Ruben Amorim has expressed that even winning the Europa League would not salvage Manchester United’s troubled season, emphasizing that addressing deeper structural issues within the club is more important than securing silverware. Despite the potential for winning the competition to bring both a trophy and Champions League qualification, the manager is clear that it will not be enough to reverse the overall struggles the team has faced this campaign.
United’s current position in 14th place in the Premier League is set to be their lowest finish in years, a situation that, regardless of a potential Europa League triumph, would not disguise the systemic issues at the club. Amorim stated that while winning the Europa League and qualifying for the Champions League would bring financial benefits and the opportunity to play at a higher level, these achievements alone would not resolve the underlying problems.
Amorim insists that only through “good decisions” can the club hope to address its challenges in the long term. These decisions, he believes, need to span several areas, including recruitment, youth development, and the overall philosophy of the club. “We need to change a lot of things and need to be consistent,” he noted. “Europa League will not change our problems it’s going to give us Champions League next year, more money to spend, but the problems are still there.”
For Amorim, the key to Manchester United’s recovery lies not just in short-term fixes but in the transformation of the club’s approach to decision-making, both on and off the field. He added that the club must focus on creating a more stable and sustainable future, one that will restore their status among Europe’s elite.
While there has been some debate about whether qualifying for the Champions League through a Europa League win would diminish the value of the competition, Amorim defends the rules. He acknowledges that some might argue it’s unfair for a team finishing so low in the league to have the chance to compete in the Champions League, but he points out that the competition’s rules are clear and must be adhered to. “Maybe you can say it’s not fair because the best teams, the champions, should be in the Champions League,” he said. “It’s the rules, I don’t know if it’s fair or not but if there is that possibility we have to try and reach it.”
Despite the high stakes of the Europa League semi-final, Amorim remains confident in his team’s ability to handle the pressure. The second leg at Old Trafford will come with significant expectations, but Amorim believes his players are ready for the challenge. He pointed out that every player in the squad has international experience and, despite the struggles of the season, they are motivated and capable of succeeding.
“There’s a lot of pressure,” Amorim admitted. “But the players are excited to be here, they are capable of winning. The context of this season is really complicated in every aspect. I don’t see it as an issue.” He expressed optimism that, regardless of the team’s inconsistent performances, they can deliver when it matters most in these crucial moments.
As United gears up for the second leg, the fitness of key players like Matthijs de Ligt and Amad Diallo remains a concern. Both have traveled with the squad to Bilbao but are not yet ready to start. Despite these injury worries, Amorim remains confident that his squad can secure a positive result, furthering their chances of completing the season with at least one piece of silverware. However, he remains steadfast in his belief that the real work to revitalize the club lies beyond a Europa League victory.
