On The Ball Column
The Europa League could prove to be to Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim what the FA Cup was to predecessor Eric ten Hag… a lifeline.
Red Devils fans will hate the comparison, considering the disastrous spell that followed when the Dutchman was granted a stay of execution.
However, it’s hard to escape.
There are some among the United faithful who might even long for those days, considering the woeful performances and current log position of the fallen giants.
And Amorim hasn’t won anything yet.
The hope that kills
The drama of Thursday night’s come-from-behind 5-4 Europa League win over Lyon was a reminder of the glory days, and fighting spirit, of old.
It offers the hope of Champions League football next season, and right now, that is in short supply at Old Trafford.
Ten Hag’s fall from grace is a reminder that it is often the hope that kills you, though.
The roller-coaster ride on Thursday failed to hide current frailties that have United languishing just above the relegation places.
The 1-0 Premier League loss to Wolves at the weekend also showed a worrying inability to build on rare bright moments that have punctured the gloom at Old Trafford.
The kids are alright
The showing of the youngsters on display was a major positive.
Amorim’s backers will continue to rightfully point to fact that he’s not been able to employ his preferred formation at the Red Devils.
The quality of players at his disposal is cited as another mitigating factor.
The promise of a squad rebuild at the end of the season gives fans cause for optimism.
But is it warranted? Or is the club heading for another repeat of the Ten Hag fiasco?
Welcome to Sold Trafford
Considering the well-documented financial struggles at the club, Amorim is unlikely to be able to make wholesale changes to his squad.
He has proven to be a shrewd operator at turning lesser-known talents into recognised names, and title challengers, on a budget in his previous stint at Sporting CP.
However, he has not been able to repeat the trick so far in his spell at United.
Ask United fans who has improved as a player since Amorim has arrived at the club, and the answer is a sobering one.
And no, Marcus Rashford doesn’t count.
Adapt or die
An inability to adapt his playing style to suit the current playing stocks at United – maligned as many of them are for “not meeting the United standard” – is also a nagging worry.
Having acknowledged that the club won’t be in a position to splash the cash without a major clear-out, Amorim will likely have to work with a number of the same players next season.
A big performance on a memorable night by @HarryMaguire93 🔝#MUFC || #UEL
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) April 19, 2025
It’s hard to imagine that he will suddenly succeed where he has failed so far.
He doesn’t have a Plan B, either, when things are not going his way tactically.
Red flags
Despite these red flags, United fans starved of success are willing to keeping putting their faith in the manager. And nights like Thursday will buy lots of goodwill for next season.
Should Amorim go on and win the Europa League, booking a place at the top table next season, he will also have a sizeable war chest to make more quality additions to the squad.
Fail and his time at Old Trafford only becomes more challenging.
Yet Amorim is not alone among the Premier League clubs counting on Europa League silverware to salvage their season.
Ange Postecoglu at Spurs is in a similar boat. His team is also in Europa League semi-finals.
That sinking feeling
But in the case of the big Aussie, winning the title may not be enough.
There are similarities with, and lessons for Amorim in his stubborn refusal to depart from his preferred playing style.
The difference between the two mentors is that Postecoglu has lost the faith of the fans.
Silverware can dull the memory, however. Ten Hag is proof of that.
United’s semi-final rivals Athletic Blibao and Spurs’ opponents FK Bodo/Glimt could still have a say in the debate.
What is clear, however, is that both of the English clubs’ managers are in a sinking boat, with potential Europa League glory the one life jacket.
Who’s going to sink and who’s going to swim? Only time will tell.