Manchester United‘s 2024–25 campaign has been one of the most disappointing in the club’s Premier League era, with the team currently sitting 15th in the table with just 39 points. With the UEFA Europa League representing their last realistic chance at silverware—and a path back to European competition—head coach Ruben Amorim has expressed concern about United’s readiness for a possible Champions League return.
On Sunday, United fell 4–3 to Brentford in another underwhelming Premier League performance. Amorim fielded a youthful lineup that included 17-year-old Chido Obi Martin, 18-year-old Harry Amass, and 20-year-old Tyler Fredricson, opting to rest several first-team players ahead of Thursday’s decisive Europa League clash.
United will host Athletic Bilbao for the second leg of the semifinal at Old Trafford, holding a comfortable 3–0 advantage from the first leg. Despite the strong position, Amorim admitted the team may not be prepared for the demands of Europe’s top competition next season.
“It’s a real dilemma, because I think in this moment we are not ready to play Premier League, competitively, and to be in the Champions League. We know that but we need to win, and we need to fight to win this competition, to give something to our fans, and to go to the Champions League,” the coach said after the game to Optus Sport.
Amorim added that, if they manage to win the Europa League, squad planning would be addressed later: “Then we’ll have time to prepare the team to cope with the two competitions. It’s a dilemma, but of course we want to win.”
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Manchester United hit with another injury blow
Apart from the poor performances from great part of the squad, injuries have plagued United throughout the 2024-25 season. Now, with just a few games left, Amorim has been dealt another setback.
Defender Matthijs de Ligt was forced off in the 35th minute against Brentford after a collision with Jasper Nørgaard. The Dutchman had only recently returned from a foot injury and was seen limping as he left the pitch, raising fresh concerns.
When asked about the severity of the injury, Amorim was candid: “I don’t know so I’m really concerned – not about Thursday. We took off Luke Shaw at half-time to protect and have players for Thursday, but I’m more concerned whether it is a small or big injury and thinking about next season,” he said in the post game press conference.
