Manchester United head into the second leg of their Europa League semi-final against Athletic Bilbao with a commanding 3-0 advantage and a golden opportunity to book a likely final clash with Tottenham Hotspur later this month.
Ruben Amorim’s side produced a dominant performance in the first leg in northern Spain, placing one foot firmly in the final which also set to be held in Bilbao.
Despite the European success, United’s domestic form remains dismal. A 2-0 defeat to Brentford on Sunday marked their 16th Premier League loss this season and their worst tally in 35 years. Now languishing in 15th place, they are on course for their poorest finish since the 1974 relegation, though they are safe from the drop this time.
Amorim, who made eight changes and fielded the third-youngest starting XI in Premier League history at Brentford, has made it clear where his priorities lie.
“We’re losing in the league, but we’re still fighting in Europe. Thursday is the most important game for us,” Amorim said. “This part of the season is crucial.”
With a potential final against Spurs or Norway’s Bodo/Glimt (who trail 3-1 after the first leg in London), United know the Europa League presents a vital lifeline. Winning the trophy won’t erase their league struggles, but it would guarantee a spot in the 2025/26 Champions League which provides a crucial boost for the club both financially and in terms of recruitment.
Amorim, formerly of Sporting Lisbon, admits his squad is not yet built to juggle the Premier League and Champions League, but insists his team is determined to succeed in Europe.
“We need to win this competition for our fans and for our future,” he told Sky Sports. “We’ll worry about balancing both competitions after that.”
Since replacing Erik ten Hag in November, Amorim’s tenure has been turbulent. Only relegated sides Ipswich, Leicester, and Southampton have fewer league wins than United’s six.
United’s European run has been inspired by captain Bruno Fernandes, who netted twice in the first leg. His tally of 31 goal involvements (19 goals, 12 assists) in 32 Europa League knockout matches is unmatched since the competition’s 2009 rebranding.
Should both United and Tottenham progress, it would mark the sixth all-English final in the history of European club competition. Spurs, sitting just below United in the league with 19 losses from 35 matches, have also endured a rough domestic campaign. However, manager Ange Postecoglou still has the chance to deliver Tottenham’s first trophy since 2008 and maintain his record of winning silverware in his second season at every club.
Victory in the Europa League for either side would also ensure six Premier League teams in next season’s Champions League, a major statement for English football.
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