MANCHESTER UNITED could need to win the Europa League to sign one of their top targets this summer - but the stats experts reckon their chances are slim.
The Red Devils booked their spot in the Europa League semi-finals with a heroic comeback win over Lyon on Thursday night, sealing a clash with Athletic Bilbao in the final four.
United overturned a two goal deficit with THREE extra-time goals in a dramatic 5-4 turnaround sealed by a Harry Maguire header in the dying embers.
But despite their monster status in world football and their momentum from the magic comeback, they are still THIRD favourites to win the competition.
That's because Opta's supercomputer reckons both Tottenham and Athletic Bilbao have a better chance of lifting the trophy than Ruben Amorim's side.
After simulating the remainder of the Europa League 10,000 times, Opta have given the Red Devils 24.2 per cent of winning the tournament, only bettering the 12.4 per cent chance held by Norwegian side Bodo/Glimt.
While Athletic Bilbao are thought to be second favourites with 28.5 per cent chance of success, and Premier League rivals Spurs are the most likely to end their 17-year wait for silverware - given a 34.9 per cent chance of becoming European champions.
Falling short of success in Europe would make United's season even worse than it already is.
The Old Trafford outfit have already confirmed their worst ever Premier League points return and crashed out of both domestic cups.
But it's not just this season that failure could affect, but also the coming campaigns too.
That's because winning the Europa League comes with a place in next season's Champions League - a prize worth at least £80MILLION.
And according to ESPN, Man Utd's interest in signing £100m-rated Southampton star Tyler Dibling will come down to whether they can top up their bank balance with European success.
United are reportedly keen on signing the 19-year-old, who has also been linked to Chelsea, Man City, Tottenham, Bayern Munich and RB Leipzig.
However Saints have slapped a £100m asking price on the winger, who has scored two goals and registered one assist in 28 Premier League appearances this season.
Man Utd chiefs are keen to bring in new talent up front and in midfield in the summer, areas that will have to take priority if they are unable to earn extra cash by winning the Europa League.
kaebekmru
0
While other teams are fucusing on the cumputer prediction both man utd and Boodo Glimt are training hard because there already knows there are not favorites but their coming to turn the odds 😂😂
sowcimorsz
0
did totenamu have a trophy we will see after beating atletic
Bucblmntu
0
it's for man untd
Yutacnsy
0
drunken superdumpcomputer.... Spurs over United is pathetic
Daphoenix23
0
2 goals and 1 assists? What the hell do we need that no good player for and at 100 million…!!
MoltenBoss
1
This supercomputer always predicted wrongly and might as well RIP....
latdemopuy
1
it's always right to predict Manu that opta, currently
zoeadelst
0
opta prediction are always wrong 😂😂😂
edwardekamenya
1
supercomputer is fucking sick and confused..
dhanpatel
0
100mil for a championship player. bahahahahahahahaha. clubs taking fans for a ride again. fans paying ridiculous prices to help fund these idiotic moves.
if Man City had no injuries Opta computer was on cue for Man City to win 5th in a row PL Title 💙😍💙😍💙
Doabclmnoz
4
Taaaaaaa, onye kwuru dat tin. Is it not human being dat manipulate computer to suit dem self. Just watch n see Manchester United lifting the trophy🏆🏆🏆
Temesa
1
as long as super whatever is not God it's not True. Man Utd will be crowned Europa Champions and they'll on to play super cup and be contenders of Champions League. Beliv That!
JorgeJamaika
0
I think opta computer is absolutely stupid no one teams in semis has ever win d trophie before is only mu nd united have d experience than any of d three team
Tottenham has it and it was the first team to win this Europa League competition.
Wuzabilstz
2
we r gona prove everyone wrong. GGMU !!!
joociklnsu
1
we are sure of winning it even if its just 1%..... GGMU forever ♥️♥️
jozdklors
1
Opta computer is noted for lying. They said Manchester city was going to win this year EPL and today they are struggling to even enter the big four
jasbdeksy
0
100mil for a championship player. bahahahahahahahaha. clubs taking fans for a ride again. fans paying ridiculous prices to help fund these idiotic moves.
Emmaveli29
0
2 goals and 1 assist and you are quoting 100, Southampton dey mad walai
zero assist bro
PrinceAbobyBlinkz
0
2 goals and 1 assist and you are quoting 100, Southampton dey mad walai
Nosacnouy
3
the game will be played on the pitch and not computer
Daaabcry
0
we Manchester need to stop spending this huge money for these young baller cause it not working out playing for a big club like mu you have to have a a big heart these kid heart small can't take pressure
lehadkopuy
2
I think opta computer is absolutely stupid no one teams in semis has ever win d trophie before is only mu nd united have d experience than any of d three team
weabdelmnz
2
super computer is behind Arsenal not ManU, we do the talking on the pitch
Naaacdlmps
1
Just imagine how can a player who only managed to score two goals be worth 100 million that's a joke Man utd don't pursue this player you have been conned too many times please wake up
Ronbdemruy
0
if God stand to somebody who is supercomputer bastard,
Naaacdlmps
1
Super computer humans hiding behind a machine to present their opinions i don't think any sane person will pay attention to such nonsense
Dotabcilm
1
Supercomputers controlled by human, and human are not perfect, and are liars.
Yoabdilmsu
1
is it computer play football ⚽️ on the ground
pumcimnop
2
We dont care about computer... we belive man utd will win
Petilmops
2
A man who scored 2 goals is 100m rated