Ruben Amorim has declared that Manchester United will need to be "really smart" to defeat Brighton & Hove Albion at Old Trafford on Saturday.
Amorim also provided a fitness update on three players, was asked about Harry Maguire's form, and previewed a potential milestone for Bruno Fernandes.
The next challenge is Brighton. How are the squad, and what are you expecting from Brighton tomorrow?
“The squad is fine. We have some doubts. We had some issues during the week with Harry Maguire and Mason Mount, knocks, but nothing serious. We will see tomorrow. Licha [Martinez]’s out. The rest is ready for the game. I think it's going to be like always, but it's going to be a very difficult game. I think Brighton is a team [that is] really fun to watch. They are really good on [the] build-up. They are really strong on transitions in every aspect of the game. They are doing well in set-pieces this season. So, I think they are a team that is really complete, and we need to be really smart, and to face that game with a real focus on everything that we do, because they are a very strong team.”
And Fabian Hurzeler, his philosophy and the way he coaches that team…
“You can see by the way they play the game. Really intense, the quality is there. They believe a lot in what they are doing, even under pressure. So, I'm a huge fan of Fabian.”
Unless you've got a surprise up your sleeve, we're expecting Bruno Fernandes to make his 300th appearance tomorrow. What can you say about him as a person, a player? Has he surpassed your expectations?
“I think it's a little bit different [from] what I was expecting. Everything you read about the players, sometimes it’s not that. You can understand sometimes, and I already spoke about that. The frustration that he feels is because he wants to help a lot, the team-mates, sometimes it’s not the best way, but it comes from a good place, and you don't know that when you are not here. He wants the responsibility all the time. He suffered a lot with the losses. Every time we don't win a game, you can feel it that he takes it personally, as you should be, as a captain. He's a great leader, a great footballer. Let's see if he's going to reach that mark tomorrow.”
I want to ask about Harry [Maguire] as well. He’s scored so many important goals since arriving at the club. I know you'll say to speak to Jason [Wilcox], but his contract’s up next summer. Would you like him to stay at the club?
“We are really happy with Harry. It's not the time to talk about that. Again, because that gives the idea that we are thinking so far away. We are really happy with Harry. He’s really important for us, but we need to focus just on the next game."
You said Lisandro was not fit. Do you know when he's likely to be fit? Could that be before the next lot of internationals, will it be after?
“I don't know. He trained really well, not with us, but it was on the next pitch, and then I was watching also the training. He’s feeling well. The knee is responding really well, so I don't want to say one specific day or one week. I don't know, but it's near to start the training with the team. And then it depends on the rhythm of Licha, if he wins the place or not, that will depend on him, but he's closer to return to training.”
I wanted to touch on Harry Maguire, on his form and how he's turned his career around at Manchester United. That must please you a lot?
“Yes, I think it was good for him to play with the three centre-backs. I think he feels more comfortable. Because he plays in the centre, he doesn't need to go to the side so much. So sometimes you help some players with the way you play. Sometimes, it's the opposite with some players. So, I'm really pleased. I think he's not young, but he can learn a lot. He can improve. I think it can be so much better with the ball, because he has that quality, and he needs to show that. Nowadays, with the set pieces that you see, the amount of men that you put in the box, every cross from the opponents, and everyone is playing like that. He's a massive player for us, so I'm really happy, but he needs to continue. That game is in the past. That goal is in the past. Let's move forward to the present and the future.”