Former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has called on UEFA to stop pushing Europa League winners to the Champions League of the following season -because United brought to leave their domestic nightmare behind by the back door route to the top table of Europe
Ruben Amorim responded to Arsene Wenger and insisted that Manchester United simply “follows the rules” because they are two games removed from a remarkable return to the Champions League.
Both United and Tottenham have endured miserable domestic seasons, with the couple in the lower half of the Premier League. United is currently 15th and have guaranteed the shame of their worst Premier League finish.
But with both parties on track to reach the final after strong victories in the first leg – United Lead Athletic Bilbao 3-0 after the first stage, while Spurs Bodo/Glimt 3-1 leads on their reunion in Norway – people seem to be playing in Europe's Premier Club Competition next period.
That would mean that there will be six English teams in the Champions League, with the strong coefficient ranking of the Premier League that ensures that fifth place will be in next year's competition.
Former Arsenal Wenger, now the FIFAs Chief of Global Football Development, suggested that it is 'not good' that the winner of the Europa League is rewarded with a place in the Champions League while doing Punditry for Bein Sports on Tuesday evening.
UEFA has made the decision to offer a place in the competition as a reward for the victory in the Europa League in 2014 and called the Frenchman to revise that, convincing that the policy is unfair.
“She [Europa League winners] Must be eligible for the Europa League again, but not necessarily for the Champions League.
“Especially if you are in the Premier League where five teams are already eligible. I think it is something (for UEFA) to think about and assess.
“On the other hand, people will tell you that in order to keep the Europa League focused, interesting and motivated, you have to give them that prize (of qualifying for the Champions League).”
Asked about Wenger's comments on Wednesday, while he was facing the media prior to the semi -final second stage of Thursday evening against Athletic Bilbao in Old Trafford, Amorim said: “I just know the rules.
“If people want to change the rules with all means. But these are the rules and the rules that you win the Europa League, you go to the Champions League, so we will follow the rules. I don't think much about it.
“I know that the Champions League is for the champions or the best team in the competitions. We are just following the rules.”