The UEFA Europa League is officially back and although it hurts not to be able to participate in the UEFA Champions League, I think that it is very important for a club of the size of Manchester United to be competing in a European completion no matter the circumstances.
In fact, if the club approach the competition with the right attitude, this year’s edition can be a very important milestone for the team especially for the likes of Chong, Gomes and Greenwood amongst other players from the academy who will grasp such an opportunity to gain some valuable experience playing in an elite competition.
Back in 2016/17, most supporters never imagined how that competition saved United’s season in the end since the expectations were that the Red Devils were going to challenge for the Premier League title and as football fans who follow the Premier League know, there are no guarantees that the likes of Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea and Spurs will finish in the top four this season.
On the other hand, one cannot ignore the impact that Thursday Night football in terms of fatigue and injuries is likely to have on United’s chances of doing well in the Premier League this season especially with such a small squad. In spite of this, however, a club with such a glorious history and following around the world, should never enter a competition with the wrong frame of mind and in such circumstances, it becomes more important to rotate the squad and involve players who may not be automatic starters. As Sir Alex Ferguson and Sir Matt Busby used to say, if the players have the right skills and attitude, then age should not be an issue.
Rome was not build in a day, similarly, it takes years to establish a winning football team, hence, it is with confidence that I believe that the Europa League should be seen as a perfect opportunity for the team to have some extra time to gel together which hopefully should be an important step in the process of helping the club to start competing for big trophies in the near future.
Article contributed by Echoes Contributor Jude. Comments are appreciated on our Facebook page.
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