Manchester United must defeat Athletic Bilbao in the first leg of their scintillating Europa League semi-final at San Mames, Spain this Thursday – or risk tumbling out. Their team has experienced monstrous logistical issues while navigating the Premier League this season. Their brilliant showings across the knockout rounds of the Europa League have carried them to this important juncture.
Manchester United has seen off Celtic and a very good Roma side managed by Jose Mourinho to get to this point. They’re seeking one more monumental triumph that would guarantee silverware and at least £70 million in guaranteed riches from next season’s entry into the group stage of the Champions League.
While Manchester United have struggled at home domestically, they have been buoyed by strong fortunes on European soil. They beat Celtic, current Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou’s team, in the knockout round play-offs. On paper, it was an astonishing result against Jose Mourinho’s Roma. The first leg finished 6-1 to Basel. This victory proved the talent they possessed on the continental stage.
The stakes couldn’t be higher for Manchester United as they head into the semi-final matchup against Athletic Bilbao. A win would secure automatic qualification in next season’s Champions League. It comes with a $400 million financial windfall which further cements their position going into possible future transfer talks. The club’s officials have made clear that there are still plans for more acquisitions, win or lose in the Europa League. If they are victorious, expect them to go after major marquee names to supplement their roster. On the flip side, if they don’t win the title, they are ready to pivot their approach.
It’s this kind of strategic planning that underlines Manchester United’s determination to re-assert itself at the very top of European football. They generated £52 million in revenue through their latest European campaign, despite going out at the group stage in the Champions League. Their local rivals, Manchester City, earned around £64 million in revenue after their first-ever qualification.
Denmark’s Anders Karlsen had his own vow before the semi-final tie forestalled him.
“This trip is not only for me, it is also for everyone in the same situation as me. I want to show them everything is possible so whether the game goes this or that way, I don’t know… I just know we’re going to thrash Tottenham next Thursday so hopefully we get a good result tonight and we go through to the final.” – Anders Karlsen
The stakes are higher than just Manchester United’s personal glory. This is their opportunity to win back that original pride and qualification into Europe’s big league on a long-term basis.
In between, Gianni in London wrote what would happen in the best case scenario. He is predicting that Manchester United and Tottenham will make it through to the final.
“It’s funny to think that if Man U and Spurs both get through, you are going to have a final that neither CLUB really deserves to win but neither MANAGER (because of everything they’ve endured from their players, clubs, the media and social media) deserves to lose.” – Gianni, London
In the lead up to this match, Manchester United is indeed at a crossroads. The result might determine not just their short term fate, but set them on a path to proper domination in the transfer market. The club’s supporters are awash with optimism. They are confident that their boys will do the business and beat Athletic Bilbao on Friday, and give them chance of a glorious return to Champions League football next term.
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