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Following Manchester United’s FA Cup exit at the hands of Fulham on Sunday, focus has shifted to the Europa League as the competition not only represents the club’s last shot at silverware but also the final chance of an unlikely Champions League qualification for next season.
Ruben Amorim has overseen a disastrous run of results since replacing Erik ten Hag, losing 10 out of 24 games in all competitions with the club currently languishing in 14th place in the Premier League.
Multiple players in the squad have spoken about the importance of trying to win the Europa League this season but it seems the head coach is not on the same page.
Surprisingly, in an interview with Sky Sports ahead of United’s Round of 16 first-leg clash against Real Sociedad, the former Sporting CP boss suggested that the Red Devils have “bigger things” to think about than just winning a trophy this season.
Amorim’s thoughts on Europa League
“People are looking at this Europa League as the unique competition we can win, also the connection with winning the Europa League with Champions League [qualification],” said Amorim.
“But to tell you the truth I think we have bigger things to think, I know it’s strange to say that, but it’s something we’re trying to build here that is going to be more important than winning a cup in this moment.
“I know the responsibility we have to fight for every trophy but in this moment we’re trying to build something that will last more than any trophy this season,” he added.
While Amorim’s candour is appreciated by fans most of the time, this admission might not go down well among the fanbase who have had to endure horror nights all throughout the campaign.
Fans, INEOS will not be too pleased
INEOS, who are budgeting for the Europa League for the next four seasons, will also not be too enthused with the head coach’s remarkable admission.
He might be trying to calm the players ahead of a huge game in the season but maybe these were not the right words to describe the situation.
Adapting to his style seems Amorim’s biggest challenge which is understandable but hopefully, he will have very different words to say inside the dressing room ahead of a make-or-break game in this season’s context.
It was not too long ago that former manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was hammered for echoing his thoughts which were also along similar lines.
Feature image Alex Livesey via Getty Images
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