Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim acts bullish before the Europa League final against Tottenham Hotspur at the San Mames Stadium. The Lilywhites have a big opportunity to end their dreadful campaign strongly and end their 17-year trophy drought this season.
Spurs are currently 17th in the Premier League, far below their stature as one of the top clubs in England. Ange Postecoglou’s men lost 21 Premier League games this season from 37 matches, only accumulating 38 points and 11 victories.
An injury crisis has played a mitigating factor for Postecoglou, who struggled to pitch his best starting eleven this season. However, one cannot negate the old problems that have continuously persisted, and the biggest one is the constant defensive fragility.
Postecoglou prefers an attacking philosophy that leaves a lot of holes in the backline, something that bothered Spurs last season. This season, things went from bad to worse due to poor individual performances in every department, including the attacking unit.
Speaking to the media before the upcoming final clash (via manutd.com), Amorim appeared bullish about the chances of United to beat Tottenham for the Europa League title. He said:
“I am really confident. I feel that my players are ready for this game. They know what it means, not just for us but for our fans and for the club. After this season, we are ready to fight for the one thing that can help us remember this season in a different way. So I am really confident. We are living a season that is really strange because we are doing so well in Europe but, in the Premier League, we struggle. But we will be prepared for the final. It’s a different context and a different game. The most important thing is the change in mentality in my team. They compete and that is the most important thing for me.”
The injury crisis at Spurs puts United as favourites for the upcoming finale, but Tottenham have a better head-to-head form. The Lilywhites enjoyed a Premier League double over the Red Devils this season, as they have suffered a similar form.
United are only one point ahead of Spurs in the Premier League, currently sitting in 16th position with 18 losses. Tottenham have a bigger incentive with the trophy drought and a chance to outdo their bitter rival Arsenal this season.
The Gunners have finished the season trophyless once again, despite having a far superior squad and form. Furthermore, the potential Europa League triumph gives them an opportunity to play in the Champions League next season.
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