Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim says the club must “take a risk” by rotating players, as he prioritises winning the Europa League over improving their poor Premier League standing.
United are in a strong position to reach the Europa League final after a commanding 3-0 victory at Athletic Bilbao on Thursday. With Tottenham likely awaiting in the final — also set to take place in Bilbao — Amorim is focused on securing the trophy, which guarantees a place in next season’s Champions League and offers a major financial boost.
Despite being unbeaten in Europe this season, United sit 14th in the Premier League with four games remaining, putting them on track for their worst league finish since 1974. They face Brentford away on Sunday.
Amorim admitted it was challenging to balance domestic and European demands but stressed he would not risk players nearing injury.
“In this moment it is hard,” Amorim said. “We know we always have a responsibility but right now, we have to take a risk. There are some positions where we don’t have more players. For example, Noussair Mazraoui cannot play on Sunday. He is at the limit to get an injury.”
He added: “We are Manchester United and we cannot go into a game without thinking we can win it. So the process is going to be like that — it’s going to be tough. But we’ve already passed through many things this year. This is just one more.”
The Portuguese coach was also pleased to welcome Amad Diallo back to action after a long layoff due to an ankle injury sustained in February. The forward came off the bench in Spain, with Amorim describing his return as “massive.”
