Manchester United duo Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho have both claimed that winning the Europa League would not make the season a great success.
Both players have seen their influence wane this season in comparison to last due to injury and poor form.
The Red Devils find themselves in a highly embarrassing 14th place in the table. What’s more, they have also not even secured 40 points yet after 34 matches of the season.
Europe has been a different story however, as they are 12 matches unbeaten in the tournament as they travel to Bilbao to take on Athletic Club at the semi-final stage.
Speaking to Sky Sports before the match, Mainoo and Garnacho both claimed that while winning the Europa League would be huge for the club, it would not constitute a successful season.
Commenting on what winning the competition would mean Mainoo said, “it is a big, big opportunity. I wouldn’t say it would make the season a success, but it is definitely hope at the end of the tunnel for us to take something positive into next season.”
Understanding the size of the task versus the Spanish side he stated, “we just have to be ready for a big test on Thursday.”
Garnacho highlighted the importance a victory would have for securing European qualification next season, in particular to Europe’s premier competition.
“For the club, it is very important to be in the Champions League. It is a big stage for all the teams and all the players.”
He did reiterate Mainoo’s point that it was not a magic solution to the club’s problems by asserting, “as Kobbie said, it is not going to be a great season if we win the Europa League because in the league we are bad.”
Their manager Ruben Amorim also highlighted earlier in the season that winning the Europa League was not enough to characterise the season as a success. He stressed that the players must have higher expectations of themselves and the club.
The Portuguese coach will be pleased that two of his young players are also demonstrating this mentality and will hope that his ideas are finally seeping into the squad as a whole.
Feature image Ryan Pierse via Getty Images
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Alex Browne
Alex is a huge Manchester United fan, inspired by greats of his homeland such as George Best, Harry Gregg and Norman Whiteside. Proud owner of such niche shirts such as Kleberson, Eric Djemba-Djemba and Gary Neville. Grew up pretending to be Ruud van Nistelrooy and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in the back garden, with little success.
