Ruben Amorim bites back at Arsene Wenger's remark over Man United's 'unfair' Champions League qualification
Context:
Ruben Amorim, the head coach of Manchester United, has responded to Arsene Wenger's comments on the fairness of the UEFA Champions League qualification process, emphasizing that his team is following the existing rules. Manchester United, currently ranked 15th in the Premier League, aims to secure their spot in the next season's Champions League by winning the Europa League, which is permitted under current regulations. Wenger, FIFA's chief of global football development, suggested that Europa League winners should not automatically qualify for the Champions League, sparking debate. Amorim highlighted that while the Champions League is ideally for top-performing league teams, the rules allow for other pathways, which they intend to pursue. United holds a 3-0 lead over Athletic Club in the Europa League semifinal, with the second leg set to take place at Old Trafford, presenting their best opportunity for success this season.
Dive Deeper:
Ruben Amorim has clearly stated Manchester United's intention to capitalize on their current season by focusing on winning the Europa League, which would grant them a spot in the Champions League due to existing rules.
Despite Manchester United's disappointing 15th place in the Premier League, Amorim defends their strategy to qualify for the Champions League through Europa League success, adhering to the established qualification rules.
Arsene Wenger, in his role with FIFA, questioned the automatic Champions League qualification for Europa League winners, suggesting a reevaluation of the criteria, especially given the Premier League's existing multiple qualification slots.
Amorim responded to Wenger's remarks by asserting that Manchester United is merely playing by the rules currently in place, which permit Europa League winners direct entry into the Champions League, despite league standings.
With a solid 3-0 advantage from the first leg against Athletic Club, Manchester United is poised for the second leg at Old Trafford, doubling down on their Europa League campaign as their primary route to Champions League entry.
Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim has made it clear that his squad aims to make the most out of a disappointing season.
With their current rank being 15th in the Premier League table, Amorim has established that United are focusing on winning the Europa League to ensure a Champions League qualification next season.
Man United are set to face Athletic Club in the second leg of the Europa League on May 8. As the Red Devils prepare for their only shot at success this season, FIFA's chief of global football development, Arsene Wenger, believes (comments via The Mirror) claiming this title should not ensure Champions League qualification for the next campaign.
"They [Europa League winners] should qualify automatically for the Europa League again but not necessarily for the Champions League. Especially when you're in the Premier League where already five teams qualify. I think it's something (for Uefa) to think about and to review," said the former Arsenal boss.
"On the other hand people will tell you that to keep the Europa League focused, interesting and motivated you need to give them that prize (of qualifying for the Champions League)," he added.
Wenger's comments were perceived by many as a dig at Man United, who have been performing well in the Europa League in comparison to their displays in the Premier League.
Now, Amorim has shared his opinion on Wenger's comments, mentioning that United are just playing by the rules.
What did Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim say?
During his pre-match conference ahead of United's Europa League clash against Athletic Club, Amorim was asked to share his thoughts on Wenger's comments. The Portuguese manager claimed that he and his squad are following the rules that have already been set.Amorim also mentioned (comments via Manchester Evening News) that while he knows the Champions League includes the current top-performing clubs but since the rules allow a chance of qualification, Man United will 'go for it.'
"I just know the rules. If people want to change the rules by all means but these are the rules, if you win Europa League you go to Champions League, so we follow the rules," he said.
"I know the Champions League should be for teams who are champions or the best teams in the league but they find this way of promoting the competition so we just follow the rules and manage the end of the season with that. We cannot go by the Premier League, so we follow the rules and go for it for the Europa League," concluded Amorim.
Man United are hosting Athletic Club in the second leg of the Champions League semifinal at Old Trafford. Along with the home advantage, the Red Devils also have a 3-0 lead from the first leg at San MamĂŠs last week.
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