Manchester United’s Champions League dreams hinge on beating Athletic Bilbao in the Europa League.
After Thursday’s chaotic 5-4 comeback victory over Lyon, Manchester United are through to the semi-finals of the Europa League.
Ruben Amorim confessed all focus is on the Europa League with nothing left to play for domestically. It means fans can expect academy players to be given plenty of minutes in the remaining Premier League matches.
Athletic Bilbao manager Ernesto Valverde praised United after the win over Lyon. The Spanish side are in good form and will be encouraged to reach the final as it is being played at their home stadium – the San Mames Stadium.
Bilbao could be without Nico Williams for the Europa League clash which will strengthen Ruben Amorim’s chances of coming out on top. The United boss can also take a page out of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s book to beat the Spanish side.
Photo by Mehmet Murat Onel/Anadolu via Getty ImagesOle Gunnar Solskjaer hammered Athletic Bilbao this season
As United prepare for their most important two matches of the season against Bilbao, they can turn to former manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer for inspiration.
Solskjaer was appointed Besiktas manager in January as he made his long-awaited return to management after being sacked at Old Trafford in 2021.
Following his move to Turkey, Solskjaer enjoyed a brilliant start at Besiktas and it all started with an emphatic win over Athletic Bilbao.
His first game as Besiktas manager was against Bilbao in the Europa League, and Solskjaer oversaw a dominant 4-1 victory.
Unfortunately for Solskjaer, it wasn’t enough to salvage Besiktas’ Europa League campaign as they ended up bowing out of the competition after finishing 28th in the league table.
Bilbao finished second in the table – one position above United – and their only defeat came at the hands of Solskjaer’s side.
Ruben Amorim must do what Ole Gunnar Solskjaer couldn’t at Man United
Given United’s extremely disappointing Premier League campaign, Amorim’s only chance of salvaging the season is to win the Europa League.
There is pressure from Ineos to win the Europa League this season as qualifying for the Champions League would provide a huge financial boost.
Solskjaer lost the Europa League final in 2021 as he was hunting his first trophy as Manchester United manager.
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United lost on penalties to Villarreal, and Solskjaer was sacked a few months later after a poor start to the season. Amorim must avoid the same mistake in the Europa League this season.
Solskjaer opened up on his mistakes in the final, and who knows if he’d still be manager now if he lifted the Europa League in 2021.