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Springbok Women determined to topple mighty Canada
Springbok Women captain Nolusindiso Booi said her team will enter Loftus Versfeld with excitement and determination when they face Canada at 13:30 on Saturday.
United endured their worst-ever Premier League finish, ending the 2024-25 season in 15th place. Hopes of salvaging European football through the Europa League also fell short, with a 1-0 loss to Tottenham Hotspur in the final denying them a route back into the Champions League.
As a result, the club will be without European competition for just the second time since the Premier League began in 1992.
Despite the setback, Amorim struck a positive tone while speaking at the launch of United's post-season tour in Malaysia.
"For us, not being in the Champions League could actually be an advantage," Amorim said. "It gives us more time to prepare, to train properly, and to build the core that this team needs moving forward."
The Portuguese manager is aiming to use the reduced fixture load to reset and lay the groundwork for a more consistent domestic campaign.
Amorim also reaffirmed his support for club captain Bruno Fernandes, who had cast uncertainty over his future at Old Trafford following the Europa League final defeat.
"We had some difficult moments this season," Amorim said. "And in those moments, Bruno was the one who took responsibility. That's what you want from a captain. He's crucial to what we're trying to build."
Manchester United will now face a pivotal end-of-season break with Amorim expected to oversee significant changes to the squad as he prepares for his first full season in charge. Without the demands of midweek European fixtures, the focus will be firmly on domestic improvement and long-term progress.
Issued on SABC Sport | https://www.sabcsport.com/soccer/news/ruben-amorim-champions-league-absence-could-benefit-man-utd-next-season
