Amorim: Absence from CL is blessing in disguise for MU

KUALA LUMPUR — Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim said on Tuesday that missing out on Champions League soccer could be a blessing in disguise in his attempt to rebuild the fallen soccer giant.

Fresh off United's worst season since 1974, having come 15th in the Premier League, the Portuguese coach addressed the media in the Malaysian capital Kuala Lumpur.

It missed out on a Champions League lifeline — and with it a financial windfall — by losing to fellow league strugglers Tottenham 1-0 in the Europa League final last week.

"I have to say that for us not to be in the Champions League could be an advantage to perform better, to prepare better for games, to build that core that we need for the future," said Amorim, who replaced Erik ten Hag in October, but failed to spark a turnaround.

"So, I think it's a good thing for us to take advantage of not having European games," added Amorim, whose phone alarm went off during the news conference ahead of Wednesday's friendly against a Southeast Asian XI, sparking laughter among members of the media.

With money to get the right players in over the summer for his favored formation in short supply, Amorim faces a tough task to get United back among the elite next season.

"The target, for now, is to win the first game. We have a lot to do during the summer. We have to prepare the team," he said.

"When you are Manchester United, people are going to expect you to be at the top, but we have to understand the context.

"I don't want the team to think about a big target, just a small target by winning the first game, and then to the second game," added Amorim, who hinted he could give the fringe players a chance in their first postseason friendly.

United hopes that the friendlies in Malaysia and against Hong Kong, China on Friday will provide some much-needed revenue, with the BBC reporting that the trip will generate about $10 million for the club.

Midfielder Mason Mount insisted he was delighted to arrive in steamy Kuala Lumpur, despite jetting off just hours after the 2-0 win over Aston Villa on Sunday.

Fans gathered at Kuala Lumpur's airport to welcome the team on Monday evening.

"We got off the plane, there were hundreds of people waiting for us to take pictures and welcome us to the country. We're excited to be over here, and, obviously, looking forward to the game tomorrow," he said.

The temperature is expected to reach highs of 37 C in Kuala Lumpur this week, with thunderstorms forecasted for the day of the game at the 84,000-capacity Bukit Jalil national stadium.

AFP