Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has declared that qualifying for next season’s UEFA Champions League is more important than lifting the Europa League trophy when his side faces Tottenham in the final on May 21 in Bilbao.
With both clubs languishing near the Premier League relegation zone, victory in the Europa League has become a lifeline. The winner secures a spot in the Champions League group stage, a move estimated to be worth at least £70 million to United—resources Amorim says are crucial for rebuilding.
“For me, the Champions League is more important,” Amorim said during Wednesday’s press conference. “We are supposed to be in the Champions League. Europa League here is not enough, and you have to have that feeling.”
The Portuguese manager admitted the tournament could accelerate United’s return to elite status. “The most important thing is how this title could help us to get back to the top faster. It’s not about the trophy alone.”
Amorim’s tenure has been turbulent since taking over in November, with United managing just six wins in 25 Premier League matches. Despite the criticism and his own harsh assessments—including calling this the “worst team in the club’s history”—Amorim ruled out stepping down if the final ends in defeat.
“I understand the problems of the team, so I’m far from quitting,” he said. “But we need to perform. In the future we need to perform or else they will change us.”
He also confirmed reports that he is personally covering travel costs for the families of his backroom staff attending the final, a gesture that comes amid significant job cuts at United following Jim Ratcliffe’s minority takeover.
“This season has been really tough on everybody,” Amorim said, acknowledging the internal strain. “But I guarantee you that when we are preparing a game in the Europa League, the environment is a little bit different, and you can feel the excitement.”
The showdown in Bilbao now represents both a shot at silverware and a potential lifeline for two Premier League heavyweights struggling to stay afloat.
