‘It’s hard to describe what it’s like to be manager of Man Utd’: Manchester boss Ruben Amorim after reaching Europa League final

Despite both teams languishing in the bottom half of the Premier League, the Champions League is now just one game away.

Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim during UEFA Europa League final vs Athletic Bilbao. (PHOTO: AP)

Manchester United thrashed Athletic Bilbao 4-1 at Old Trafford in Manchester on Thursday to set up a final clash against another Premier League club, Tottenham Hotspur, in the Europa League. For Man Utd or Tottenham, a miserable campaign will end in Europa League glory.

Despite both teams languishing in the bottom half of the Premier League, the Champions League is now just one game away. However, United manager Ruben Amorim believes nothing less than a silverware matters for them, “If we don’t win the final, it means nothing for us,” said Amorim after the match.

“It’s hard to describe what it’s like to be manager of this club. You want to give them (the fans) something, because we’ve been so disappointing in the Premier League.” United came back 1-0 behind at halftime against Bilbao, with Mason Mount coming off the bench to score twice after the break. Casemiro and Rasmus Hojlund were also on target. They beat Bilbao 7-1 on aggregate, while Tottenham won 2-0 away at Bodø/Glimt to seal a 5-1 aggregate victory.

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This also sets up an all-English Europa League final for the second time in six years after Chelsea beat Arsenal to lift the trophy in 2019.

The final will be played in the Spanish city of Bilbao on May 21.

United sit 15th in the standings, having lost a club record 16 games in the Premier League. It is also certain to record its worst-ever points total in the modern era, as well as its lowest finish.

In head-to-head, Spurs won all three of the previous encounters — twice in the league and also in the English League Cup.

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“We are struggling, both of us, so I don’t know what is going to happen,” Amorim said on the final vs Spurs. “That is a good thing and a bad thing with this team. I never know,” he added.

(With inputs from agency)