It’s no surprise Ruben Amorim has essentially started using Premier League matches as training games when you consider what is at stake for Manchester United in the Europa League. The Red Devils are two matches away from lifting a third trophy in as many years and sneaking into next season’s Champions League as a sixth English club.
Amorim could benefit from having no European commitments throughout his first full campaign as United’s head coach. He will need time to instil his 3-4-3 system at Old Trafford, even once his first batch of summer signings arrive through the door. Yet, the consequences of missing out on Champions League football could severely hamper his plans to stage a squad overhaul later this year.
According to football finance expert Kieran Maguire, United would pocket at least £70million if they participate in Europe’s premier competition next season.
Even if the M16 giants endured as miserable a campaign as their nightmare group-stage fortunes in 2023/24, that fee is said to represent their minimum potential earnings.
It’s claimed that if a club enjoys a successful Champions League run, they could inherit north of £100m for their exploits.
United hold a 3-0 advantage over Athletic Club after their stunning semi-final first-leg victory in Bilbao last week. Old Trafford hosts the second leg on Thursday.
Should Amorim’s side reach the final, Tottenham Hotspur or Bodo/Glimt will await at Bilbao’s San Mames Stadium on May 21. Spurs travel to Norway with a 3-1 lead.
If Ange Postecoglou guides United’s fellow Premier League strugglers to the final, the all-English showdown would represent an all-or-nothing for both clubs.
Spurs have the opportunity to end their 17-year-long silverware drought and hand Postecoglou his trademark second-season trophy.
Or it will be another year without success, a bottom-half Premier League finish and a numb parting of ways with the under-pressure Australian coach.
United face the prospect of silverware in a third consecutive season and Champions League qualification – or the worst imaginable start to Amorim’s reign.
A defeat would limit Amorim’s spending power this summer and leave him heavily relying on player sales to transform his underperforming squad.
The 40-year-old reportedly wants a striker, attacking midfielder, central midfielder and centre-back. There are also questions about whether United will pursue a goalkeeper and right-wing-back.
But Amorim will likely have two different shortlists heading into the summer transfer: one with Champions League football on offer – and a less attractive one without.
