PAUL SCHOLES has blasted Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim for sacrificing the Premier League in favour of a Europa League run.
The Red Devils reached the final of Europe‘s secondary club competition this week with a 7-1 aggregate win over Athletic Bilbao.
ALAMYManchester United booked their place in the Europa League final this week[/caption]
REUTERSWinning the tournament will paper over the cracks of an incredibly poor domestic season[/caption]
SHUTTERSTOCKManager Ruben Amorim has seemingly prioritised the competition over the Prem in recent weeks[/caption]
SHUTTERSTOCKClub legend Paul Scholes is far from happy with the Portuguese’s approach as of late[/caption]
United’s European run has brought some respite from their woeful league form, which has left them in 15TH PLACE in the table.
Amorim has clearly prioritised the Europa League with his team selections in recent weeks, giving rising stars including Tyler-Fredricson and Harry Amass more game time than he might otherwise have done.
TNT Sports pundit Scholes wrote in his column for the broadcaster: “Manchester United should be able to play in two or three competitions at once without sacrificing something, and they’ve clearly sacrificed the league.
“I don’t like it and I don’t agree with it and I believe there has to be some sort of standards required in a Premier League team.
“It’s almost as if they go into Premier League games and there’s an acceptance that they’re not going to win the game, which is madness.
“I think the acceptance has come from everyone.”
Scholes firmly believes one figure is to blame for United seemingly being resigned to losing their league matches.
He continued: “I think it’s come from the manager, even though he won’t admit it.
Man Utd ratings vs Bilbao as magnifent Mount sends Red Devils to Europa League final but ineffective Garnacho hooked early
MANCHESTER UNITED all-but booked their spot in the Europa League final a week ago.
And, despite a brief first-half wobble, it was never really in doubt at Old Trafford on Thursday night as the Red Devils secured a comeback 4-1 win at home over Athletic Bilbao.
Mikel Jaureguizar sent a nervous shiver around the ground with his fine effort on the half-hour mark.
United struggled to click and no doubt some feared of an almighty collapse.
But, when Ruben Amorim turned to the bench, it made all the difference – as Amad Diallo, Luke Shaw and Mason Mount were all involved in Mount’s delightful equaliser.
Casemiro scored with a clever header and even Rasmus Hojlund got in on the act to tap in.
Then Mount finish the job in style with his long-range effort into an empty net. Smiles all round.
Now United have an all-English blockbuster with Spurs later this month to save their dreadful season.
Roll on, Bilbao…
Here’s how SunSport’s Joshua Jones rated Ruben Amorim’s men at Old Trafford…
“He’s not playing teams to win games of football in the league.
“I think even fans are thinking, ‘Let’s get these league games out of the way because the league has been a disaster.’
“They’re probably thinking, ‘Play whoever you want, we don’t care.’
“There’s an acceptance to it, which I think is wrong, because the Premier League is your bread and butter.
“But if you’re going to get Champions League football by winning the Europa League, it’ll all be forgotten, I hope.
“There is that bad taste in your mouth that the Premier League form is so bad, and they might regret it next year.
“I think the manager should be using this time to learn how to win games when you’re not playing that well, because it’s going to happen again next year.
“I don’t think you can just switch a button next season and, all of a sudden, you’re going to see them play brilliantly in the league.
“I think it’s quite risky sacrificing the Premier League for the sake of Champions League football next year.”
United will face familiar opposition in Tottenham – who bested Bodo/Glimt in their semi-final tie – in this month’s Europa League final in Bilbao.
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