André Onana has expressed confidence in his Manchester United teammates' ability to adapt to Rúben Amorim's tactics after witnessing Sporting's 4-1 Champions League victory over Manchester City. Amorim, set to replace Erik ten Hag next week, favors a 3-4-3 formation and high-intensity pressing, contrasting with United's 4-2-3-1 under Ten Hag. "I did watch the game yesterday," Onana said ahead of United's Europa League match against Paok. "Great victory for them [Sporting]. Different system, but my teammates are pragmatic. I believe everyone here can play in any system, so I don't foresee any issues. We have top players who will step up."
United have drawn their first three Europa League matches, contributing to Ten Hag's dismissal. They are heavy favorites against Paok. Interim head coach Ruud van Nistelrooy has secured a Carabao Cup win over Leicester and a league draw against Chelsea but has yet to discuss the team or his future with Amorim, who will manage one more Sporting game on Sunday. Onana, who played under Ten Hag at Ajax and joined United in July 2023, couldn't replicate their Dutch success. "We didn't win enough games, it's straightforward," Onana said. "At a high level, it's challenging, sometimes you pay the price. Unfortunately, it was him, but we gave our all, worked hard, tried our best, but it didn't work out."
Rasmus Højlund hopes to benefit from Amorim's arrival. The incoming coach has excelled with Viktor Gyökeres, who scored a hat-trick against City, and aims to do the same with United's No 9. Van Nistelrooy advised Højlund: "Stay calm and believe in himself, his qualities. He's young, promising, and the daily work he puts in will pay off." United have welcomed back long-term absentees Leny Yoro and Tyrell Malacia to training, though neither is expected to feature in Van Nistelrooy's final two games.
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