Manchester United coach Ruben Amorim may have led his team to the Europa League final, but despite the success, he remains anxious about several issues that could impact his team’s chances in the final.
On Thursday, United triumphed 4-1 over Athletic Bilbao in the semi-final second leg, securing a commanding 7-1 aggregate victory. The result followed a 3-0 win in the first leg in Spain, but it was far from a straightforward affair. Bilbao made a strong start, scoring in the first half and pushing for more in the second. The game remained tense until Amorim made key tactical adjustments, resulting in four late goals that eased the pressure and confirmed United’s place in the final.
While the players celebrated their achievement, Amorim couldn’t shake off his concerns. United’s upcoming opponents in the final will be fellow Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur, who are also fighting for a place in next season’s Champions League. The final will be a crucial encounter, as the winner secures qualification for Europe’s top competition.
Despite reaching the final, Amorim was quick to remind his players that their journey is not yet complete. He stressed the importance of being at their best in the final and the risks of injury derailing their hopes. “I’m just worried about the next game, trying to not get any injuries for the final. If we don’t win the final, it means nothing for us,” he said. The coach also acknowledged the challenges of facing Tottenham, who have already beaten United both home and away in the Premier League this season. “We have to have a full squad [against Tottenham], stay in the game, and have a bit of luck. We need to be clinical.”
Amorim’s anxiety about the final is compounded by United’s disappointing league campaign. Currently sitting 15th in the Premier League, the team’s domestic struggles have made the Europa League final an even more vital opportunity to salvage their season. Reflecting on his time at Manchester United, Amorim admitted that managing the club has been an emotional rollercoaster. “It’s hard to describe what it’s like to be manager of this club, and you want to give them [the fans] something because we were so disappointing in the Premier League,” he said.
The pressure of the upcoming final is already weighing heavily on the coach. “I am stressed already because of the final. If you don’t win it, it is nothing. We are happy to be there. Let’s see,” Amorim added. He also expressed a sense of self-reflection, acknowledging that he could have been a better manager during United’s struggles in the league. “I can see I should be a better manager in this moment, the team should be better in this moment but we are trying and I think we did quite well in Europe. We struggle a lot in Premier League so let’s see.”
With the Europa League final just around the corner, Amorim’s focus is entirely on preparing his team to face Tottenham in what is sure to be a thrilling match. The final will take place in Bilbao on Wednesday, May 21, and the stakes couldn’t be higher for both clubs, who will be battling not just for silverware, but for a coveted place in next season’s Champions League.
