Ruben Amorim claimed Manchester United will be looked at in a different way if they triumph in the Europa League final against Tottenham.
Having taken over from Erik ten Hag in November, Amorim has overseen the majority of the worst Premier League season in United’s history, one which they can end no higher than 14th.
But a victory over Tottenham in Bilbao on Wednesday would salvage the campaign by giving United a major trophy and, crucially, qualification for next season’s Champions League.
A return to European football’s top table would be a huge boost to United financially and offer potential signings extra incentive to join the club.
Amorim, however, believes a change to perception of United and to the feeling inside the club would be the most significant consequences of Europa League glory.
He told a pre-match press conference: “People will look at our team in a different way. It can help us to build a future.
“Our club can have revenues without the Champions League. It is a big club, a massive club but the feeling of winning can help give us the strength we need to do every job we need.”
Despite United’s dismal Premier League form, he enjoys vocal backing from the fans and seemingly has the support of the United hierarchy.
Asked why he appears not to be under any pressure, Amorim replied: “It’s strange because you have some coaches here that lose some games and they are sacked… it’s hard to explain.
“I think people see what we are trying to do, I think that people see that sometimes I’m thinking more about the club than myself.
“People understand, especially the board, that we have a lot of issues that in the context, is really hard.”
But Amorim knows that even his first trophy as United manager cannot paper over the cracks this season has made even more apparent.
“There are a lot of things we need to change,” he added.
“They way we do everything during the week at Carrington, the recruitment, the academy. It is hard to point to one thing and it will not be solved by winning the cup.”
