Why United should feel confident about winning the Europa League

Why United should feel confident about winning the Europa League

United followed up their Europa League decimation of Saint-Etienne with a tame 1-1 draw away in Rostov in the first-leg of the next round, albeit in difficult conditions. Jose Mourinho’s men took the lead through Henrikh Mkhitaryan before conceding an equaliser in the second half; the away goal could prove vital as United look to progress to the latter stages of the competition.

United fans should find some comfort in Rostov’s home and away performances this season though. The Russian’s have taken 23 points from a possible 27 at home in the league so far this season. However, they have only taken 5 from a possible 27 away from home, and this is against Russian League sides. Knowing this, you can expect United to be utterly dominant in the second-leg and cruise through to the quarter-finals.

Further to this, Jose Mourinho’s side have really found their feet now, after a shaky opening few months to the season they appear to be following the Portuguese’s instructions well, having only lost one game since the start of November last year. During this run, the Red Devils have already managed to pick up some silverware in the form of the EFL Cup, defeating Southampton 3-2 in a thrilling final last month.


Additionally, with the respect that Mourinho is showing the Europa League with player selection, United are the strong favourites to win the competition. All 3 star signings from the summer in Ibrahimovic, Pogba and Mkhitaryan started in Russia last Thursday. English teams have often struggled in this competition due to a rotation policy. However, last year we saw Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool take the competition seriously and make it all the way to the final, and you would not be one bit surprised if United did the same this campaign.

The rewards for winning the Europa League should help focus the players’ minds that bit more. Not only would it be another winners’ medal for United’s players, but would also ensure that they will be playing in the Champions League next season, the pinnacle of any players club career. Furthermore, depending on future league results, Mourinho could be forced to target the Europa League as the season draws to a close. Last time out in the league United lost ground in the top four race following a disappointing home draw against Bournemouth.

Finally, you really get the sense with United that they feel that, as a club, they should be in Europe’s premier competition – the Champions League. As a result, you just can’t see them fearing any other side that’s left in the draw. The pedigree and form of United will make them very confident of toppling even the most-fancied sides left in the competition, such as Roma, Besiktas or Ajax.