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Prioritising Europa League not a gamble, says Mourinho
Posted On May 12 2017
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With United linked to the likes of Antoine Griezmann, Kylian Mbappe and plenty other available (or unavailable) superstars on the market, it’s a lot easier to make a sales pitch when it can include the Champions League stage.
But Mourinho insists winning the second-tier Europa League for the first time would rival those achievements in 1968, 1999 and 2008 because United can not continue living off their illustrious past.
United snatched the lead through Marouane Fellaini’s first half header, but Roncaglia equalised and, after Celta nearly won it late on, Mourinho conceded his team once again lacked a cutting edge.
United are now sixth in the Premier League table, four points off the pace of Champions League qualification, and a full 19 points behind leaders Chelsea.
“It’s a massive risk, but if Mourinho takes United to the final and they win, people will say he did the right thing”.
Most vociferous has been United’s former England midfielder Paul Ince who, in his column for bookmakers Paddy Power, described Mourinho’s approach as “rubbish” and “naive”. For myself and the players, Champions League is Champions League.
They are on the verge of qualifying to play their first-ever European final, and have a good away record so far. “It’s been a long journey, it is match number 14 in the Europa League, and we are going to fight hard”. “It’s a great feeling and we really hope to make it a special night for everyone”.
“If we win, then it means we are strong enough to go to the final”.
The Dutch side goes to Olympique Lyonnais protecting a 4-1 lead in their semi-final.
United have never won the Europa League or its predecessor, the UEFA Cup.
“I think in terms of motivation, we are even”, the United manager said.
“First of all, well done to Man United, they have got through to the final”, he began. “I don’t think it’s consistent, the atmosphere and enthusiasm”. After the loss to Arsenal, it is nearly impossible for United to creep into the top four by the end of the campaign.
