Manchester United are approaching the end of the 2024/25 campaign and Ruben Amorim’s still have chance of success in the Europa League.
Since taking charge at Manchester United, head coach Ruben Amorim has downplayed the significance of winning the Europa League despite the club’s struggles in the Premier League.
While Amorim had acknowledged the financial benefits of Champions League qualification, he had been maintaining that it isn’t essential for the team’s long-term development.
The Portuguese boss repeatedly emphasised the importance of the Premier League but he admitted that his priorities had changed after United’s progression to the semi-finals of the Europa League.
He stated that younger players would be given a chance and that the team would be rotated. That was the case against Wolves as the Reds lost 1-0.
Saha disagrees with United approach
Many fans have been saying that the Premier League does not matter any more to United this season as they cannot get relegated or reach European spots.
However, ex-Red Louis Saha believes that this approach will “punish” Amorim and his players.
The Frenchman understands that some rotation needs to be done, but also states that the team have to meet the standards of the football club in every game and that will help them build confidence ahead of the semi-final.
Saha says that United won’t be able to simply turn up against Athletic Club and win the game but instead have to build some sort of momentum from showing positive steps in their Premier League outings.
“No, no, no. If you cheat football, football punishes you,” Saha told Mega Dice when asked if the club should simply focus on the Europa League now.
“United owe it to the fans, and to the players. They need to try every week, for confidence. They need to build confidence, they need to meet standards of the club every week.
“Sometimes you need to change, and I totally understand you put some younger players in some games, but you have to really understand that the quality, the standard needs to be shown in every training session, so the Premier League is a platform as well, and you have to respect it. I think it’s where you build performances, because if you’re going to turn up on just the day of the semi-final, it won’t work.
“So I understand you need to have a balanced approach, but you have to give the right approach with a professional approach, with a determined approach, that you actually try to hurt any team that you face, whether you make a few changes.”
United and Amorim must find a balance
It is hard to disagree with Saha, and it is clear that a balance has to be found to ensure that United are not sleepwalking heading into those games against Athletic Club.
On the other hand, the defeat against Wolves wasn’t necessarily a poor performance and United were in fact the better team but could not finish their chances.
That has been the case with United’s worst and best eleven this season. They simply cannot offer ruthlessness in front of goal.
For Amorim, he will be hoping that certain players can improve their levels for these Europa League games, but as Saha mentioned, that should come through performing in every Premier League game until the season ends.
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