Manchester United’s dismal Premier League campaign has forced manager Ruben Amorim to prioritize Europa League success as the club’s salvation this season. Since taking over from Erik ten Hag in November, Amorim has been unable to improve United’s league position, with the team currently languishing in 14th place.
Despite this domestic disappointment, United remain unbeaten in European competition this season and have reached the Europa League semi-finals, where they face Athletic Bilbao. Victory in the tournament would secure Champions League qualification for next season, transforming the club’s immediate prospects.
“In this context, winning something like that is massive for us for our confidence,” Amorim acknowledged. “To play in the Champions League (makes the situation) completely different. The environment, the way we are going to face the summer, the budget for the summer — everything is connected with this competition.”
The financial and reputational benefits of Champions League football would significantly enhance United’s ability to attract quality players during the upcoming transfer window, crucial for Amorim’s rebuilding project.
United’s European journey has featured remarkable moments, including an extraordinary comeback against Lyon in the quarter-finals where they scored three goals in seven minutes. However, their inconsistency remains evident, with the team immediately returning to poor form in subsequent league matches.
The semi-final against Athletic Bilbao presents a formidable challenge, with the Spanish side sitting fourth in La Liga and motivated by the prospect of playing the final in their home stadium. “San Mames will roar. We want to keep this dream alive,” Bilbao announced ahead of Thursday’s first leg.
One positive for United is Rasmus Hojlund’s recent goal against Bournemouth, only his second Premier League strike since early December. Captain Bruno Fernandes hopes this will boost the Danish striker’s confidence for the crucial European fixtures ahead.
The winners will face either Tottenham or Norwegian champions Bodo/Glimt in the final, with United’s entire season—and potentially their immediate future—hanging in the balance.
