Ruben Amorim states that securing a spot in the UEFA Champions League holds greater significance than defeating Tottenham to win the UEFA Europa League title.

Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has made it clear that securing a spot in next season’s UEFA Champions League is “more important” than clinching UEFA Europa League glory by defeating Tottenham Hotspur.

The two Premier League giants are set to clash in Bilbao on May 21, with the match being broadcast live on TNT Sports and discovery+. Both clubs are eager to lift silverware and salvage their respective seasons, which have been fraught with challenges.

While Spurs are desperate to end a trophy drought that stretches back to 2008, United have experienced the joy of winning major titles, even amidst their recent struggles. For Amorim, this final is a crucial opportunity for his side to reclaim their place among Europe’s elite.

“Personally for me, Champions League is more important for everything, to prepare the next season, and we are supposed to be in the Champions League,” Amorim stated. “Europa League here is not enough and you feel it here. This is the best way to help us to get to the top.”

United’s European form has sharply contrasted with their domestic performances. Under Amorim, the club has faced one of the worst domestic runs in its modern history while attempting to implement a new style of play. However, the Portuguese head coach has successfully guided his team to the Europa League final, noting that the “environment is different” when competing in this tournament.

“A final is different,” he remarked. “This season has been really difficult on everyone – the results and also the change in the staff, and you can feel it in our club. We are addressing that during the season. We are changing the way we play during the season. We have so many bad results in the Premier League.”

He added, “The environment is different at the moment, but I guarantee you when we are preparing a game in the Europa League, the environment is a little bit different. Then you can feel the excitement.”

As a former player, Amorim understands that reaching the final will mean little if it does not culminate in victory. The stakes are high, especially considering United’s precarious position in the Premier League, which could impact their European participation next season.

When asked if he would draw on his experience as a losing Europa League finalist with Benfica in 2014, he replied, “No, it’s just that feeling that I played the final as a player but I lost and it doesn’t matter. You will never say that I was a finalist. You have to win the final, no matter what. The feeling is going to be – what a waste of time, and the pain will be tougher in the final. My message to the players – we need to win it or else it doesn’t matter.”