Manchester United are rightfully going all-out to reign victorious in the Europa League, but should their Premier League form be faltering as much as they’ve allowed it to?
While it’s an unthinkable prospect for the Old Trafford faithful, the chance still remains that United fall short in their quest to lift the trophy.
A nervy start on Thursday evening when they lock horns with a riled-up Athletic Club could see a capitulation happen akin to the second half against Olympique Lyonnais in the quarter-finals. Of course, they were able to seal progression thanks to heroics at the death from Bruno Fernandes, Kobbie Mainoo and Harry Maguire, but to be in a similar situation with a spot in the final up for grabs is inconceivable.
Who United could face if they advance to final
As things stand, it’s looking as though it could be an all-English final in Bilbao on May 21. For those Reds adamant about being in attendance at San Mames Stadium, take a look at this guide to finding Europa League final tickets.
United could well face up against Tottenham Hotspur – a team whose Premier League campaign has also left fans despairing at how they’ve dropped so low in the table.
However, Spurs have in fact done the double over United this season; initially with a 0-3 scoreline in M16 back in September followed by a 1-0 win for the London outfit on their home turf in February. Sandwiched between the two fixtures was a seven-goal thriller in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals, during which Tottenham clinched a 4-3 win.
Their sheer desperation to secure a major honour, coupled with the fact Ange Postecoglou has got the better of Ruben Amorim twice already (Erik ten Hag was still at the reins for the autumn clash), won’t fill the Red Devils with an abundance of optimism if that is to be the final.
Amorim winless in six league matches
After Sunday’s dismal 4-3 loss at the hands of Brentford, Alejandro Garnacho took to social media to react to the afternoon’s affairs, captioning his post: “Thursday, Thursday…”
Again, that’s all good and well priorisitng European glory, but the defeat left United 15th-placed in the table. Now, Everton and Wolverhampton Wanderers – two teams who’ve looked destined for relegation in the last two seasons – are above the 20-time champions.
Amorim will be given ample time to try and implement his changes, and that should be the case, given he’s working with a squad filled to the brim with Erik ten Hag signings. Yet, entering the summer with a lowest-ever Premier League finish on record without the Europa League trophy to mask it will undoubtedly raise questions over his first six months in the dugout.
