Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim downplayed the importance of winning the Europa League despite having a dismal Premier League campaign.
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Amorim staring at a season-defining finale in BilbaoBut he's not downplayed its significanceVictory would lead to UCL spotFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
Amorim has attempted to temper expectations ahead of the Europa League final in Bilbao, insisting that lifting the trophy would not erase the disappointment of a lacklustre domestic campaign. With United languishing in the lower half of the Premier League table and enduring 18 league defeats this season, the Portuguese coach has consistently argued that success in Europe alone cannot salvage their year.
AdvertisementAFPWHAT AMORIM SAID
Speaking to Amorim said: "You can see the environment is completely different. Even in our context. The week of the preparation for the final, even the matches before the final with Athletic Bilbao, with Lyon, the environment of the club is completely different. When I say that it is not the most important thing for our club, I really mean it. If you win the Europa League at Manchester United, I'm really sorry, it's not a big thing. You need to go for the Premier League and the Champions League, and we are so far away. That is my feeling of course. It is winning a European title, but it is not enough – and I have that feeling all of the time."
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Amorim’s sentiments are echoed by his players, with club captain Harry Maguire also acknowledging that winning a European title will not paper over the cracks of a dismal domestic season.
"It wouldn't save the season because I think it's been disappointing," he said. "There's been too many games that we've lost, far too inconsistent. It's been a difficult season. It's been a disappointing season but of course football is about memories, it's about creating memories, it's about winning trophies and we have a great opportunity to win a trophy."
DID YOU KNOW?
Despite the downplaying of its importance, a Europa League win does hold tangible benefits for United. Most notably, it would guarantee a place in next season’s Champions League, which could be vital for luring new signings as they aim for a massive squad rebuild. The lure of Europe’s premier competition could also offer the squad a psychological lift, showing that even in a difficult year, they were capable of delivering on a major stage.
