Exclusive: Sammy McIlroy Backs Man Utd to Salvage Season with Europa League Glory

Manchester United great Sammy McIlroy believes the club can “salvage” their “shocking” season with victory in this week’s UEFA Europa League final.

The Red Devils are languishing in 16th place after their worst-ever season in the Premier League.

But victory over Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur at the Estadio de San Mames in Bilbao on Wednesday night (8pm UK time) would secure United Champions League football next season.

“We’ve got an opportunity of salvaging something – and it’s a massive prize if we do with Champions League football next season,” McIlroy told SportsBoom.com. 

“It would be more something like £100million for the club, so that in itself is an incentive to give it your best shot right until the final whistle. That’s what we’ve got to do."

“At the end of the day there’s no point talking about the league because everyone knows how disappointing it’s been."

“It’s been shocking for Manchester United to be where they are in the modern game today. For us to be where we are is not acceptable."

“The manager [Ruben Amorim] has been open and honest about it. Maybe at times too honest, but fair play to him because he’s said exactly how he’s felt."

“A lot of managers don’t do that these days, they keep inside and inside the club."

“But all of a sudden he’s the manager and he’s said how he feels, which is exactly where we are."

“This is a massive game, absolutely massive. It’s the most important game for Manchester United for years.”

EUROPEAN SUCCESS

United famously won the Champions League in 1999 and 2008, having reached two other finals when legendary boss Sir Alex Ferguson was in charge.

And the club were also European Cup winner in 1968 before the competition changed to the Champions League.

But the Red Devils have not won a Premier League since 2013 when ‘Fergie’ stepped down and they have become much more less of a force in Europe, despite winning the UEFA Europa League when Jose Mourinho was manager.

Last season United beat Manchester rivals City to win the FA Cup, but the victory clouded yet another disappointing domestic campaign which saw Erik ten Hag sacked in the summer and replaced by former Sporting boss Amorim.

“Rules are made before a ball has been kicked and, if you were going to win the Europa League this year, then you were going to quality for the Champions League,” reflected McIlroy.

“It’s as simple as that. I know there’s a lot of people don’t agree with it, but it’s United’s opportunity."

“There’s so many clubs that would love to be in Manchester United’s situation now with the chance of winning a trophy and also getting in the Champions League next season.

“There could be a tint of jealousy there from other teams who have not got this opportunity, which is why it’s so important United grab this chance."

“United have got such a huge chance, they’ve got to take it. I don’t even want think what it would be like if we didn’t, it has such a big bearing on everything – recruiting players, money into the club and how we’d look for next season.”

PRODUCE THE GOODS

Spurs have beaten United three times this season, most recently a 1-0 win at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in February.

And prior to that a 4-3 win at the same ground and 3-0 mauling of United at Old Trafford in September understandably makes the North London side favourites to triumph.

But McIlroy is confident United can raise their game and produce their best form when it matters.

“Both clubs have identical seasons, when you think about it,” added McIlroy.

“Spurs’ season has not been acceptable as well. It’s two massive clubs with massive history, there’s so much riding on this."

“They’re in the same boat as us, both clubs will be thinking: what an opportunity we’ve got here."

“It’s whoever handles the pressure on the night, with a little bit of luck as I always say.”