Amorim: Europa League Final Must End in Victory or ‘It Means Nothing’ |LAGOS EYE NEWS

Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has declared that reaching the UEFA Europa League final will be meaningless unless his side defeats Tottenham Hotspur in the final showdown in Bilbao on May 21.

United stormed into the final with an emphatic 7-1 aggregate victory over Athletic Bilbao, sealing the deal with a 4-1 win at Old Trafford on Thursday night. Despite their European success, the Red Devils continue to struggle domestically, languishing in 15th place in the Premier League standings.

Speaking to TNT Sports after the match, Amorim acknowledged the significance of the Europa League final for both the club and its supporters. “It’s the least we can do for these fans, for the support they have given us in this tough season,” he said. “I’m stressed already because of the final. If we don’t do it, it means nothing, but we’re happy to be there so let’s see.”

Amorim also admitted the club’s underwhelming league performance, stating, “I know I should be a better manager and the team should be better at this moment but we’re trying. We did quite well in Europe but we are struggling in the Premier League.”

Their final opponents, Tottenham Hotspur, secured their place in Bilbao with a 5-1 aggregate win over Norwegian outfit Bodo/Glimt. Spurs, currently 16th in the league, have also endured a difficult domestic campaign and view the Europa League as their last shot at redemption this season.

Notably, Tottenham have already defeated United three times this season — twice in the Premier League (3-0 and 1-0) and once in the League Cup (4-3).

Amorim emphasized the importance of preparation and fortune ahead of the final: “We have to have a full squad (against Tottenham), stay in the game and have a bit of luck, and we have to be clinical.”

He concluded by drawing parallels between his situation and that of Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou: “It’s quite similar for me and Ange. It is a tough moment and one of us is going to win. It’s going to be a big final and we will try to win.”

The winner of the final will secure automatic qualification for next season’s UEFA Champions League.