Bruno Fernandes gives BRUTAL verdict on Man United's season from hell

Bruno Fernandes has given his brutal assessment of Manchester United's horrendous season, insisting that a Europa League triumph will 'not save anything'.

Success in the second tier European competition and therefore qualification for the Champions League is all Ruben Amorim's side have to play for in the closing weeks of the season.

United are 14th in the Premier League but if they can beat Athletic Bilbao over two legs, will reach the final of the Europa League against either Tottenham or Bodo/Glimt having remarkably scraped past Lyon in the last round.

But victory will not paper over the cracks of what has been a hugely embarrassing campaign, according to Fernandes.

Ahead of Thursday's game, he said: 'I wouldn't say it's a reward, I think it will just be successful in terms of the Europa League.

'It's very important to do that, to get the silverware this season. But it won't save anything.'

Bilbao have been targeting the Europa League this season as the final will be held in their San Mames stadium on what could be a historic night for the club.

Fernandes added: 'They have the final at home if they beat us, so it will be really tough. You have to be prepared.'

United managed to salvage a point at the weekend in a 1-1 draw against Bournemouth, with Rasmus Hojlund scoring late on.

But the league season has been a catastrophe, with Amorim even saying this is the worst United side in history.

Fernandes has been United's one shining light, scoring 15 goals and providing 14 assists for the team.

There are major financial implications on the line with the revenue boost that qualifying for the Champions League would bring United.

And the club are desperate for a seat at the top table to help boost them in the market and give more breathing room with profit and sustainability rules.

Planning has already begun for next term, with Wolves striker Matheus Cunha a top transfer target. Last week Mail Sport reported that United are close to agreeing terms with the Brazilian.

They will then have to activate his £62.5million release clause but Paul Scholes has his doubts about where the 15-goal man will fit in.

He wrote in his TNT Sports Column: 'He knows that physically, his team are just not strong or quick enough, so Matheus Cunha is obviously athletic, and he's got quality with 15 league goals this season.

'I just worry for any signing coming to Manchester United at the minute. It just feels like it's such a bad place to go. The quality of play right now is so poor.

'Is he a centre forward or is he a wide player? There's no doubt that he has quality and of course, it would be nice to sign him, but I worry about where he fits in.

'You can sign the best three players in the world, and I think they'll struggle coming into this team at the minute, but they've got to start somewhere.'

Whether Cunha, if he joins, will be playing in the Champions League or no European competition at all, remains to be seen.

United's first leg against Bilbao takes place away from home on Thursday.