When Ruben Amorim came and a few months later, Man United continuously set unprecedented bad records in the club history. But it was the story in the domestic tournament, at the Europa League playground, "Red Devils" touched the last door of the final was the final against Tottenham. Just win, they will have the continental title, to attend the Champions League next season and collect money.
To get a ticket to the final, Man United overcame themselves. They are conceding a record number of goals conceded in Premier League history (51 goals after 34 rounds), proving an unstable defense. The quarter-final against Lyon showed that when the "Red Devils" conceded 4 consecutive goals after leading 2-0.
The second leg of the semi-final against Athletic Bilbao also had such moments when Ruben Amorim and his students put fans in a state of anxiety despite leading 3-0 after the first leg. However, Amorim did not let that restlessness last long, and the subsequent substitutions helped the home team completely turn the game around.
Each of Man United's goals was like a final blow to Bilbao. The opponent not only conceded a goal, it was a complete mental collapse when he could no longer dare to dream of a miracle.
Man United had a very poor record last season when they finished 8th in the Premier League (lowest in history). This season, they will taste the worst feeling as they certainly cannot end the season in the top half of the rankings. However, last season's FA Cup title guided them to the Europa League and this season's only title will take them straight to next season's Champions League.
Ruben Amorim's team is moving slowly but very confidently in the cup competitions, where they know they can cause a surprise because every confrontation is only decided in that match. Man United are not strong enough to compete for 38 rounds in the Premier League, but if they focus all their efforts on a knockout match against opponents of equal level, they can do it.
This season's Europa League has given the tournament's representatives more advantages when there are no teams from the Champions League that have dropped after the qualifying round. Man United are good, lucky and need to take advantage to achieve their goals. In two weeks, all eyes will be on San Mames to see whether the "Red Devils" story will be completely ended.
