EXCLUSIVE: Pallister claims Manchester United must win Europa League to quash negativity & fund rebuild under Amorim

Manchester United have the chance to salvage on of their worst-ever seasons as a club by winning the Europa League on Wednesday.

Victory over Tottenham in Biblao would guarantee the Red Devils a spot in next season’s Champions League, despite being on course to finish as low as 17th in the Premier League table.

Ruben Amorim’s side have been lifeless in England’s top flight but it has been a different story in Europe.

Impressive wins against Lyon and Athletic Bilbao on route to the final has given fans hope that they can finally achieve something worth cheering for under Erik ten Hag’s replacement.

And former United star Gary Pallister believes winning the competition would give the club a huge lift and allow them to attract higher calibre players to Old Trafford over the summer.

Speaking exclusively to 101greatgoals on behalf of William Hill Vegas he said: “The club needs something. There’s a lot of negativity around the club at the moment. They need something to give them a huge lift.

“They need the money from the Champions League to help do a rebuild next year. The fact that they would be in the Champions League means Manchester United is more appealing to players as well.

“They’ve been so bad this year in the Premier League. Does it save a season? A little bit maybe, but it’s still going to be there for everybody to see where we finish in the league and the league doesn’t lie.

“It’s crazy to think that we are where we are in the Premier League and both teams are fighting for a place in the Champions League.”

#UELfinal pic.twitter.com/6hnKc6TFLw

— UEFA Europa League (@EuropaLeague) May 19, 2025

Unfair reward?

Arsene Wenger recently criticised the idea of either Spurs or United playing in the Champions League next season.

The former Arsenal boss believes the winner of the Europa League should be entered back into the secondary competition, rather than stepping up to fight amongst Europe’s elite.

But Pallister believes the prize is justified, as it gives extra motivation for teams to take the Europa League seriously.

He added: “Arsene Wenger talked about it being a little bit embarrassing for European football, but that’s the rule.

“That’s what’s on offer if you do win it, he needs to leave that alone. It’s winner takes all on Wednesday night and what a massive game it is for both clubs.

“I think it’s a great offer because it’s the second competition, you’re trying to give it a bit more importance because it’s way behind Champions League football.

“But you try to make it more interesting to clubs in that competition to reward them if they do win it.

“We’ve seen before in recent years, clubs put weakened teams out in the Europa League. The format has changed over the last couple of seasons to give it a bit more interest and to put a Champions League spot up for grabs.

“I guess it’s a little bit embarrassing that teams that are finishing really down in the Premier League get a chance to play Champions League football, but they’re winning the second major European trophy.”

The  has arrived in Bilbao for the #UELfinal!

#UELtrophytour | @FlixBus_DE pic.twitter.com/vNaUSgzcc7

— UEFA Europa League (@EuropaLeague) May 19, 2025

Big game players

Having lost to Spurs three times already this season, United are going to need their big game players to step up if they are to claim the European crown.

The likes of Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro are going to be pivotal to the club’s success in Biblao and Pallister highlighted them both as potential game changers.

He said: “Casemiro has vast experience of playing in big European games, European Champions League finals. Bruno Fernandes, what an incredible player he’s been for Manchester United.

“It’s hard to think where we’d be if we didn’t have him over the last few seasons because he’s been the standout player.

“I think if he’s anywhere else at a team, vying for league titles, I think he’s a superstar. He’s been playing in a team that’s been struggling for a number of years now, but he’s been a standout and leading light.

“He’s a very consistent player, which is, something we’ve lacked at Manchester United and I think his attitude will be fantastic on the night, desperate to win another trophy for Manchester Utd. If we turn up like we did against Man City and last year’s FA Cup final then who knows?

“Manchester United maybe have the edge in that department in terms of players who’ve got a little bit more experience.”

Amorim has previously claimed that a club like United ‘must’ be playing Champions League football and that has formed part of the reason why they will not have a victory parade should they win on Wednesday.

But, a return to the Champions League would provide the head coach with a perfect platform to shape the squad in his own way after struggling to pick up the pieces left by Ten Hag.