Manchester United’s only way to salvage the season is to win the Europa League final against Tottenham.
The 2024/25 Premier League campaign has been “embarrassing” for Manchester United in the words of head coach Ruben Amorim.
Sunday’s 2-0 defeat to West Ham was the 17th league defeat of the season, leaving the Red Devils slumped in 16th in the Premier League table.
But for all the shortcomings domestically, United have been flawless in Europe and have deservedly earned a spot in the Europa League final.
Victory would mean Champions League qualification next season and a huge financial boost. Defeat would lead to an extremely difficult summer.
Man United’s planned celebrations if they win Europa League
Back in 2021, United fell short in the Europa League final under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, now it is up to Amorim to avoid a similar outcome.
As pointed out by Amorim, United cannot only focus on the Europa League final as a way to fix the club’s problems, but it would have a huge impact on how next season pans out.
It has hardly been a season worthy of celebrations, but United do have something planned if they lift the trophy in Bilbao later this month.
According to The Sun, United will host a barbecue at Carrington if they are victorious in the Europa League final.
There will be no bus parade or public celebration, with United keen to keep the celebrations low-key.
As reported by the Daily Mail, Erik ten Hag often hosted barbecues for his players and staff during his time as United manager.
Europa League final is all-or-nothing for Man United
Not only will this month’s Europa League final dictate whether this season has been a success or not, but it will also have a huge impact on the 2025/26 campaign.
If United do win in Bilbao, the transfer budget available to Amorim will be significantly inflated and qualifying for the Champions League will also help United attract better players in the summer.
Amorim is expected to finish in the top six next season, but United’s summer overhaul will look very different depending on whether they win or lose against Tottenham in the final.
Solskjaer had regrets about United’s Europa League final in 2021 as he was sacked by the club just a few months later.
READ MORE: Referee confirmed for Europa League final, he once made ‘ridiculous’ decision against Man United
Ending this season in a positive way could help United kick on over the summer and make progress under Amorim. Defeat could see the Portuguese head coach follow a similar path to Solskjaer.
Everything is to play for in Bilbao.
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