Man Utd one step away from Europa League glory despite horror season

New Straits Times

09-05-2025

MANCHESTER, UNITED KINGDOM: Manchester United are, improbably, just 90 minutes away from qualifying for next season's Champions League after a 7–1 aggregate victory over Athletic Bilbao set up a Europa League final against Tottenham.
Rúben Amorim's men, who have endured a torrid Premier League campaign, came into Thursday's second leg at Old Trafford with a comfortable 3–0 advantage.
However, the 4–1 scoreline gives a misleading impression of the match, as the nervy home side struggled to gain a foothold after falling behind to a superb Mikel Jauregizar strike in the first half.
A triple substitution shortly after the hour mark changed the game, with substitute Mason Mount scoring two eye-catching goals and Amad Diallo causing havoc down the right flank.
Casemiro and Rasmus Højlund added further goals as the nerves lifted at Old Trafford, giving way to a raucous, celebratory atmosphere.
"I think if you look at both games, it was much tougher than the result suggests," said Amorim.
"We have so many weaknesses and you could see that in the game, but we're fighting and we managed to go through. I think, over the two legs, we deserve to be in the final."
In the final, United will face Tottenham, who beat Norwegian champions Bodø/Glimt 5–1 on aggregate.
Amorim, who replaced the sacked Erik ten Hag in November, admitted the showpiece in Bilbao later this month would be his biggest match to date at the club.
"The money (from the Champions League) is not the most important thing – not even the title," he said.
"To win a trophy as a manager, it's that feeling. That feeling that we can achieve something special, to give something back to our fans – especially in a season like this."
United are heading for their worst finish in the English top flight since they were relegated in 1974, although they cannot go down this season.
But it has been a radically different story in Europe, where they are the only team unbeaten across the Champions League, Europa League and Conference League.
That United are pinning all their hopes on Europe's second-tier competition is a sign of how far they have fallen since their regular appearances at the business end of the Champions League.
They reached four Champions League finals under former manager Sir Alex Ferguson, winning two of them.
Ex-Arsenal boss Arsène Wenger, now FIFA's Head of Global Football Development, believes it is inappropriate for Europa League winners to qualify for the Champions League – particularly as five English clubs will qualify through the Premier League this season.
Rival clubs are likely to baulk at the prospect of United or Tottenham appearing in next season's Champions League given their dire domestic form.
Both sides are guaranteed to finish outside the European qualification places in the Premier League, with United currently in 15th and Spurs in 16th.
Nonetheless, the rules are set, and both clubs have the chance to end the season on a high.
Tottenham have beaten United three times this term – twice in the Premier League and once in the League Cup – but Amorim remains undeterred.
"Every match has its own story. So, we lost the last three games, but we can win this one," said the former Sporting Lisbon coach.
"If you look at the odds, we're closer to winning than losing. Both teams will treat this as an all-or-nothing match. The situations are quite similar.
"I know Ange (Postecoglou) has been there a year longer. It's different, the context, but both of us are struggling. So, I don't know what's going to happen."