Manchester United’s sole chance of salvaging something from a dismal season rests on the Europa League, where success is crucial for funding the rebuilding of Ruben Amorim’s underperforming squad. United will face Lyon in the first leg of their quarter-final on Thursday, marking the first meeting between the clubs since Cristiano Ronaldo’s decisive goal in 2008, which helped secure United’s last Champions League title.
A disappointing 0-0 draw against Manchester City over the weekend left United in 13th place in the Premier League, prompting Amorim to acknowledge that his team must improve in “every area” to avoid their worst league finish in over 35 years.
The Europa League offers United their only chance to secure European competition next season. Failure to win the trophy in Bilbao next month would have significant financial consequences for the club.
“While it’s not the most important thing for Manchester United, given our situation this season, the Europa League is incredibly important,” said Amorim. “It offers a path to the Champions League next season and the possibility of winning a title, so we’ll give our all to progress.”
Not qualifying for the Champions League is expected to cost United at least £100 million ($127.6 million), adding pressure on the club as they already face financial constraints and cost-cutting measures.
“We are working hard to ensure next season is better, but we are on a tight schedule,” Amorim admitted. “Time is not on our side.”
United’s progress to the quarter-finals was secured by a hat-trick from Bruno Fernandes in a 5-2 aggregate win over Real Sociedad, but the midfielder has emphasized the need to rediscover their “killer instinct” after failing to score in their last two matches.
Fernandes, who has scored 16 goals this season—double the number of anyone else at United—has been assured by Amorim that he is not leaving the club this summer, despite rumors linking him with a move to Real Madrid.
The future of United may depend on how they perform in the remainder of the season.
In contrast, Lyon coach Paulo Fonseca, Amorim’s compatriot, is in a peculiar situation. Despite leading his team to eight wins in 10 matches, Fonseca is banned from the touchline in Ligue 1 until November due to a confrontation with a referee. However, this suspension does not apply to Europa League matches.
Fonseca, who was appointed by Lyon in January after being dismissed by AC Milan, has retained the support of Lyon owner John Textor, despite his inability to fully carry out his duties.
Lyon, currently in fifth place in Ligue 1 and aiming for a return to the Champions League, faces a similar financial urgency as United. The French club was warned earlier this season that relegation could occur unless drastic measures are taken to reduce their debts.
Lyon’s hopes are buoyed by the form of Rayan Cherki, who has impressed since a proposed move to Borussia Dortmund fell through, most recently scoring the winner against Lille after teammate Ernest Nuamah suffered an ACL injury.
Cherki is focused on helping Lyon advance in Europe, declaring, “We’re going to play with confidence and aim to win. We’ve been waiting for this moment, and we’re ready. It’s going to be a battle, and we’ll go to war.”
