Manchester United manager Rúben Amorim has admitted that his side’s run to the UEFA Europa League final will count for nothing unless they lift the trophy later this month.
United swept past Athletic Bilbao 7-1 on aggregate to reach the final of Europe’s secondary club competition, securing a 4-1 second-leg win at Old Trafford on Thursday night. However, speaking after the match, Amorim was quick to downplay celebrations, warning that only victory in the final would make their European campaign meaningful.
“It’s the least we can do for these fans, for the support they have given us in this tough season,” he told TNT Sports. “I’m stressed already because of the final. If we don’t do it, it means nothing, but we’re happy to be there — so let’s see.”
United will face fellow Premier League strugglers Tottenham Hotspur in the final in Bilbao on May 21, with the winner guaranteed a place in next season’s UEFA Champions League. Both sides are enduring difficult domestic seasons, sitting 15th and 16th in the league respectively, and see European success as the only way to salvage their campaigns.
Amorim acknowledged his team’s inconsistency: “I know I should be a better manager and the team should be better at this moment, but we’re trying. We did quite well in Europe but we are struggling in the Premier League.”
Tottenham sealed their place in the final with a commanding 5-1 aggregate win over Bodo/Glimt, and have had the better of United this season — winning all three encounters across league and cup competitions.
Looking ahead to the final, Amorim said: “We have to have a full squad, stay in the game, have a bit of luck and be clinical. It’s quite similar for me and Ange. It is a tough moment and one of us is going to win. It’s going to be a big final and we will try to win.”
