Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim says that the best way to prepare for the upcoming Europa League final is not to rest key players, but to try and “shock Chelsea” in Friday’s Premier League clash.
United are currently languishing in 16th place in the Premier League — a position that reflects their worst-ever season in the competition’s history. Amorim has managed just six wins in 25 league games since taking over in November.
Despite their domestic struggles, the Europa League final presents a major opportunity for redemption, with a spot in next season’s Champions League and a European trophy on the line.
“We cannot spend eight days, nine days without a game. That is a bad thing for the final,” Amorim said in a pre-match press conference.
“The best way is to face the game like we should face the game — it is to win the game. We need to perform, we need to win points in the Premier League and that is the feeling.
“The players have to understand that if you play or don’t play against Chelsea, it means nothing to the final. That is important.
“I am just preparing the game of Chelsea. That is my focus and we want to win and to perform.”
United may have to contend with further setbacks, as defenders Diogo Dalot, Matthijs de Ligt, and Leny Yoro are all expected to miss the trip to London, with their availability for the final still uncertain.
Meanwhile, Chelsea are under pressure to secure all three points at Stamford Bridge if they are to keep control of their hopes for Champions League qualification via a top-five finish.