Manchester United may be through to the Europa League final, but head coach Ruben Amorim is not celebrating just yet. Despite overseeing a dominant 7-1 aggregate win over Athletic Bilbao in the semi-finals, the Portuguese tactician is more concerned than relieved — and he isn’t hiding it.
Speaking after Thursday night’s 4-1 second-leg victory at Old Trafford, Amorim revealed that he’s already feeling the pressure ahead of the final against Tottenham Hotspur, a side that has already beaten Manchester United twice this season.
While fans enjoyed the comeback win and the atmosphere under the lights, Amorim admitted his focus has already shifted to the next challenge — and what could go wrong.
ALSO READ:Manchester United Crush Bilbao 7-1 on Aggregate to Book Final Date with Spurs
Manchester United Beat Bilbao But Concerns Remain
The match began with Manchester United holding a healthy 3-0 lead from the first leg. But when Bilbao scored first, it sparked some tension inside Old Trafford. For a while, it looked like the Spanish side might make things uncomfortable. However, late goals from Mason Mount, Casemiro, Rasmus Højlund, and another from Mount ended the threat and sealed an emphatic win.
Still, Amorim was far from satisfied.
“I’m just worried about the next game,” Amorim said. “If we don’t win the final, it means nothing for us.”
It’s a stark reminder of the stakes. Manchester United, languishing in 15th place in the Premier League, are facing a disastrous domestic season. A win in the Europa League final is not just about a trophy — it’s about salvaging pride and securing Champions League football next season.
Injuries and Inconsistency Worry Amorim
One of Amorim’s biggest concerns heading into the final is the health of his squad. With just under two weeks to prepare for the showdown in Bilbao, he is hoping to avoid any new injuries that could derail his plans.
“We have to have a full squad [against Tottenham], stay in the game and have a bit of luck. We have to be clinical,” he added.
The manager’s anxiety is understandable. While Manchester United have looked promising in Europe, their league form has been poor. The team has struggled with consistency, often looking disjointed and short of confidence. A key injury or moment of complacency could undo everything they’ve worked for in Europe.
Final Showdown: Manchester United vs Tottenham
The final against Tottenham Hotspur, set for May 21 in Bilbao, is being seen as a high-stakes battle between two Premier League underachievers. Both sides have struggled domestically but found new life in Europe.
Tottenham, coached by Ange Postecoglou, knocked out Bodø/Glimt in their semi-final and, like Manchester United, are chasing Champions League qualification through this backdoor route.
“It’s quite similar for me and Ange,” said Amorim. “It is a tough moment [for us both] and one of us is going to win. It’s going to be a big final and we will try to win.”
United’s Rocky Season Adds Pressure
The Europa League final offers Manchester United a rare chance to end their disappointing season with something to show for it. But Amorim admits the journey has been anything but smooth.
“It’s hard to describe what it’s like to be manager of this club,” he confessed. “You want to give something to the fans because we were so disappointing in the Premier League.”
That honesty has struck a chord with many United supporters, who’ve seen their club lurch from one crisis to another this season. From defensive woes to lack of cutting edge in attack, the problems have been clear — but in Europe, they’ve found another gear.
Whether it’s tactical adjustments or a different mindset, Manchester United have been a different beast on Thursday nights. Now, they need just one more big performance to turn a nightmare season into a respectable one.
No Room for Error in Bilbao
Amorim knows there’s no safety net in Bilbao. The Europa League final is a one-off match, and anything less than victory will be seen as failure.
“I am stressed already because of the final. If you don’t win it, it is nothing,” he said bluntly.
The Manchester United boss also acknowledged his own shortcomings during the season.
“I can see I should be a better manager in this moment. The team should be better. But we are trying, and I think we did quite well in Europe.”
He’s not wrong. For all their league troubles, Manchester United have been impressive in the Europa League. But all of that will mean nothing if they don’t finish the job in the final.
