A disappointing campaign last season, dropping points in crucial games, Manchester United lost out the final Champions League qualification place to their rivals Manchester City. As a result, Louis van Gaal was sacked and Jose Mourinho was appointed as the new boss.

A two time Champions League winner himself, Mourinho would be disappointed to see himself in the 2nd tier of European competition. A frantic schedule and fatigue might deter Mourinho from taking this competition seriously.

But here are some reasons why winning the Europa League could prove useful for Man United...

Man United have never won the Europa League

Shocked? But it’s not exactly accurate.

Manchester United won the ‘UEFA Cup Winners' Cup’ in 1990-91. The competition was later re-named the UEFA Cup) and was rebranded again as the UEFA Europa League. This could be a good chance to clinch the trophy in the ‘newer version’ and set the records clear.

Add to Jose Mourinho’s tally

Sir Alex Ferguson won a staggering 49 trophies in his lifetime, with 38 as Manchester United’s manger during his tenure of 26 years.

Fans are expecting a Ferguson-esque impact from Mourinho. If Mourinho wants to match Sir Alex’s legacy, he has to keep adding trophies to the cabinet.

But Mourinho has not been at the same club for more than three years. If things go smoothly, Mourinho might be the United’s manager for next 10 years at least.

But for that to happen, he has to keep winning trophies; the Europa League is the best place to start.

Trophy drought reimbursement

Post Sir Alex era, the Red Devils could only manage to win Community Shield and FA Cup, which means Manchester United won two trophies in three seasons, which is not what fans expect.

The Europa League will surely be a good reimbursement to the trophy drought for Manchester United and also to Mourinho as he looks to recuperate his reputation due to an abysmal season at Chelsea.

Playing time for fringe players

The way things have progressed in transfer market, Manchester United have done some explosive business by signing Eric Bailly, Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Zlatan Ibrahimović. The squad is not short of options, with every position having able back-ups. He just might have the luxury of deploying two squads for separate tournaments.

The newer signings might spell trouble as playing time for the likes of Memphis Depay, Juan Mata, Adnan Januzaj, Marcos Rojo, Sergio Romero, Andreas Pereira, etc. could be reduced.

The Europa League could be a fantastic option for such players as it could save the players from fatigue due to their involvement in other matches.

An easier way to Champions League?

It’s questionable about the easier route to Champions League. The absence of Champions League football is hurting the reputation and revenues of the Red Devils.

Leicester won the league and Tottenham finished third, the Premier League showed its uncertainty and answered why it is followed by so many people globally. The aforementioned teams will be joined by Arsenal, Manchester City, Liverpool, Chelsea and West Ham, with Manchester United, for the chase for a top four finish. Which means a minimum of eight teams for just four spots.

The winners of the Europa League are guaranteed a place in the Champions League. But winning the Europa League could be hectic, largely due to its schedule (played on Thursday and Friday night) but seems much easier to win, especially for a squad packed with quality like Manchester United with Jose Mourinho as manager.

Better be safe than sorry.