Ruben Amorim's half-time message to inspire Man Utd comeback at Everton revealed
Manchester United salvaged a 2-2 draw against Everton at Goodison Park on Saturday after trailing 2-0 at half-time, with captain Bruno Fernandes and Manuel Ugarte scoring to earn a share of the spoils
by Alex Richards · The MirrorRuben Amorim simply told his players to "stick to the plan" to inspire Manchester United's fightback at Everton.
United were "embarrassing" in the first half, according to former player Rio Ferdinand, as they fell two goals down to Everton and ex-manager David Moyes at Goodison Park on Saturday lunchtime. Beto and Abdoulaye Doucoure gave the Toffees a commanding lead.
But United, facing the prospect of a third consecutive Premier League defeat, hit back in a second half rally. Skipper Bruno Fernandes stuck an excellent freekick before Manuel Ugarte banged home to level.
Reflecting on United's shaky start and spirited recovery, Fernandes told TNT Sports: "We had our chances in the second half but the problem was we started the game too late. We gave away the first half.
"We were too static and it was difficult to create some situations. We need to start the games better, we know that. We spoke at half-time about how we can't, every time we concede a goal, be down. It is the only time that we start. We need to start games like that.
"We are in a situation where we need to win games and create chances to score goals."
Fernandes then disclosed what Amorim hammered home during the break: "Sticking to the plan. The manager was very upset with us.
"We had to try and stick to the plan and to try and make it work. Even if things are not going well, we have to stick to what our ideas are, and that is what we did in the second half; we had much more freedom, much more movement.
"We were 2-0 down and had nothing to lose, and we got more into the game."
United also had a late VAR overturn to thank for coming away from a final match at Goodison with a point.
Join our new WhatsApp communityand receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Sky Sports deal
Sky Sports launches discounted Premier League package
£35 (was £43)
Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle in an unbeatable new deal that saves £192 and includes 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.