunity to complete a hat-trick. In a promising attacking position, Diallo opted to shoot instead of passing to the unmarked Hojlund. Later, Hojlund returned the favour by not passing to Diallo on another break. The disagreement carried over to the final whistle, where the two players were seen exchanging heated words on the pitch.
Rather than reprimanding his players, Amorim welcomed the incident as evidence of their determination and passion. “Yes, I was aware of that, and for me, it’s perfect,” the Portuguese manager said post-match. “In this moment, we need to feel something. If we need to fight each other, it’s like a family. For me, it’s a very, very good sign.”
Amorim continued, “When you don’t care, you do nothing. When you care, you fight—with your brother, father, and mother. It’s a normal and positive thing. As long as it doesn’t go too far, it’s healthy for the team.”
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Building Resilience and Unity
Amorim’s pragmatic approach to the disagreement underscores his belief in fostering a competitive yet cohesive team environment. “When you win and still fight with your teammate because you want to score one more, for me, it’s a perfect day,” he said.
The manager left it to team captain Bruno Fernandes to mediate the situation, stepping in only if necessary. “It’s their space. They have to talk, to fight, and to sort it out. If it goes too far, I’ll intervene. But this is part of building a team,” Amorim explained.
Hojlund and Diallo’s fiery exchange also highlighted the sense of accountability Amorim is instilling within the squad. The manager believes such passion is essential as United works to recover their form and establish a winning mentality under his leadership.
Europa League Success and Future Challenges
United’s victory against Viktoria Plzen saw them extend their remarkable record of securing the most points from losing positions in this season’s Europa League. Amorim noted that resilience is critical for building confidence and achieving long-term success. “The way we gave a goal to the opponent but didn’t give up—it’s a great message. It wasn’t a great game, but we managed to do the right things and deserved the win,” he said.
The result sets the stage for an intense Premier League clash against rivals Manchester City on Sunday. Amorim will channel the team’s passion and determination into a cohesive performance to climb the league table.
Final Thoughts
Thursday’s match served as a microcosm of Ruben Amorim’s vision for Manchester United—a team that fights for every opportunity to push its boundaries, not just against opponents but also with each other. Hojlund’s brilliance, Diallo’s determination, and the team’s overall grit signal a new chapter of growth and resilience.
As Amorim continues to mold his squad, moments like the Hojlund-Diallo bust-up are less about conflict and more about the passion and fire that fuel championship teams.