Manchester United are gearing up for a big game in San Sebastian as Ruben Amorim to take on Real Sociedad n Thursday night.
Manchester United were beaten by Fulham on Sunday, crashing out of the FA Cup on penalties.
Bruno Fernandes equalised after Calvin Bassey’s opener but United couldn’t find a winner at Old Trafford.
United won the FA Cup last year but there will be no repeat this year after Sunday’s defeat.
There is little to get excited about in the Premier League with United stuck in the bottom half, so the attention turns to the Europa League.
United have been drawn against Real Sociedad and make the trip to San Sebastian for the first leg of this last 16 clash on Thursday.
Ruben Amorim on Real Sociedad clash
United’s squad is stretched right now with a host of injuries leaving Amorim with limited options.
Bruno Fernandes has already highlighted Harry Maguire’s tiredness whilst discussing United’s exhaustion problems.
Real Sociedad is a real tough task and whilst they were obliterated at Barcelona on Sunday, they pose a major threat.
United target Martin Zubimendi will be a key man and Amorim must be looking to shut the Real Sociedad midfielder down.
Speaking to Sky Sports ahead of the game, Amorim has actually played down the importance of Thursday’s game.
Amorim accepts that fans are now focusing on the Europa League after being dumped out of the FA Cup, especially as winning the competition presents Champions League qualification.
However, Amorim believes that United have ‘bigger things’ to think about, believing that the club must focus on long-term success over just winning a trophy this season.
Amorim noted that his stance sounds ‘strange’ but the truth is that he is focusing on the bigger picture.
Amorim knows the pressure on his position and the expectation to win silverware, but wants to build something long-lasting at Old Trafford.
“People are looking at this Europa League as the unique competition we can win, also the connection with winning the Europa League with Champions League [qualification],” said Amorim.
“But to tell you the truth I think we have bigger things to think, I know it’s strange to say that, but it’s something we’re trying to build here that is going to be more important than winning a cup in this moment.
“I know the responsibility we have to fight for every trophy but in this moment we’re trying to build something that will last more than any trophy this season,” he added.
Ineos surely not happy with Amorim stance
We know that Amorim is taking the view of short-term pain, long-term gain.
Maybe Amorim is trying to relieve some pressure on his players too, playing down the occasion this Thursday in an attempt to calm his squad down.
Yet it’s difficult for sections of this United fanbase to accept that a major European trophy is another but the biggest thing in mind right now.
United fans are used to seeing success and silverware, so replicating the 2017 Europa League success will be the priority for many supporters.
Some will agree that the longer-term view is the right way to go, but Thursday is still a big game with the Europa League offering a last chance for United to get something out of this season.
Ineos surely can’t be impressed either given the club’s financial position.
Ineos have budgeted for Europa League football through the next four seasons and really need success this Thursday.
The FA Cup has gone for United and finishing in Europe through the Premier League won’t be on the cards with United in 14th place.
Amorim is outwardly suggesting that this game isn’t his top priority but Ineos really need a result on Thursday and in the second leg – or the budgetary problems at United may become even more of a worry.
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