It just won’t go for Manchester United at the moment, will it?
Against Arsenal at the weekend, the Red Devils finally put in the performance their fans have been waiting for, and it looked almost certain that Jose Mourinho’s side would secure all three points.
A last minute lapse in concentration, however (and maybe a stroke of genius from Arsene Wenger), saw Olivier Giroud nod home in the final etchings of the game to earn the Gunners a lucky point away from home, leaving both Mourinho and the Old Trafford faithful once again frustrated.
Things haven’t exactly gone United’s way in the Europa League either, with two losses – at the hands of Feyenoord and Fenerbahce – and two wins their record thus far in the competition.
In what is a lacklustre group, however, Football FanCast United should be doing far better, especially considering the investment at the club over the summer. Here are three reasons that Mourinho and the Red Devil’s should start taking the Europa League seriously ….
Chance at a Trophy
Yes, United still remain in the EFL Cup and the FA Cup. Some may argue – wrongly albeit – that they are still in the race for the Premier League title. But the Europa League is United’s best shot at a trophy this season, and one that will signal relative success come the end of the campaign – whereas winning either of the two domestic cups will represent no improvement upon Louis van Gaal’s final term.
Mourinho has a good track record in Europe and hence should be expected to take that forward with United.
Champions League Football
Not only would winning the Europa League mean a trophy come the end of the season, but also Champions League football for next season. United are likely to miss out on qualification through the Premier League standings and fans will be disappointed if their club once again fails to enter Europe’s top club competition, especially considering their success over the past two decades in the competition under Sir Alex Ferguson.
A return to the elite is what the fans what, and may keep Mourinho in the job.
Next season
The importance of qualifying for the Champion’s League next season isn’t merely to be back amongst Europe’s best – it is much more than that. The Europa League has been heavily criticised for its intensive fixture schedule and travel demands upon clubs, which far too often has impacted on its’ participants domestic success.
If United want to avoid the trap of a clogged fixture list again next season, they need to qualify. If they don’t once again, their squad will struggle to meet the demands of the competition and will continue to see them disappoint in the Premier League.