Manchester United’s manager Ruben Amorim has stressed the immense responsibility resting on his team to secure the Europa League trophy, amid a challenging season.
The Portuguese coach noted that, while the club struggles in the Premier League, winning Europe’s second-tier competition remains their best hope for salvaging the campaign.
United’s latest setback came with a 4-3 loss to Brentford on Sunday, a defeat that has left them in 15th place in the Premier League standings.
The defeat extended their winless streak to six matches, with the team facing the threat of their worst league finish in over 50 years. The loss also saw them trailing 4-1 before late goals from Alejandro Garnacho and Amad Diallo provided a glimmer of hope for the visitors.
Despite the struggles in domestic competition, Amorim remains focused on Europe.
His squad’s 3-0 victory over Athletic Bilbao in the first leg of their Europa League semi-final last Thursday has given United a chance to qualify for next season’s Champions League, should they secure the title in the competition.
Amorim made it clear that, while the league defeats are tough, the team’s goal is to succeed in Europe. “I think it’s stressful to lose games. When we’re fighting for a title it’s not stressful,” Amorim explained. “I have no doubts that we are playing better and we are understanding the way we play, even in this context.”
He acknowledged the team’s disappointing league form but emphasized the importance of focusing on Thursday’s Europa League return leg against Bilbao at Old Trafford.
Amorim made strategic changes for the Brentford match, resting key players such as Bruno Fernandes and Harry Maguire to ensure they are fresh for the crucial Europa League clash.
