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Manchester United’s failure to secure a Champions League place last season has hurt them on quite a few fronts. The Red Devils are set to lose out on the revenue generated from the premier European tournament, but more devastating has been the baggage that has arrived with the lack of Champions League football. Most importantly, it has hurt the club’s image in the transfer window, as United are no longer the preferred destination for world-class talent.
The Red Devils are currently playing in the Europa League and this Thursday, they travel to Partizan Stadium in Belgrade, Serbia, to face Partizan Belgrade in their third game of the group stages. United are currently second in the table behind the Serbian club, who are ahead because they have scored more goals so far. Despite the fact that the Europa League lacks the charms and charisma of the Champions League, the tournament is still vital for the Red Devils and here are three reasons why.
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#3 Youth promotion
The Europa League provides Solskjaer a fairly good opportunity to test his squad and try out various different combinations on the pitch. It also represents a chance for the youngsters to get a taste of European experience. Because Solskjaer is aiming for the future, it is important that he reinforces the young players in the club with the ethics and etiquette required to flourish in Europe. As such, the Europa League could prove to be a vital platform for youth promotion and the Norwegian has been using the tournament wisely so far.
Solskjaer has named quite a few youngsters in his matchday squad in the previous two games in the tournament. Against Astana, the Norwegian started with Diogo Dalot and Axel Tuanzebe in defense, while Mason Greenwood, Angel Gomes, and Tahith Chong teamed up with Marcus Rashford to form a very young front four. In addition, Solskjaer also had midfielder James Garner on the bench.
In the last game against AZ Alkmaar, the Norwegian opted for Gomes and Greenwood in attack once again, while Brendan Williams and Dalot were the full-backs. Chong was an unused substitute on the bench.
Also check out:EPL fixtures EPL table Champions League table
#2 Entry into Champions League
One of the big reasons why the Europa League is vital for the Red Devils is because it represents a chance to secure passage into the premier European competition, the UEFA Champions League, next season.
In the 2016/17 season, Manchester United ended 6th in the table, out of a coveted top-four position which guarantees a Champions League place. However, the Red Devils won the Europa League in the same season, which meant that United was back in the Champions League next season! The only obstacle here is that the Red Devils would have to win the tournament this season to make use of the opportunity.
The Premier League giants have stuttered so far this season, and are currently 14th in the table after nine games, which means that a top-four finish could be hard under the current circumstances. Solskjaer is attempting a massive rebuild at the club and as such, it could be some time before United are challenging for a top-four spot. In such a situation, the Europa League could be vital for both Solskjaer and the club in securing entry to the Champions League.
#1 Chance for silverware
Despite all the talks of rebuilding, rediscovering the Manchester United style of football and entertaining fans, the truth is United and trophies do go hand in hand. Unless and until United get their hands on some silverware, things will not settle down at the club. However, with the current state of things, it could be some time before United are back challenging for the Premier League title, especially with the current form of Manchester City and Liverpool. As such, the Europa League represents a nice opportunity for Solskjaer to get his hands on silverware this season.
United are currently competing on four fronts, the Premier League, the FA Cup, the Carabao Cup, and the Europa League. Out of these, perhaps the Europa League represents one of the more viable options for United’s quest for a trophy this term.
However, the tournament is not going to be a walk in the park, especially since there are quite a few teams capable of upsetting the Red Devils. With a little bit of luck and measured tactics though, United could present themselves with a good chance to lift the Europa League trophy again.
