New Delhi: Europa League glory could have kick-started a new era for Manchester United under Ruben Amorim, but it was not to be. The 1-0 loss to Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur in the Europa League final means United will cap off one of the worst seasons in club history.
With an embarrassing bottom-half finish in the Premier League confirmed, the European title could have salvaged some pride in a calamitous season, put smiles back on the faces of fans, injected belief and momentum for the next campaign, and brought much-needed financial gains into the club.
But it was not to be, as the Red Devils failed to pass the finishing line in Europe’s second-tier campaign for the second time in four years.
The consequence of losing the final in Bilbao will be an unforgiving one for United, who, for only the second time since 1990, will not be playing European football and miss out on the Champions League riches, which could have been a major boost in a bid to reboot.
Ahead of the Europa League final, football finance expert Kieran Maguire explained the significance of qualifying for the Champions League.
“Financially, it’s the most important match in the club’s history,” Maguire had told the BBC.
“Champions League participation is crucial because it could generate over £100m from tickets, broadcast money, and sponsor bonuses.”
Amorim’s uncertain future: Will he survive the fallout?
With no £100m windfall to put a balming effect on a horrendous season and as a result no ammunition to buy top targets in the transfer market this summer, it looks like a long road to recovery for United.
- But the question is: Will Amorim be at the helm to lead the recovery?
- The current situation begs another question: With nothing to build upon, is Amorim another not-to-be case in the making at Man United?
Under even more pressure after losing the European final, Amorim asked United fans to have some faith.
“I have nothing to show to our fans, I’m really honest with that,” Amorim said. “But again I will continue to do the things the way I know.” Amorim said he “will not quit” or “change,” and didn’t want to talk about his future right after the loss.
“We have to see. This moment, I’m not going to be here defending myself. I have nothing to show to the fans and say, I’m going to improve because of this…’” he said.
“So in this moment it’s a little bit of faith. Let’s see. I’m always open. If the board and the fans feel that I’m not the right guy, I will go the next day. But I’m really confident about my job.”
Will Amorim suffer the same fate as United’s club icon?
Amorim was appointed amidst much fanfare in November after the firing of Erik ten Hag, but the Portuguese has been under pressure from Day one. Hired to reverse the fortunes of the club, the highly-rated young manager has endured a horror season, leading United to 16th in the Premier League, including a club-record 18 defeats in a single campaign. The Portuguese has won six games in the Premier League, and half of those wins came against the teams that got relegated.
As the team’s last hope of playing in a European competition next season and winning a trophy went up in the smoke, Amorim’s future at Old Trafford looks bleak despite the backing of the club hierarchy.
But it will be interesting to see how long a rope Amorim gets.
His campaign is reminiscent of the 2021-22 season when United started under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in a far better position than this season.
But because United lost 2021 Europa League final, the iconic club figure had no cushion to protect him when things went downhill during a horror five-week spell starting in the middle of October.
It’s safe to say that Amorim’s fate will be judged similarly.
Like several former United managers, like Louis van Gaal, Jose Mourinho, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Erik ten Hag, who were once touted as the saviours of the club, Amorim, too, barring a miracle, looks destined to become another not-to-be case at United.
Manchester United’s Europa League final loss to Tottenham marks a dark chapter in club’s history, finishing bottom-half in the Premier League and missing out on crucial Champions League revenue. The financial impact of missing the Champions League is significant, leaving United with limited funds for summer transfers and casting doubt on Amorim’s long-term prospects at Old Trafford, mirroring the fate of previous managers. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
