Manchester United manager Rúben Amorim has admitted the club carries a “big responsibility” to win the Europa League as their domestic season continues to unravel.
United’s hopes of salvaging a woeful Premier League campaign now rest squarely on their European run, after Sunday’s 4-3 defeat to Brentford left them winless in six league matches and slumping to 15th place — their worst position in over 50 years.
Despite late goals from Alejandro Garnacho and Amad Diallo softening the blow of trailing 4-1, the performance at the Gtech Community Stadium was yet another low point for Amorim, who has now lost 12 of his 24 league games since taking charge.
However, Thursday’s Europa League semi-final second leg against Athletic Bilbao offers a lifeline. United take a 3-0 first-leg advantage back to Old Trafford, and with the competition offering a backdoor route into next season’s Champions League, Amorim is fully focused.
“We, as a club, need to understand that we have a big responsibility,” Amorim said. “We are losing games in the Premier League, but we are fighting for the Europa League — that’s the most important game for us right now.”
The Portuguese boss rotated heavily against Brentford, making eight changes to rest key players like Bruno Fernandes and Harry Maguire. He acknowledged the difficult balancing act but stood by the decision.
“Rotation is good for the players. Everybody is playing. But it’s hard. We are preparing for more than one game at a time, and we have to take risks in some games,” he explained.
Amorim also expressed confidence in the team’s overall progress, despite the dire league form:
“I think we are playing better and understanding our way of playing, even in this context. We just have to take the hits right now.”
With Thursday’s second leg offering a crucial shot at redemption, Amorim knows that success in Europe is now essential to restore pride and salvage United’s turbulent season.
