'I don’t have any doubt’: Maresca makes surprising claim about Amorim before Man United clash
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has given his assessment on Ruben Amorim ahead of his side’s clash with Manchester United at Old Trafford on Saturday evening.
Amorim is under enormous pressure heading into the fixture after overseeing United’s worst start to a league season in 33 years, with the club picking up just four points in four games.
The Portuguese tactician was heavily backed in the summer transfer window but has been unable to change United’s fortunes.
United have shown slight improvement offensively, creating more goalscoring opportunities than last term. They have the joint-third highest non-penalty expected goals (6.3) but have scored just four times.
The defensive frailties that plagued them last season persist, with Man United conceding seven goals – the joint-fourth highest in the division.
Despite United’s struggles, Maresca hailed Amorim and explained why the club are struggling under him.
He said in the pre-match press conference (via Chelseafc.com): “The only thing I can say is that I really appreciate Ruben [Amorim]. I watched his games since he was at Sporting.
“He’s a magnificent manager. Like all the managers, when you start a new project, sometimes you can struggle a little bit more or less. But I don’t have any doubt he’s a fantastic manager.”
The two managers met for the first time in the league at Stamford Bridge last season, with Chelsea winning 1-0, thanks to Marc Cucurella’s 71st-minute strike.
In addition, Maresca also played down suggestions that this is Chelsea’s best chance to record their first league win at United since 2013. He stated: ‘I don’t think now is the right moment, or next year is the right moment, or last year was the right moment’.
Another talking point ahead of the game is the possibility of forward Alejandro Garnacho facing United. Maresca has hinted that the Argentine could get his first Chelsea start against his former club.
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Article written by Henry Thornton .