Manchester United Edge Closer to Europa League Final

Manchester United is on the brink of the Europa League final after a 3-0 win over Athletic Bilbao. Coach Ruben Amorim prioritizes the competition, seeking a spot in the Champions League next season.

Manchester United is poised to face Athletic Bilbao in the Europa League semi-final second leg, with a significant advantage after their 3-0 win in the first leg. A strong performance in the upcoming match would likely secure their spot in the final, potentially setting up a showdown with Tottenham later this month.

Despite their European success, Manchester United's Premier League form has been underwhelming, with the team sitting 15th in the table. However, coach Ruben Amorim is prioritizing the Europa League, recognizing its importance for the team's season. Winning the Europa League would not only bring glory but also secure a valuable spot in the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League, crucial for attracting elite talent and financially boosting the club.

Captain Bruno Fernandes has been instrumental in Manchester United's European progress, scoring twice in the first leg and boasting 31 goal involvements in 32 Europa League knockout games. Amorim's side will aim to build on their momentum and overcome Athletic Bilbao to reach the final.

Manchester United reverted to form on Sunday, suffering their 16th Premier League loss of the season at Brentford, continuing a season of turmoil. This latest defeat means United have matched their highest number of league losses in 35 years.

Under Amorim, United made eight changes to their starting lineup, fielding the third-youngest side in Premier League history. Despite safety from relegation, United's 15th-place position suggests a potentially worst finish since 1974, excluding relegation.

Prioritizing the Europa League

“We are losing games in the Premier League, we are fighting for the Europa League, so we need to accept that and think about Thursday as the most important game for us,” said Ruben Amorim. “Thursday is the most important game. The end of this season is very important.”

With United's Premier League form dipping, Amorim is focusing on the Europa League semi-final against Athletic Bilbao, recognizing its significance for the team's season and next. A win would set up a potential final against Tottenham or Bodo/Glimt, with Spurs holding a 3-1 advantage after their first leg.

Winning the Europa League wouldn't redeem United's poor Premier League season, but it would secure a Champions League spot, potentially transforming the club's finances and ability to attract top talent.

“We know that, but we need to win, and we need to fight to win this competition, to give something to our fans, and to go to the Champions League,” Amorim said, acknowledging the importance of the Europa League for United's future prospects.

Amorim expressed the challenges ahead, saying, “Then we will have time to prepare the team to cope with those two competitions. So, it is a dilemma, but we want to win, of course.”

Since taking over in November, Amorim has faced difficulties, with United winning just six Premier League matches, a poor record only matched by relegated sides Ipswich, Leicester, and Southampton among teams not relegated.

The importance of this fixture can't be stressed enough ❤️‍🔥#MUFC || #UEL pic.twitter.com/iatC73VWc1

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) May 6, 2025

Bruno Fernandes has been instrumental in Manchester United's Europa League run, scoring two goals in Bilbao, including in the 3-0 win where Athletic's Dani Vivian was sent off in the first half. Fernandes boasts an impressive record in the Europa League knockout stages, with 31 goal involvements in 32 appearances (19 goals, 12 assists) since the competition's rebranding in 2009, the most of any player.

An all-English Europa League final is possible if Tottenham advances from their semi-final against Bodø/Glimt and Manchester United defeats Athletic Bilbao. This would mark the sixth all-English final in the Champions League or Europa League.

Tottenham, like United, has struggled in the Premier League, sitting just above them in the table with 19 defeats in 35 games, making their potential Europa League triumph a significant achievement amid a turbulent domestic season.

Ange Postecoglou could still fulfill his claim of winning a trophy in his second season at a club, potentially bringing Tottenham its first silverware since 2008.

An English side winning the Europa League would be significant for the Premier League, as it would mean six teams from the league would qualify for the Champions League next season.