It s hard to explain Amorim dumbfounded by difference between United fortunes at home and abroad

BILBAO – Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim admitted that it is “hard to explain” how his team are enjoying such differing seasons domestically and in European competition, following the English Premier League strugglers’ 3-0 win at Athletic Bilbao on May 1.

Their Europa League semi-final, first-leg victory at the San Mames Stadium ensured they remain the only team unbeaten in Europe this season, in contrast to the fact they are on course for a worst-ever Premier League points haul.

“It’s hard to explain. We improve in the last games. I don’t look just to the results. We had some games we won that we didn’t play well, and some games we lost but we played well. Sometimes you just need a little bit luck,” Amorim said.

“We can win this competition and in Premier League we are just suffering game after game, and try to manage both things with some injuries. Sometimes it’s harder even for the players... It’s hard to understand, but sometimes it’s the context, it’s the way we see things.”

United had indeed some luck at 2-0 up when Athletic centre-back Daniel Vivian was sent off for pulling back striker Rasmus Hojlund just before half-time, and captain Bruno Fernandes slotted home the resulting penalty.

Amorim was at pains to point out that United’s Europa League final spot is not secured, despite three first-half goals – Casemiro scored the opener before Fernandes’ brace – giving the visitors a healthy advantage going into the second leg at Old Trafford on May 8.

After their surprisingly comprehensive success, Amorim has called for caution and focus despite the fact that all 133 teams who have won the first leg of a Uefa Cup or Europa League knockout-stage tie by three or more goals away from home have gone on to win