Manchester United manager Rúben Amorim has declared that reaching the Europa League final will mean nothing if his team fails to lift the trophy later this month.
United booked their place in the final with a dominant 7-1 aggregate victory over Athletic Bilbao, capped by a 4-1 win at Old Trafford on Thursday. They will face Tottenham Hotspur in the final on May 21 in Bilbao, with a Champions League spot on the line for the winner.
Speaking to TNT Sports after the match, Amorim emphasized the importance of the final for both the club and its supporters.
“It’s the least we can do for the fans after such a difficult season,” he said. “I’m already feeling the pressure ahead of the final. If we don’t win, this run means nothing. But we’re proud to be there—let’s see what happens.”
United’s European form has been a bright spot in an otherwise disappointing domestic campaign that sees them languishing in 15th place in the Premier League.
“We’ve done well in Europe, but the league has been tough,” Amorim admitted. “I know I should be doing better as a manager, and the team should be performing better overall, but we’re fighting.”
Tottenham, who sit just one spot above United in 16th, reached the final after a 5-1 aggregate win over Bodo/Glimt. Manager Ange Postecoglou is similarly viewing the Europa League final as a potential lifeline in an otherwise underwhelming season.
Spurs have already beaten United three times this season, twice in the league and once in the League Cup, giving them a psychological edge heading into the final.
Amorim remains focused: “We need our full squad available, stay competitive, have a bit of luck, and be clinical. It’s a tough time for both myself and Ange, but one of us will come out with something to show for it. It’s going to be a huge final, and we’ll give it everything.”
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