Man Utd Urged To Stick With Amorim Regardless Of Europa League Final Result

Manchester United have endured a terrible league campaign this season, and haven’t even crossed the 40-point mark with just one game left to play. The Red Devils currently sit 16th in the league, with 39 points.

Despite the struggles in the league, they have a European trophy to win as they face Tottenham, whose league fortunes have been similar, if not slightly worse than Ruben Amorim’s men. The 16th and 17th placed Premier League sides will be contending in the final of Europe’s B competition, with a Champions League spot the main prize.

We sat down with former Manchester United player and academy product, Darron Gibson, to get his thoughts on the final as well as the future of Ruben Amorim and how the result in Bilbao could affect it.

Despite injuries, Tottenham still have an abundance of attacking options

Ange Postecoglou heads into the Europa League final without three key players - Dejan Kulusevski, James Maddison and Lucas Bergvall. The absence of Kulusevski and Maddison will be strongly felt as both have hit double figures in goals and assists this season.

Gibson acknowledges that it is a big blow to Spurs, but they still have quality to call upon in the likes of Brennan Johnson, Dominic Solanke and Richarlison.

“Maddison, Bergvall and Kulusevski are arguably their main first team players but they’ve still got Son, Brennan Johnson, Solanke and Richarlison so I wouldn’t say they’re short on attacking options. They aren't the first choice but that’s still good quality you’re bringing in.”

He adds that it’s hard for him to pick a winner as both teams can produce moments of magic but are also susceptible to committing critical errors.

“I can’t call who will win because it just depends on who turns up on the day. I think it’ll be a tight game and United have the capability of turning it on for ten to fifteen minutes and winning the game. But they also have mistakes in them so it’ll be interesting either way.”

Even if Man Utd win the Europa League, you cannot argue that they’ve been worse than Arsenal, Man City and Chelsea

With Arsenal and Man City going trophyless this season, a fan debate has sparked that whoever wins the Europa League final, their season would be better than that of the Gunners or the Citizens.

Gibson shuts this notion down completely, saying that winning the Europa League would be a nice ending to a tough season, but the club and fans know that they’ve not been good enough.

“It’s always nice to win trophies but I think even United fans will say it’s not been good enough and a Europa League final win won’t mean they’ve had a better season than Arsenal or City.”

“They’ve not been good enough in the league this year. It’s as simple as that. Everyone involved with the club knows that and so do the fans. Winning would be a nice ending to the season.”

Win or lose, Man Utd must stick with Ruben Amorim

Considering the tough season that the Red Devils have endured, some see the Europa League final as an inflexion point for Ruben Amorim’s future at the club. The Portuguese manager took over the reins midway through the season after Erik ten Hag was sacked and the former Sporting manager himself has acknowledged the pressure, noting that he might be the worst manager in the club’s history.

While sacking him is one thing, fans are concerned that Amorim could resign from his position depending on what happens in Bilbao. Gibson, meanwhile, believes that regardless of the result, the club should stick with Amorim.

“United should be sticking with Amorim, whether they win the Europa League final or not. It’s only fair to give him the summer and a pre-season to see how it unfolds next season.”

The former Red Devil and Everton midfielder sees the long-term thinking from Sir Jim Ratcliffe and believes Amorim deserves to bring in players who can suit his style.

“Ratcliffe is a shrewd operator and he’s not brought Amorim in for no reason. They wouldn’t gamble so there must be a good reason for bringing him in. He needs a chance to bring in his own players and work during pre-season to bring his ideas out.”

That being said, Gibson does give a stark warning, saying that if the club are in a similar position next season, then Amorim’s role should be reconsidered.

“If this time next year they’re in the same position then maybe you can question it but right now he’s the right man for the job.”

How much would it cost to see Manchester United in the Europa League final?