Manchester United are back in Europa League action this week as they face Saint-Etienne, looking to carry their outstanding Premier League form into the other three competitions in which they are still battling.

Whilst the Europa League is next on the fixture list, Jose Mourinho has an FA Cup fifth round tie with Blackburn Rovers to navigate at the weekend before the EFL Cup final against Southampton a week on Sunday, with the second leg of their European tie sandwiched in between.

The former Chelsea manager has recently been lamenting his side’s packed fixture list, compared to those in the top flight who, having been knocked out of the cups, are now looking forward to two weeks off.

Many fans could be forgiven for not paying too much attention to the Europa League, with its big brother, the Champions League, being where the club really ought to be. However, those that so quickly discount the competition, which has been blamed for ruining many a club’s season over the years, aren’t quite seeing all the benefits which it can bring.

The fact that the midweek games give a manager the chance to experiment with his side and tactics, whilst maybe giving the youngsters a chance to impress, are well documented, but take the competition seriously, with strong sides set out for every tie, and it can do your squad the world of good in the long run.

While clubs seem to be able to cope with the rigours of a Champions League schedule, playing on either a Tuesday or Wednesday before the weekend’s games back in the Premier League, the Thursday-Sunday schedule of Europe’s second tier competition seems to cause problems for clubs every season.

Should Mourinho manage to guide his side through the schedule over the coming months, as well as handling two domestic cups on the side, he will have a squad on his hands next season that, should they qualify for Europe’s blue ribbon competition, will be able to take on the challenge head on and, the Portuguese would hope, make a decent fist of it.

Furthermore, much like his treatment of the League Cup year-on-year, you would expect Mourinho to treat the competition with the same respect as he would any other. There is a prize on offer and, winning any trophy they can will do no harm to the squad. It may not be the Champions League or the Premier League title, but take home both the Europa League and the League Cup in one season and, as well as the bragging rights of managing what Liverpool failed last season, a winning mentality will be imparted on the squad.

Therefore, it may not be what all Manchester United fans want this season, but a run in the Europa League can do a lot more for the squad than it seems on the face of it this season.