Manchester United’s coach, Ruben Amorim, stated on Wednesday that securing the Europa League title could significantly alter his squad’s underwhelming season, although he emphasised it isn’t crucial for the club’s long-term direction.
The Red Devils are set to clash against Real Sociedad on Thursday in a Round of 16 fixture at the Reale Arena, seeking relief from their disappointing domestic performances.
Claiming victory in the Europa League would grant them a spot in next season’s Champions League, a feat they are unlikely to achieve through the Premier League, where they currently languish in 14th place.
“I think it’s not essential for the club’s future… however, it could make a massive difference for our season, especially as we’ve been eliminated from other cups and find ourselves in a tough position in the league,” Amorim informed the media.
“Winning the Europa League could really change perceptions of the coach,” he added with a touch of humour.
Amorim, who took the reins at Old Trafford in November following Erik ten Hag’s dismissal, is optimistic that top-tier players will still be inclined to join United, even if they miss out on European competition next season.
“Manchester United can pursue all the best talents in the future, even without Champions League football,” said Amorim.
“We need to make significant changes, which we are committed to doing.
“There are more pressing concerns than cup victories at this moment; that’s my perspective, but I recognise that winning the Europa League could reshape everything for next season.”
After Fulham eliminated his team from the FA Cup on Sunday, Amorim pinpointed that the club’s long-term ambition must be to reclaim the Premier League title.
“We need to approach the club as a project rather than just addressing the immediate issues,” continued the Portuguese manager.
“We can’t assume that winning the Europa League would place us in an excellent position next year… I’m attempting to present a broader vision to our supporters.”
The coach noted that his strikers had encountered some bad luck recently, with Rasmus Hojlund failing to score in his last 18 matches and Joshua Zirkzee managing just one goal in his previous 16 outings.
“Some of these things are difficult to explain,” remarked Amorim.
“Before the last match, we went through periods without creating any opportunities, which made it nearly impossible to score; it’s been a team issue.
“However, I felt that in the recent games… we created chances but simply couldn’t convert, and sometimes that’s just how it goes.”
‘Major Favourites’
United will be missing Harry Maguire and Manuel Ugarte for the first leg in San Sebastian after both sustained injuries during Sunday’s FA Cup defeat to Fulham.
Amad Diallo, Kobbie Mainoo, and Luke Shaw are among several other players unavailable due to the club’s injury predicament, along with teenage striker Chido Obi, who is not eligible to participate in European matches.
On the other hand, Real Sociedad’s coach, Imanol Alguacil, expressed uncertainty about midfielder Martin Zubimendi’s fitness for the encounter after he was substituted during the 4-0 league loss to Barcelona on Sunday.
Alguacil regards the Red Devils as the “major favourites” to triumph in the Europa League.
“I disagree with those who claim they are coming here in a poor state; they have deserved more league wins based on their performances, and they possess a strong squad with some standout players,” Alguacil conveyed during a press conference.
Manchester United last lifted the Europa League in 2017 and boasts three Champions League titles in its history, while Real Sociedad has yet to reach a European final.
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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