Sports

Not Even Europa League Glory Can Save Man Utd’s Season, Says Amorim

Published

7 months ago

April 30, 2025

Editor

Ruben Amorim on Wednesday admitted that even winning the Europa League would not salvage Manchester United’s miserable season.

The fallen English giants face Athletic Bilbao in the semi-finals, with the first leg in Spain on Thursday.

But whatever the result at the San Mames, also the venue for May’s final, it will not disguise the fact that this has been United’s worst campaign of the Premier League era and one where bitter rivals Liverpool have equalled their record of 20 top-flight English titles.

United are currently a lowly 14th in the Premier League table, having accrued just 39 points with four matches remaining, meaning they will have to win the Europa League in order to qualify for the Champions League.

“Everybody knows that it’s really important for our season,” United manager Amorim said during a pre-match press conference.

“We know that nothing is going to save our season but this can be huge.

“Winning a trophy and also to get in the Champions League to have European games next year could change a lot of things in our club, even in the summer.”

United are bidding to win the competition for the second time after their success under Jose Mourinho in 2016/17.

“As the head coach said, this is not going to save the season,” said midfielder Manuel Ugarte.

“But the history of United is written with titles, so that’s why we’re focused very much on tomorrow and to be able to play in the Champions League next season, so it’s very important and altogether we’re going to try and win.”

Their European form has been the one saving grace for United in a difficult season where Amorim has struggled to make his presence felt domestically since replacing the sacked Erik ten Hag in November.

“Europa League will not change anything in our problems –- it’s going to help us to have Champions League next year, more money to spend –- but the problems are still there,” said Amorim.

“We have to change the minds of our fans with consistency, good decisions, good recruitment, good academy. This is what we need to change to take this club back to the top.

“This is more of a shortcut to go to European games. Nothing more.”

Two-time runners-up Bilbao have the added incentive of trying to reach a European final at their home ground.

“They are really strong as a team, really intense, really aggressive –- even for a Spanish team they are aggressive in every duel,” Amorim said.

“They have great players one v one. Nico Williams is a special player. They are the best defence in Spain in the league. We are not scoring too many goals, so it’s going to be a tough match for us.”

United will have Amad Diallo and Matthijs de Ligt, out since February and the start of April respectively, available.

“To start, no,” Amorim said. “But they can be in the squad for the game.”

Related Topics:#EPL Amorim Europa League Man United

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EPL: Man Utd Suffer Fresh Injury Blow Ahead Of Everton Clash

Published

2 days ago

November 23, 2025

Editor

Manchester United manager, Ruben Amorim, could be without Matheus Cunha for Monday’s Premier League clash against Everton.

ESPN reports that Cunha has picked up an injury in training.

The Brazilian suffered what is being described as a “minor knock” during a session on Saturday.

It forced him to miss a scheduled appearance to switch on Christmas lights in Altrincham, Greater Manchester, on Saturday evening.

Amorim will be keen to have Cunha available, as he has already lost striker Benjamin Sesko to a knee injury.

Since his £62.5 million move from Wolves, Cunha has scored only once in 11 appearances.

Sports

EPL: Why Arsenal Could Win The Title This Season – Guardiola

Published

4 days ago

November 21, 2025

Editor

Manchester City manager, Pep Guardiola, has admitted Arsenal could be “difficult to catch” in the Premier League title race if they extend their lead at the top of the table.

City will have the chance to cut the Gunners’ lead to one point when they travel to Newcastle United in Saturday’s late kick-off.

Ahead of the game, Guardiola has warned his players that they have to keep pace with Arsenal, who will host Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.

“Arsenal are an impeccable team,” Guardiola said.

“If they manage to take some distance in points, it will be difficult to catch up.

“Just like how it went with Liverpool last season.”

Liverpool finished 10 points ahead of Arsenal last season.

Sports

Ikpoba-Okha Trade Tackles With Ovia N-East As Benin Unity Cup Kicks Off

Published

5 days ago

November 21, 2025

Editor

Ikpoba-Okha LG traded tackles with Ovia North-East LG at the opening match of the maiden edition of the Benin Unity Cup held at the Crescent Sports Club in Irhirhi, Benin City, on Thursday evening.

The seven local government councils in Edo South Senatorial District are expected to participate in the tourney sponsored by Neda Imasuen, the Senator representing the district at the National Assembly.

The match between the two LGs saw the players from both sides showcasing tactical organization, intensity, and individual brilliance, but neither team could find the breakthrough despite promising chances.

The draw sets the tone for what promises to be a competitive and talent-rich tournament, with scouts already keeping close watch on standout performers.

Both sides played out a cagey 0–0 draw, setting the tone for what promises to be a competitive and talents-reach tourney.

‎In his remarks earlier, the tournament sponsor, and vision bearer Senator Imasuen, appreciated participating teams and officials for embracing the initiative.

He explained that the Unity Cup was designed to discover, nurture, and create pathways for grassroots footballers across Edo South, revealing that scouts from other parts of Nigeria — and possibly abroad — will attend live matches during the tournament.

READ ALSO:Senator Imasuen Kicks Off Benin Unity Cup To Foster Unity
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‎Imasuen encouraged all players to give their best, emphasizing discipline, fair play, and sportsmanship as the core values of the competition.

Imasuen, who promised to make the football tournament an annual event, assured to consider other sports including boxing, cycling, tennis ,and basketball in the nearest future.
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‎ Addressing the crowd at the opening ceremony, the Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Hon. Amadin Desmond Enabulele, applauded Senator Imasuen for investing in grassroots football, describing the competition as a timely platform for youth development in Edo State.

‎He appealed to Senator Neda Imasuen, individuals and corporate bodies to extend similar support to other sporting disciplines, stressing that Edo State is home to many gifted athletes outside football who are yet to be discovered.

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