Ruben Amorim reveals why he is 'worried' ahead of Europa League final
Context:
Manchester United secured their place in the Europa League final after a commanding 7-1 aggregate victory against Athletic Club, with head coach Ruben Amorim expressing mixed emotions about the achievement. Although thrilled to have reached the final, Amorim emphasized that the ultimate goal is to lift the trophy, stating that reaching the final is insignificant without victory. As Manchester United prepares to face Tottenham Hotspur, who also reached the final after defeating FK Bodø/Glimt, Amorim voiced concerns about avoiding injuries and maintaining a full squad for the crucial match. The final, set for May 21 at San Mames Stadium, presents a singular opportunity for both English teams, who have had underwhelming Premier League seasons, to secure silverware. Amorim and Tottenham's manager, Ange Postecoglou, are both under pressure, acknowledging the tough circumstances they face and the importance of emerging victorious in the final encounter.
Dive Deeper:
Manchester United advanced to the Europa League final after defeating Athletic Club with an aggregate score of 7-1, including a 3-0 win in the first leg and a 4-1 victory in the second leg at Old Trafford.
Head coach Ruben Amorim expressed that while reaching the final is an achievement, it holds little value unless the team can win the Europa League trophy, highlighting the importance of rewarding the fans for their support during a challenging season.
Tottenham Hotspur also made it to the final by beating FK Bodø/Glimt with a 5-1 aggregate score, setting up an all-English final between two teams seeking their only chance at silverware this season.
Amorim is concerned about potential injuries leading up to the final, emphasizing the need for a full squad and clinical performance in the decisive match against Tottenham.
The final, scheduled for May 21 at San Mames Stadium, marks a significant opportunity for both Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur, who have not met expectations in the Premier League this season, to secure a major trophy.
Both Amorim and Tottenham's manager, Ange Postecoglou, are experiencing similar pressures, acknowledging the tough situation they are in and the high stakes of the upcoming final.
Historically, Manchester United has a favorable record against Tottenham, winning 93 out of their 191 encounters, with Tottenham securing 52 victories, and the remaining matches ending in draws.
Manchester United are through to the Europa League final after bagging a 7-1 win on aggregate against Athletic Club.
Following their 3-0 win in the first leg of the Europa League semifinal at San Mamés, Man United found the back of the net four times in the second at Old Trafford last night.
Speaking after the win at home, Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim told TNT Sports (comments via BBC Sport) that while they are happy to have reached the final, it would mean 'nothing' unless they can lift the Europa League trophy.
"It's the least we can do for these fans, for the support they have given us in this tough season. 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," he said.
While the Red Devils have booked their tickets to the Europa League final, the Portuguese manager also opened up about the concerns that come with it.
What is Ruben Amorim 'worried about' in Man United's Europa League final?
Along with Man United, Tottenham Hotspur also sealed their spot in the Europa League final with their 5-1 win on aggregate against Norwegian club FK Bodø/Glimt.This means that the two English sides, who have been underwhelming in the Premier League this season, are pitted against each other in their only chance of silverware.
Amorim spoke about his worries for the final, mentioning that Man United will be looking to avoid injuries ahead of it. The 40-year-old once again emphasized on the importance of winning the competition.
"I'm just worried about the next game, trying to not get any injuries for the final. If we don't win the final, it means nothing for us. 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 said.
Amorim acknowledged how he and Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou are in a 'quite similar' situation, referring to it as a 'tough moment' for both managers.
"It's quite similar for me and Ange [Postecoglou]. It is a tough moment [for us both] and one of us is going to win. It's going to be a big final and we will try to win."
The Europa League final is slated for May 21 at San Mames Stadium. Man United and Tottenham have faced each other on 191 occasions. The Red Devils have a good record against Spurs, with 93 victories, as opposed to the latter's 52 wins. The rest of the 46 matches have ended in a draw.
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