Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim showered praise on starlet Jimmy Thwaites after the club’s 3-1 comeback victory over Hong Kong.
Against the run of play, Hong Kong took the lead just 19 minutes in through Juninho. The goal appeared to deflate United, causing their performance levels to dip noticeably.
However, Amorim fielded a completely different XI in the second half and it worked a treat, with his side mounting a brilliant comeback inspired by former Arsenal stars Chido Obi and Ayden Heaven.
Amorim played a number of youngsters across both halves, including Shea Lacey, Godwill Kukonki, Tyler Fletcher, Sekou Kone, Dan Armer, Jaydan Kamason and Jack Moorhouse.
But, it was Thwaiteswho came on for Armer in the 76th minutewho drew special praise from Amorim.
During Wednesday’s 1-0 loss to ASEAN All-Stars, Thwaites made a brilliant last-minute tackle to prevent the opposition from going 2-0 up.
He was energetic and put in a strong shift during his brief time on the pitch against Hong Kong.
Amorim told MUTV after the final whistle, “I really like the kids. I think Jimmy [Thwaites], in the last 15 minutes, as a midfielder, he wants to play. It doesn’t matter how many minutes.”
“These kind of young kids are really important. They will have space in our team.”
“Of course, it’s a good feeling [for Obi to score twice] but he needs to continue to train really hard because the Premier League is a different world. We have to improve as a team but I’m really pleased with the kids.”
“Ayden proved, in every game for the first team, he is ready to be an option. Of course, he has got to improve.”
He added, “It’s important for us to control these kids, to show them to be a professional in Manchester United it’s really hard to maintain the level. He is starting and needs to continue.”
Looking ahead to his holiday after a tough season, Amorim explained, “Of course, to spend time with my family.”
“But, like I said in the press conference, I am ready to start the next one. We have a lot to do. A lot to prepare. We have to think of the squad and we are changing building. It needs to be that everything is ready for the new season.”
For United, attention now shifts to the summer transfer window, which will open early between Sunday, June 1 and Tuesday, June 10, due to the exceptional registration period related to the expanded Club World Cup.
Featured image Richard Heathcote via Getty Images
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Derick Kinoti Derick Kinoti is a football writer at The Peoples Person who has covered Manchester United and the game extensively for many years. He is a keen analyst with expertise in SEO and journalism standards. Derick is convinced Wayne Rooney is the true GOAT and won’t hear otherwise!
