Ruben Amorim guided Sporting Lisbon prior to his appointment as Manchester United manager in November 2024.
Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim has stated that success in the Europa League will not “save our season” but admits it “could change a lot of things at our club”.
Following a challenging campaign in domestic competition, United travel to face Athletic Club in the opening leg of their semi-final on Thursday.
The Red Devils currently occupy 14th place in the Premier League, with just 39 points accumulated from 34 fixtures. However, a Europa League triumph would secure Champions League qualification for next season.
“Everybody understands the significance for our season,” Amorim remarked. “While nothing can truly redeem this campaign, the opportunity is substantial.
“Winning a major trophy and qualifying for the Champions League, securing European football for the following year, could transform many aspects of our club, especially during the summer.”
United advanced to the semi-finals after a dramatic turnaround against Lyon, scoring twice in the final minute of extra-time to secure a 5-4 win in the second leg and a 7-6 aggregate victory.
Their European form contrasts sharply with difficulties in the Premier League, and Amorim, who succeeded Erik ten Hag last November, recognises that “a lot of things we need to change” regardless of potential silverware.
“Lifting the Europa League title won’t resolve our deeper issues – it would assist with Champions League entry and increased financial resources, but the underlying challenges remain,” added the United manager.
“We need to restore belief among our supporters through consistency, sound decision-making, effective recruitment, and a strong academy. These are the changes required to return this club to the highest level.
“It is simply a shortcut back to European football. Nothing more.”
United will be without Amad Diallo and centre-back Matthijs de Ligt in the starting lineup as both continue their recovery from injury. Athletic Club will similarly be missing leading scorer Oihan Sancet.
Diallo, 22, has not featured since February due to an ankle problem, while Dutch defender De Ligt has spent the past month sidelined with a comparable setback.
Tottenham, meanwhile, meet Norwegian outfit Bodo/Glimt in the other semi-final, with the final scheduled in Bilbao on 21 May.
With Spurs 16th and trailing United by two points in the Premier League, Amorim also responded to criticism about teams qualifying for the Champions League through European competition despite domestic struggles.
Athletic Club are currently fourth in La Liga, while Bodo/Glimt occupy third spot in Norway’s top tier.
“These are the regulations,” commented Amorim. “Perhaps it appears unjust as ideally the strongest teams should participate in the Champions League.
“But I believe this system is designed to provide weight to the Europa League. If we have the opportunity, we must aim to seize it.”
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