Ruben Amorim has doubled his comments that Manchester United does not have to win the Europa League of this season to take steps forward – claim that the club can still attract top players in the next term without Champions League football.
After last weekend's FA Cup exit to Fulham, the Europa League represents the last chance of United on silverware this season – and also their last realistic hope to qualify the next term for continental football.
Winning the Europa League, of which United starts their knockout phase on Thursday evening to Real Sociedad, would guarantee the Champions League football for United next season.
But in an interview with Sky Sports this week, Amorim said that the United project is even greater than just one trophy – and that he is convinced that the club will return to the top, regardless of whether he is in charge or not.
“We have bigger things to think about,” Amorim said about the Europa League. “I know it is strange to say that, but what we are trying to build here is more important than winning a cup at the moment.
“I know the responsibilities that we have at the moment – that we have to fight for every trophy. But we are trying to build a little more than one trophy this season.
“If you look at our team that plays and the results, it is difficult to introduce your big things for our club. But in the darkest moments we must have a light and a path. That is clear here. I don't know if I will be here, but the way we think of things, we will get back and win in the future.
“But then it's the risk – we don't win games. And if you don't, you sometimes have to change the people. But as a club we do many things that are difficult to do.”
In his press conference on Wednesday evening, Amorim confirmed his conviction that he would still have to solve the problems of the club, even if they have Champions League football next season.
“It is not the crucial for the future of the club,” he said. “That's my opinion.
“I have been here for three months, that is clear. But I understand that it is a huge difference in our season. Especially because we are out of the cups and in a bad position in the competition.
“So that can change many things, even the way they see the coach! Manchester United can even call the best players without the Champions League in the future. We have to change many things and try to do that.
“There are much more important things than winning cups at the moment. That is my feeling. But I understand that winning the Europa League can change everything for us next season.
“We should think of the club like a long project and things at the moment. Not thinking, you don't win the cup in a bad position, if you win the Europa League, we would be in a great position because the problems go here, even with the Champions League.
“That is what I want to say. I know you make a count of my season. But I try to show that I don't care. I really have faith in the big goals of this club. I try to show the big whole to this club to our supporters.
“But it's a life of results, you have to win games. I know the consequences if you don't win games. But I really have faith. Since the first day, a little more frustrated. But I still have faith in it.”
Europa League prize money can be 'transformational'
Despite Amorim's comments, United will probably see winning the Europa League as a huge opportunity to stimulate their finances for the coming summer.
The first summer transfer window of United under the Portuguese coach could define the start of Ineos's life at Old Trafford, with Amorim the first management appointment of the Sir Jim Ratcliffe era in the club.
Ineos has recently announced up to 200 dismissals at United this year, to follow the 250 that took place last year, in an attempt to reduce costs and to comply with European spending rules.
But United would get a huge financial boost with Champions League football under their belt, according to football finance desk expert Kieran Maguire.
In the middle of February, Maguire said with Sky Sports News: “If Manchester United wins the Europa League, they automatically qualify for the Champions League next season and that would be transformational.
“We have seen Arsenal their accounts – they have raised their income by £ 150 million by being in the Champions League compared to the Europa League. If Manchester United can achieve that, it would be fantastic from their position.
“The extra competitions that occur as a result of the Swiss model would help them because that would help them sell Old Trafford. They might also have a number of A-Listers come to Old Trafford and they could determine the price-specific for the commercial and hospitality boxes.
“From every £ 100 that you make from the Champions League, United makes only about £ 22 to £ 23 of the Europa League, it is their most important series of results that are discussed the rest of this season.
“I think we should be realistic that their chances of being eligible for the top four or five are remote, which is why the Europa League must be the focus for the club's money people, as well as the focus for the manager and the players.”
Amorim defends system and style
Amorim also defended his current 3-4-2-1 formation that many analysts and supporters of United have divided.
The Portuguese coach has been held on the same formation that served him well in Sporting Lisbon, despite widespread claiming that the formation does not work in English football. Gary Neville described the setup last month as “odd”.
“It's pretty simple – the system is not the problem,” said Amorim. “It's the way of playing. You can build up with three with two defenders and a midfielder who comes down.
'So it's pretty simple. I don't see football. The problem with our team is not the system. We have many problems, we try to work on these problems.
“Every system needs different characteristics. But I was really clear: I have one idea of how to play football and whatever happens, I will not change that. And I am not talking about the system, it is the way I see football.”
Comments