Red Devils showed a different spirit, says Amorim

Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim said his team are still improving as Sunday’s dramatic FA Cup penalty shoot-out victory over Arsenal points to a more positive future after a difficult start to life at Old Trafford.

United fans have suffered several false dawns in recent seasons, with development under Amorim’s predecessors Erik ten Hag and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer largely a case of one step forward and two steps back.

Amorim may have wondered if he had taken on a poisoned chalice when a three-game unbeaten run to begin his reign was followed by a woeful run of results, with an unlikely victory over Manchester City in the middle.

But having outperformed expectations with a brilliant display against Liverpool last weekend, United followed that up at Arsenal to keep their FA Cup defence alive.

Amorim said he was particularly pleased with United’s improvement on their 2-0 league defeat by Arsenal last month, when both the Gunners’ goals came from set-pieces.

“I think we played, especially in the first half, we played better than in the first game,” Amorim told reporters.

“We were better in set-pieces today, more aggressive. We showed a different spirit. Even with 10 men, we are improving on that aspect.”

The draw for the #EmiratesFACup fourth round is complete 🏆

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Second-choice goalkeeper Altay Bayindir and forward Joshua Zirkzee were ultimately United’s heroes on Sunday after recent criticism.

Zirkzee was booed off as a first-half substitute in last month’s defeat to Newcastle United, while Bayindir was blamed for United’s League Cup exit against Tottenham Hotspur.

But both were key contributors to United’s third-round win, where they were reduced to 10 men, which Amorim said was a lesson for his squad.

“Your life as a footballer has cycles and moments, and sometimes in one week, your life can change,” he said.

“You can see Altay – against Tottenham everybody was pointing the finger (at) Altay, and I understand that, and today, he was our hero also.

“Joshua a few weeks ago had a small problem with our fans, and today, every time he’s going on the pitch, you feel the support from the fans. Then he has the last penalty, so life is like that – and you have to continue (being) humble, to work every day, your time will come.”

United’s reward for reaching round four is a meeting with a familiar face as Leicester boss Ruud van Nistelrooy returns to Old Trafford.

The Dutchman took charge for four matches as caretaker boss prior to Amorim’s arrival in November.

Amorim decided against retaining Van Nistelrooy as part of his coaching staff, but said he is looking forward to speaking again to United’s legendary former striker.

“I’m looking forward to speaking with him. He’s a class guy,” added Amorim.

“But we need to win! Maybe he will be divided – he loves this club!”

Premier League leaders Liverpool – 4-0 winners against Accrington Stanley – will travel to the Championship’s bottom club Plymouth, who enjoyed a shock 1-0 win at Brentford.

Manchester City face a trip to either Leyton Orient or Derby, while Chelsea visit Brighton, Aston Villa host Tottenham and Everton take on Bournemouth.

Exeter, in the fourth round for the first time since 1981, face Nottingham Forest and Newcastle will play at League One leaders Birmingham.

Premier League sides Wolves, Crystal Palace and Fulham have away ties at Blackburn, Mansfield or Wigan and Doncaster, respectively. Burnley have been drawn at Premier League strugglers Southampton.

Reuters, AFP

FA Cup Fourth-Round Draw

(ties to be played from February 7-10)

Manchester United vs Leicester, Leeds vs Millwall or Dagenham, Brighton vs Chelsea, Preston or Charlton vs Wycombe, Exeter vs Nottingham Forest, Coventry vs Ipswich, Blackburn vs Wolves, Mansfield or Wigan vs Fulham, Birmingham vs Newcastle, Plymouth vs Liverpool, Everton vs Bournemouth, Aston Villa vs Tottenham, Southampton or Swansea vs Burnley, Leyton Orient or Derby vs Manchester City, Doncaster vs Crystal Palace, Stoke vs Cardiff