Rio Ferdinand admits Manchester United’s Europa League triumph may hide some of their problems but not all of their issues.
Ruben Amorim’s side face Athletic Bilbao in the first leg of their semi-final on Thursday. And will be the Red Devils’ last hope of overturning a disappointing season as they sit 14th in the Premier League.
Ferdinand spoke of the importance of European football. But also suggested there were issues at the club that need to be addressed.
“It would be a significant achievement, given how disappointing the Premier League has been this year,” Ferdinand told สมัคร ufabet กับเรา รับโบนัสทันที Sports.
“To finish the season with a trophy and qualify for the Champions League is something they didn’t think was possible. But it will hide some of their problems. “
In terms of physicality, the teams they faced in the Europa League they beat, but in the Premier League United are probably the weakest team physically. “
If they’re not being destroyed by tactics or the ability of the opposition, they’re being destroyed by the physicality of the opposition and in Europe they’ve done well to beat them.”
United’s road to the semi-finals has been full of drama. In particular, the last time out, they scored twice in extra time to beat Lyon 7-6 on aggregate
. “I hope it gives the team confidence, even though the league results haven’t been good,” Ferdinand added.
“I would like to believe they feel something in this competition. That’s how it is. When you start to get into shape in a competition, it’s like destiny for the team. Hopefully it starts to feel that way for the players.”
United will face Athletic Bilbao, whose San Mames stadium is the venue for this year’s Europa League final.
“This is a factor that could be at a disadvantage for United. The only advantage United have in this aspect is that the first leg is away because if it’s a tight game and they have to come here, I wouldn’t believe in United’s luck in that case,” Ferdinand said.
“United have to score at least one goal in the first leg. Worst case, they’ll be one goal behind. I still think they have a good chance at home, after what happened in the last round.”
A Europa League win would mean a third successive trophy. After the Carabao Cup and FA Cup triumphs, but Ferdinand stressed the need to continue.
“I don’t think anyone at the club is unaware of the problems we have, nobody is fooled by the trophies we have won,” the former England defender said.
“There is still a lot to do. Pre-season training will be crucial, the manager hasn’t had time yet. Reinforcements will be important.”
Asked where Amorim would be if United failed to win the Europa League, Ferdinand added: “It would be a start he never thought he would have made. “
I hope they give him the pre-season and the start of the season. So he can show his style of play in the team.”