Manchester United have one foot in the Europa League final after a convincing 3-0 win in their first leg tie against Athletic Club, but Gary Neville has raised a major concern about Ruben Amorim’s team.
The Europa League could host an all-English final with Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur on course to secure their place in Bilbao when they take on Athletic Club and Bodo/Glimt tonight.
It has been far from a good season for United, though, with Ruben Amorim’s side sitting 15th in the Premier League – and not winning a league game since their 3-0 victory over Leicester City back in March.
Amorim’s focus has completely shifted to the Europa League because that is the only route for United to qualify for the Champions League.
Last time out, in the Premier League, United lost 4-3 against Brentford. It was the latest in a run of miserable domestic results.
Gary Neville claims Man Utd have lost their edge
Former Manchester United captain Gary Neville believes the Red Devils have lost their edge in games in the Premier League.
United lost to Brentford after a 1-0 defeat to Wolves, although Amorim’s side were able to beat Athletic Club 3-0 in between those games, which again shows how the focus has shifted towards the Europa League.
To make matters worse, United are just two points clear of West Ham in 17th place, the last spot above the relegation zone.
It would be an amazing achievement for Amorim to go all the way in the Europa League, but it wouldn’t paper over the cracks of a terrible Premier League campaign.
Neville believes United have lost their edge in Premier League games, which raises concerns about Amorim’s willingness to improve the team’s domestic form ahead of the 2025/26 season.
“The edge in the league has gone,” Neville said on this week’s episode of The Overlap.
“United – the edge is gone. The edge was just off – the game, they lost their edge United, because of the Europa League.”
Roy Keane and Paul Scholes disappointed by Man Utd
Neville’s comments came after Roy Keane’s rant, where he expressed disappointment at United for not showing up in league games.
When asked why he is upset by United, the Irishman said: “Just with how bad they are!
“They’re getting on my nerves! They keep talking about: “We’ve got a big game next week and then they’re not even trying [in the league].
“[Ian] Wrighty made the point that they’ve got a big second leg… they’re 3-0 up from the first leg! You keep writing these matches off!
“I understand it’s a big game for them but you just dismiss these league matches? They’re a disgrace, absolute disgrace. Disgraceful league performances – they should count their blessings.”
Paul Scholes suggested that Amorim has thrown the league away, and Keane agreed, adding: “He has! And the players have!
“United wouldn’t be able to cope with an extra game? United couldn’t cope with a game against f—— Brentford?! They’re 3-0 up from the first leg!
“What happens next year if they’re in the Champions League? Your mindset can only concentrate on one trophy? You just dismiss these matches?!” United desperately need to improve their league form next season because they won’t be able to make the same excuses
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