Harry Maguire has admitted a brutal truth ahead of Manchester United’s Europa League clash against Lyon at Old Trafford on Thursday evening.
Following their 4-1 defeat to Newcastle United on Sunday, Rúben Amorim has shifted focus to Manchester United’s Europa League quarter-final second leg against Olympique Lyonnais.
The two sides meet at Old Trafford on Thursday evening, with the tie delicately poised after a thrilling 2-2 draw in the first leg in France.
Thiago Almada opened the scoring for Lyon, but United responded through Leny Yoro and then Joshua Zirkzee to take control. However, a last-gasp equaliser from Rayan Cherki deep into stoppage time ensured the tie remains finely balanced.
Now, with the backing of the home crowd, Amorim’s men will be looking to finish the job and secure a place in the semi-finals, where they’ll meet either Athletic Bilbao or Rangers.
That tie remains in the balance after a 0-0 draw at Ibrox, where Rangers battled bravely despite going down to ten men just 13 minutes in following a red card for Dutch centre-half Robin Pröpper.
Maguire explains brutal truth
Speaking to the press ahead of the tie, United defender Harry Maguire admitted that the season has been a disappointing one fo the club.
“Obviously, it has been a disappointing season, there is no doubt about it,” Maguire explained. “From the start of the season, we have been far too inconsistent.
“I think performances have picked up late. A lot of games have been 50-50, and we have ended up on the bad end of the result. Tomorrow night is a big game for us and it is one I am looking forward to it.”
Further, the England defenderremarked that, amid confirm nation that United will finish with their lowest-ever points total in the Premier League, the Europa League is now the only competition United are left in.
This rather brutally insinuates that, despite the club still playing in the Premier League each week, it’s a competition they are no longer competing in in any capacity – a notion that has never previously been associated with the club.
“Winning a trophy would be massive and it gives us access to the Champions League for next season. This is the only competition that we are left in and tomorrow night, we are looking forward to it.”
Champions League means everything for United
Winning the Europa League would qualify United for the European elite competition next season, which would not only allow United to compete at the level they wish to but also have major implications for the transfer window.
United will be able to raise around a further £100 million if they guarantee themselves a spot in the competition, while the allure of playing Champions League fixtures at Old Trafford as well as Premier League ties makes United a more attractive destination for players.
“I think it is about the budget when planning for next season,” Amorim explained to the press. “The Champions League can change everything.
“If you are in the Champions League, you play top teams on a Wednesday and at the weekend. This is the best thing. But we need to have the best team. That is important when we make a plan for next season.
“If you have Champions League, you know you have a better budget to put forward a different team next season. I think it is something we will discover next season.”
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