Ruben Amorim: Europa League success will not save Manchester United’s season

Ruben Amorim admitted on the eve of Manchester United’s crunch semi-final against Athletic Bilbao that even Europa League glory cannot save their season.

This has been the Red Devils’ worst campaign of the Premier League era, with the side 14th and on a meagre 39 points with four matches remaining.

United are putting all their eggs in the Europa League basket as continental glory will not only seal silverware but much-needed Champions League qualification.

Amorim’s men arrive in Bilbao for Thursday’s semi-final first leg as the only unbeaten side left in the competition but the Portuguese knows that returning to San Mames for May’s final and lifting the trophy cannot hide this season’s shortcomings.

“Everybody knows that it’s really important for our season,” Amorim said. “We know that nothing is going to save our season but this can be huge.

“Winning a trophy and also to get in the Champions League to have European games next year could change a lot of things in our club, even in the summer.”

United midfielder Manuel Ugarte echoed those sentiments, saying: “As the head coach said, this is not going to save the season.

“But the history of United is written with titles, so that’s why we’re focused very much on tomorrow and to be able to play in the Champions League next season, so it’s very important and altogether we’re going to try and win.”

United have performed far better in Europe than they have done domestically, with Amorim dealing with numerous teething problems since succeeding Erik ten Hag in November.

Next stop, Bilbao ✈️