Manchester United can qualify for next season's Champions League if they go all the way in the Europa League this term but their head coach isn't getting carried away
Ruben Amorim said nothing can save Manchester United's disastrous season and admitted winning the Europa League will not solve their problems. United take on Athletic Bilbao on Thursday night in the first leg of their Europa League semi-final, with the winners of the competition going straight into next season's Champions League.
Lifting the trophy is United's last chance to secure European football for next season, with Amorim's erratic side currently down in 14th place in the Premier League. But Amorim said even if United win the Europa League and with it a £100million ticket to the Champions League, it will not be a cure for all of their ailments.
“We know nothing is going to save our season,” said Amorim. “But this can be huge.
"Winning a trophy to get into the Champions League to play European games next season could change a lot of things in our club in the summer. But it's not the most important thing.
"It's about something more, in the core of our club. We need to change a lot of things and we need to be consistent.
“Winning the Europa League is not going to change anything in our problems. It's going to give us the Champions League next season and more money to spend, but the problems are still there.
“We have to change the minds of our fans with consistency, good decisions, good recruitment and a good academy. This is what we need to change to take our club back to the top.
"This is more of a shortcut to go to the European games - nothing more. The problems we need to solve in a different way with more time and we're all really clear on that.”
United have named Matthijs de Ligt and Amad in their travelling squad for Bilbao. The pair have both been missing for a number of weeks, but could have a part to play on Thursday night.
Opponents Athletic have been dealt an injury blow of their own, with Oihan Sancet unable to play a part. The 25-year-old, who has 17 goals this season, faces a race against time to return for the second leg at Old Trafford next week.
"He's ruled out for tomorrow," Athletic manager Ernesto Valverde said in the lead-up to the first leg. "We'll see what happens next. We'll go for what will work for us."
Nayikmorsy
1
mad man of the century....... how many player did e sign ?
God bless you for this reply
Yezaelmpy
0
we will win 2day
Yezaelmpy
1
please if amad comes back start with dorgu,casemiro,mount ,amad ,the captain BF please Amorim
Veybdlruy
2
you are a stupid coach and blocked head big for nothing look at the way you are talking after spending so much money in transfer windown
mad man of the century....... how many player did e sign ?
Jtikol10
0
That’s a statement of failing in Europa
Biccnorz
0
The best goalkeeper for MU is BULKA from Nice
Micikmou
1
mu sure trophyless this season and upcoming season 16th standing for sure
oldtrafford22
0
you are a stupid coach and blocked head big for nothing look at the way you are talking after spending so much money in transfer windown
makbimnrt
0
Amorim must also be fired before Man U look for new players to replace all plyers
rapb12
1
they Manchester United won't progress beyond semi final.. dead is Manchester United and their devil logo..
jizadklpry
3
As long as they manage to make it to the ucl it fair to say next season you’ll need to up ur game
wuoceknsz
0
Same old story if they will not get better players and do away with under performing ones
wuoceknsz
3
Man U needs to buy accomplished players if they are to compete with Europe's giant teams