Manchester United under the guidance of coach Ruben Amorim is facing a rare paradox in football history: A team can touch Europe glory while experiencing one of the worst domestic seasons.
Amorim himself must admit the unpredictable of his team, describing them as a “unknown Amorim”, where no one is sure which “version” of United will appear on the pitch, and whether the starting lineup can maintain stability until the whistle is full.
In the Premier League arena, Manchester United is showing a weak face. Old Trafford’s home team is currently diving in the 15th place on the rankings. This is an alarming achievement, completely contrary to the financial potential and position of one of the largest clubs in the world.
However, in the Europa League playground, Manchester United show a completely different image. The convincing 3-0 victory right on the field of Athletic Bilbao in the semi-final first leg opened the door to help the Red Devils towards the throne in heaven in Europe.
Although the history recorded 133 cases of the visitors winning at least three goals in the first leg of the Europa League or UEFA Cup, they won the right to go on, Amorim still kept a cautious attitude. “If you look at our season, everything can happen.”
The former captain Sporting CP understands that the Europa League is the last end of the Red Devils. Therefore, no mistakes are allowed.
Manchester United ‘s instance was clearly demonstrated through the victory of Lyon with a score of 5-4 in the previous round. They start jubilantly, lead 2-0 and perform one of the best performance performances.
However, then they left the opponent to score four goals immediately, led 2-4 right at home despite being played more than humans. Finally, the three goals within seven minutes, with the last two goals scored by a midfielder and a center -back was trapped on the reluctant striker, brought back the choking victory.
“Sometimes in the match, we were a team, something happened and we were a little calm.”
Because of this erratic, he only reviewed the first 30 minutes of the first leg against Athletic Bilbao, the period when goalkeeper Andrre Onana had excellent saves and center -back Victor Lindelof blocked the ball right on the lime line, because the rest of the Athletic Bilbao match had to play short.
Despite the great advantage, Amorim still thinks that Manchester United will have to “endure a little to the final”. He also did not forget to look back at the disappointing China season, with 16 losses in the English Premier League, only scored only 42 goals.
Amorim added: “We know this season is really disappointing for everyone … I feel and still feel this season is the worst, I don’t say in history but in the past 50 years, I don’t know.”
If the season ends in the 14th or lower place, it will be their worst achievement since the relegation season in 1973-1974.
However, the paradox is that the reward for the impressive performance in the Europa League may be a ticket back to the Champions League.
This has sparked controversy, when Arsene Wenger, currently the head of FIFA’s global football development, said that a team with a national achievement was able to win the most prestigious tournament in Europe through “the back door” as “incorrect” and asked UEFA to review this regulation.
In response, coach Amorim shrugged: “If people want to change the law, just naturally – but this is the law, if you win the Europa League, you will go to the Champions League … they find this way to promote the tournament.”
Finally, the Amorim coach must admit that there are many different “versions” of Manchester United, and even he cannot know which version will appear at the most decisive moments. It is the mysterious contradiction that is making Manchester United’s history this season.
