Rangers to Test Manchester United’s Historic Struggles in Europa League
After being described by their coach Ruben Amorim as the “worst team” in the club’s history, Manchester United will need to prove themselves on Thursday when they face Scottish neighbors Rangers in the seventh round of the unified Europa League group stage.
United enters the match following a 3-1 home defeat to Brighton in the Premier League, a result that frustrated new coach Amorim, who witnessed his side lose their sixth match in 11 league games since taking over from Erik ten Hag.
Amorim’s team sits 13th in the league standings. While they are 10 points clear of the relegation zone, their underwhelming performances raise concerns about a potential relegation battle.
United has lost six home matches this season, the most in their opening 12 games since 1893-94. They have also suffered 10 defeats in 22 league games, the worst tally since 1989-90, a season in which they ended with 16 losses.
Amorim admitted, “We might be the worst team in Manchester United’s history. Imagine what this means for the fans and for me. We need to accept this reality and work to change it.”
The 39-year-old coach, one of Europe’s brightest managerial talents, implemented his preferred 3-4-3 formation, which has struggled to suit United’s players. However, Amorim remains adamant about sticking to his philosophy despite the team’s current challenges.
“I will not change my philosophy, no matter what happens. We need to survive this moment. I’m not naive; survival is our focus,” he said.
United’s European campaign under Amorim has shown some promise, with wins against Norway’s Bodø/Glimt and Czech Republic’s Viktoria Plzeň. Amorim hopes this momentum will help the team secure a crucial victory against Rangers on Thursday in Manchester.
United, currently seventh in the group with 12 points, is assured of at least a playoff spot for the Round of 16. A win against Rangers, who sit eighth with 11 points, would significantly boost United’s chances of direct qualification before their final group-stage game against Romanian side FCSB next week.
The unified group stage is led by Lazio and Athletic Bilbao with 16 points each, while Tottenham, Anderlecht, and Lyon remain in contention for the top eight spots.
Amorim’s counterpart at Spurs, Ange Postecoglou, is also under pressure as his team faces Hoffenheim in Germany. Tottenham, currently ninth in the group, hopes to capitalize on Hoffenheim’s struggles to climb into the qualification spots.
Other notable fixtures include Anderlecht against Viktoria Plzeň, Lyon facing Fenerbahçe, and Ajax traveling to Latvia to play RFS. Meanwhile, Roma will visit AZ Alkmaar in a tight battle for group-stage qualification.
