Manchester United’s Europa League triumph over Real Sociedad was a performance that suggested Ruben Amorim’s ideas are finally taking shape.
They now face a demanding end to the campaign, balancing European ambitions with a push to salvage a respectable league finish.
Winning the Europa League is United’s best route into next season’s Champions League. Their domestic struggles have left them in the bottom half, making a top-four finish unlikely.
But with Tottenham Hotspur also in the competition, the fight for that European spot will be fierce.
Amorim’s side are 17 points clear of the relegation zone in the Premier League, but a top-10 finish remains a realistic target.
The gap to the top half is just eight points, and with key fixtures ahead, momentum in Europe could spill over into their league form.
United’s path to the Europa League final is clear. Lyon await in the quarter-finals, followed by a potential semi-final clash against Rangers or Athletic Bilbao.
However, the challenge extends beyond Europe. Their fixture list is relentless.
April could define their season. A daunting run begins with a home derby against Manchester City (April 6), just four days before their first leg against Lyon in France (April 10).
They then travel to Newcastle United (April 13), a side still chasing European football, before hosting Lyon at Old Trafford (April 17).
Wolverhampton Wanderers visit three days later (April 20), before United head to Bournemouth (April 27).
If they reach the semi-finals, they will play on May 1 and 8, sandwiching a tricky trip to Brentford in between.
Their final league fixtures are just as challenging. West Ham United, Chelsea and Aston Villa await in May.
If United reach the Europa League final on May 21, they could be playing for their entire season in the space of four days.
Squad rotation will be key. Patrick Dorgu and Ayden Heaven could have more game time, while Bruno Fernandes and Rasmus Hojlund must maintain their form.
A Europa League triumph could rescue United’s season, while a strong league run would restore some pride.
Either way, the goal is clear – finish as high as possible and prove Amorim’s vision is taking hold.
