Manchester United news: Why is it important for the Red Devils to play European football next season?

The only realistic chance of European football for United next season could be in the form of the Europa League or Europa Conference League.

Manchester United players in a file photo; Credit: Twitter@ManUtd
By Karthik Raman | May 6, 2022 | 3 Min Read follow icon Follow Us

Manchester United’s miserable season is coming to a conclusion, with the Red Devils failing to meet the majority of their targets. Following a memorable summer transfer window at the beginning of the last campaign, United were expected to compete for the big honours this time around. One of the biggest names to arrive last summer was Cristiano Ronaldo, who returned to Manchester United after spending three seasons at Juventus. Not to mention that United had already made two big-name signings earlier in the window – Jadon Sancho from Borussia Dortmund and Raphael Varane from Real Madrid. 

Champions League dream is over

However, things did not go to plan for United. A poor run of form saw Ole Gunnar Solskjaer losing his job. Ralf Rangnick was appointed as the interim manager until the end of the season. But the German coach was also not able to turn the tide at Old Trafford. The bare minimum target for a club of Manchester United’s stature is to finish in the top four places. However, that dream vanished a few weeks ago, meaning the only realistic chance of European football for United next season could be in the form of the Europa League or Europa Conference League.

Manchester United have 58 points from 36 games in the Premier League. They are three behind fifth-placed Tottenham Hotspur and five behind fourth-placed Arsenal. However, both these London sides have played two games lesser than United. A top-six finish would secure Europa League for the Red Devils and a seventh-place finish could land a Europa Conference League spot. The latter was only founded last year and it is not something United have been part of before. Irrespective of the competition, former defender Jaap Stam reckons Manchester United should play European football in Erik ten Hag’s first season in charge. 

READ MORE – Cavani reveals Ronaldo’s signing made him want to leave Manchester United

Why Manchester United need European football?

“I think it’s good to have European football,” he told club media recently. “I think it’s always good to show yourself on a European platform and show what you can do and how you’re performing and if you’re making progress or not. At the end of the day, it’s always nice to win trophies. Your colleagues, and a lot of other people, are asking me how long it will take for United to win trophies. It doesn’t need to take long and if you can play in a European competition, and win one, then I still think you’ve done a great job for next season.”

Stam does have a valid point, since the last time Manchester United won a trophy was way back in 2017. Even then, it was an European trophy – Europa League – which United won in Jose Mourinho’s first season. That victory propelled the club into direct Champions League qualification. It has been five long years since the Red Devils won a trophy, hence the idea of the club getting their hands on a trophy would be a welcome boost for the supporters. Besides, the tournament can allow ten Hag to experiment with his squad, giving chance to fringe players and youngsters. Their good form in the tournament can inadvertently help United play at a good level in the Premier League.

However, some fans believe that midweek European football can be a distraction for the club from finishing fourth in the league next season. But Stam seems to think that European involvement will only help the club find good “rhythm”. “I think it’s good to be in there and to start playing these games and then create a feeling and get a rhythm as well for the players to do well in the league and also at a European level, so people around the world can see you’re coming and getting close to a certain level. You never know what will happen at the end of the season but I think if there are things to be won then I think you need to do it. You need to grab it,” he added.





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