After the initial disappointment of being knocked out of Europe’s premier club competition, United fans now have the Europa League to cast their eyes over this week. Questions have been asked as to the efforts both Manchester sides will be putting into the remnants of their European challenge this season, but with difficult Premiership fixtures in the past few weeks, the European agenda had long fallen out of media focus. However, if Ferguson’s side want to progress in the only cup competition they remain involved in, now is the time to start preparations for what could be a hard-fought knockout stage.
When United were stunned by Basel late last year, Sir Alex Ferguson said that it was ‘a penalty’ to play in the Europa League. Patrice Evra went as far as to call it ‘an embarrassment’, clearly showing the team’s ambitions had not been met, and they were genuinely shocked not to progress in the Champions League, as were the fans. The fact that they had the so called ‘easiest group’ out of all the English clubs made it an even more bitter pill to swallow. But after being knocked out of both domestic league cups, do United now see the Europa League as an unwelcome distraction from their Premier League title race, or an opportunity to salvage silverware from a disappointing cup season?
Well, what some people seem to be forgetting in all the talk around United’s exit from the Champions League is that whether or not they take the Europa competition seriously, there are some quality teams in it. If they think can walk into the tie against Ajax and expect to notice the vast level of difference between the two competitions, then they may well be left red-faced once more. Sure, they can give some game-time to the youngsters and play some fringe players but at the end of the tie, if they come out with an aggregate loss, the fans are going to be disappointed and the media will be on their back regardless.
For the sake of English football at the very least, I would like to see Manchester United go out to the Amsterdam Arena on Thursday and give a good account of themselves, then leave with their heads held high and with a margin for error in the 2nd leg. What they can’t do is be complacent, because not only will they struggle to get ahead in the game, but they will lose momentum. We have a rather unusual situation of there being no league fixture in between the two legs, which should help United focus on the second fixture at Old Trafford.
If it were a domestic cup tie, then Fergie always has the option of starting mind games and saying one thing to the press, like he’ll put out a weakened side, then doing the opposite. But Ajax will be up for a fight, no matter what Sir Alex’s approach is. Remember, the Dutch side see a tie against United as a great chance to bounce back from the unfortunate series of events that saw Lyon overturn a ridiculous goal difference and progress in Ajax’s place. They are also not having it their way in the Eredivisie this season, currently lying 6th and 8 points off the lead, after winning the title last season. This is coupled with the fact that Frank de Boer’s side have some pretty big issues in the boardroom, involving Johan Cruyff and his crusade against Louis van Gaal.
On the pitch, Ajax have recently been substandard, with their first win in 2012 coming only last weekend. That being said, a tie against Manchester United may very well galvanise the side into action. Top striker, with 12 goals this season, Miralem Sulejmani should be one to watch along with tricky midfielder Christian Eriksen who has proven himself to be a promising talent, one that Ferguson himself has said he is keen to see. The important thing for United is to forget the occasion and competition surroundings and to put in a professional performance. It’s not a case of stick or twist, but one of getting the job done on the night against new opposition.
Follow me on Twitter: @HazbTwit
Introducing the neat little app that’ll pay you to view content tailored to your interests:
ThisisFutbol.com are seeking new writers to join the team! If you’re passionate about football, drop us a line at “thisisfutbol.com@snack-media.com” to learn more.
Introducing the neat little app that’ll pay you to view content tailored to your interests:
ThisisFutbol.com are seeking new writers to join the team! If you’re passionate about football, drop us a line at “thisisfutbol.com@snack-media.com” to learn more.