Man Utd opinion: Can winning the Europa League salvage a disastrous season?
Manchester United’s weekend loss against Brentford solidified the team’s current form. The 4-3 defeat against the Bees was summed up perfectly by Wayne Rooney, who said “there are big problems at Manchester United that need fixing”.
It’s no hidden secret that this season for the Red Devils has been awful, to say the least, writes Sports News Blitz’s resident Man Utd fan Vanely Barumire.
From potentially ending the season three places above the relegation zone, Manchester United’s 2024/25 Premier League season will be remembered for all the wrong reasons.
Ruben Amirom’s side currently sits in 15th place and is battling to avoid setting new lows, with their only hope being European football.
After an electric quarter-final at Old Trafford against Lyon and a 3-0 lead in the first leg of the semi-finals over Athletic Club, United are looking like the favourites to lift the Europa League trophy.
However, will winning the Europa League be enough to salvage Manchester United’s worst season in recent times?
Club priority
Ruben Amirom acknowledged that European football is the club's priority.
Speaking to Sky News last week, the Portuguese manager said “in this moment, we have to be clear that our focus is more on saving players and trying to be competitive” in the Europa League.
The honesty is admirable. If the goal is to end a terrible season with some consolation prize, the Red Devils have to win the final at the end of this month.
Not convinced
Former players, however, are not convinced that that will be enough.
On Match of the Day 2, Wayne Rooney pointed out how “the Europa League final is paving over cracks”. And he might be right.
Qualifying for the Champions League next season would only brush off the administrative issues the club has faced all year, or the inconsistent team performances.
A trophy could go a long way in helping to boost the morale after a disappointing season.
However, Manchester United still need to win against Athletic Club on Thursday and then beat either Tottenham or Bodo/Glimt before that can happen.
And seeing the form that the team has been in the last few weeks, it’s not certain that winning the Europa League is even on the cards for Amorim’s beleaguered troops.
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