Jose Mourinho and the Europa League have a rocky relationship. Despite being the competition that brought Mourinho’s Porto team to the forefront of European football, the Portuguese boss has been critical of it in the recent past. He clearly believes Manchester United belong in the Champions League and the upcoming fixtures against Saint Etienne must seem no more than an unnecessary slog. Back in September, he said...
"It [the Europa League] is not a competition that Man United wants. It is not one I want or the players but it is a competition where we are and that is the reality."
From the depths of earlier in the season, there is a general feeling of positivity around Manchester United at the moment. That has been a rarity in recent years, especially considering the fan furore that hung over the tenures of David Moyes and Louis van Gaal.
With 14 Premier League matches left in the season and several cup outings remaining, the Europa League returns in a matter of days. It won’t generate the excitement of a Champions League tie, but it should still be a competition to focus on. Here are FIVE reasons why…
Champions League Hopes
Qualifying for the Champions League next season was the primary aim for six Premier League clubs at the start of this season. With only four league places offering that, two are going to be left disappointed. Manchester United, in the form of the Europa League, can qualify for the greatest club competition on earth even if they finish outside the top four.
It gives a second chance to secure the glamour of the Champions League returning to Old Trafford next season.
Needed Minutes
Jose Mourinho’s management of Manchester United’s squad has been quizzical at times. As a result, several players could do with the opportunity to play regularly in the Europa League for the rest of the season.
Whether to find fitness like Luke Shaw, impress Mourinho like Anthony Martial or look for some form like Rashford, Manchester United need the additional fixtures from the Europa League, however much Mourinho may see it as a chore.
Because They Can
Not all teams have the luxury of two shots at Champions League qualification. Manchester City would have to go all the way in the Champions League, as would Arsenal, while Liverpool have to pool all their resources on a league effort.
Thanks to their squad depth and Europa League status, Manchester United can realistically push for Europe’s secondary continental competition without having to significantly undermine their league campaign. Mourinho may not be too keen on it, but it’s all about risk management.
Cup Double?
While winning the Premier League is probably a step too far this season, Manchester United could secure a cup-littered campaign. Already in the final of the EFL Cup, the Europa League is certainly a competition they can win. They are favourites for the competition with Sky Bet at the moment, in fact.
Mourinho is appointed by clubs to win trophies and it would be foolish to miss out on such an opportunity like the Europa League.
LvG Insurance
Mourinho needs to have a better season than Louis Van Gaal’s. One way to guarantee that is to lift the Europa League.
Even if they were to finish outside the top four, it would be evidence he has improved their European performances at least. Mourinho’s ego might not be able to cope if he similarly finishes without Champions League football and only a domestic trophy to his name.
Winning the Europa League will not solve all of Mourinho’s problems at the club, but it serves as an insurance policy for domestic difficulties.