In my last text about Manchester United’s reality on how to face this Game against Newcastle United, it was clear what I thought to be more important for this specific moment.
More than winning.

My words were simple: “to keep the moral up and get all ready for next week’s Europa League match.”

Meaning: don’t get jeopardized now.

The problem?
Amorim thought about squad management, time management, resting some players and “protecting” others.

And, on the way there, he forgot (and me too) the main element that guides Football: individual quality.

But we were quick to remind why rotations can become dangerous, specially with teams with so much lack of quality, after some incredible goals.

For United, it means that none of the premisses were accomplished, besides squad management.

The first question is easy: After this match, regardless what Onana makes until the end of this Season, would anyone be wanting to see Bayindir on the lineup?

If that was the “protection” needed for Onana, it’s done.

But, also, how will de morale of the team be now?
What will be their reaction if Lyon scores a goal first on Thursday?
Are we going to see, as recent examples presented, a team with confidence, personality and character to face the rest of the Game?

I hope so.

In reality, I hope Lyon doesn’t score at all.

But, as I was afraid, United got jeopardized.

Mazraoui and Yoro that were such reliable players recently, with Yoro impressing for his recent growth and confidence, had performances that reminded us January.

With Lindelöf on the field (and I’m just stating the facts, not blaming) in the last 2 Games, United conceded 5 goals (average 1 goal conceded every 19 minutes on the field); the 10 matches before those, United conceded 10 goals (average 1 per Game).

Garnacho went back to be the only hope that United had to create danger occasions, was able to score the team’s goal, but the reality is also 50% success rate on dribbles, 64% pass accuracy, 33% of duels won and zero crosses made.

Bruno’s frustration was louder, again.

More than that, despite the efforts of time management, Zirkzee got injured and it shouldn’t be for a short period.

So, what do we take from this Game?
. Players at rest: Onana, Maguire, Casemiro, Dorgu and Højlund (last 2 still played for 35min)

. Players in need to urgently recover (not only physically) for Thursday: Mazraoui, Yoro, Dalot, Ugarte, Bruno, Garnacho.

It’s more than half of the team.

It’s hard to manage, hard to be in Amorim’s shoes this Season.

But, looking at the outcome it will be hard to recover for Thursday.

But this is High-Performance Football.

No mercy.

Results driven.

I hope I’m wrong about my analysis, but United just increased the challenge’s difficulty against Lyon with these Strategic Options Vs Newcastle.

At what cost?

We will see!

Or, as it happened before, Amorim is right and I’m wrong.

Thursday Game will dictate who’s what.

To the semis we hope!