It was Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandez who came to the pitch and told Ruben Amorim that he was under pressure and would move to the Europa League final.
The reality is different – even if Amurim cannot explain it.
But he feels that his team may be looked at “differently” if they can beat Tottenham on Wednesday at Bilbao.
While many people believe he is likely to lose his job even if Spurs ends his 17-year wait for a trophy and ask for a place in the Champions League next season by winning the Europa League title, he will remain at a high level at Old Trafford in Amrome.
This is despite the fact that United have a low position and there is no proposal that Tottenham will change that view. But Rob United earns about £100 million and leaves them without European football only for the second time because English clubs were allowed to return to the 1990 EU competition.
In response to a question why he was not under any pressure, Amurim was about to answer when the captain and his Portuguese friend spoke instead.
“He’s so. Who told you he’s not him?” Fernandez’s laughter.
“He wants me to work. He will be a very good coach but he has to work on his thinking. He doesn’t know how to deal with people,” he said.
“It’s strange because you have some coaches here who lose some games and have been sacked… It’s hard to explain.
“I think people are trying to do what to do. I think people are sometimes thinking more about the club than myself,” he said.
“People understand, especially the board, which we have many questions that are really difficult.
United could only beat Fulham from the Premier League at Fulham since December, with two points from their last eight games and 16th on the table, but the rankings believe Amurim will change behind the scenes.
“There are many things we need to change,” he said.
“We will do everything in carington, employment, academy during the week. It is difficult to mention one thing and it will not be solved by winning the cup.