By Parrot Newspaper 
Amorim’s Manchester United: Can the Europa League Be the Lifeline?
Manchester United’s season is on the brink of collapse, and Ruben Amorim knows it. The FA Cup elimination against Fulham was a gut punch, but the real test begins now: the Europa League. If there’s any chance of salvaging something from this wreckage of a campaign, it lies in Europe.
United face Real Sociedad in Spain on Thursday, and while the La Liga side has been underwhelming this season, Manchester United’s current form inspires little confidence. No one fears them anymore, and that is a damning indictment of how far the club has fallen.
But all is not lost. Amorim has tactical flexibility, a clear philosophy, and fresh energy—qualities United desperately need. If he is to make an immediate impact, three key areas must be addressed.
1. Lighting a Fire Under the £72m Star
Mason Mount arrived from Chelsea with high expectations, but he has been a shadow of the player who once dominated midfields in England and Europe. Injuries haven’t helped, but even when fit, he has struggled to impose himself.
Amorim must figure out how to reignite Mount. The Portuguese manager’s high-intensity, vertical style could suit him well, but the question remains: where does Mount fit? In a double pivot? As a No. 10? Or as an advanced right-sided midfielder? Whichever way Amorim sets up, he needs Mount at his sharpest if United are to stand any chance.
2. Finding the Best Role for Alejandro Garnacho
Garnacho is a raw but electric talent, and while Erik ten Hag often played him as a left-winger, Amorim may need to rethink his deployment. With United struggling to create clear-cut chances, could Garnacho be more effective as an inside forward or even in a two-man attack?
His pace and directness can trouble Sociedad’s aging backline, but he needs more than just individual brilliance—he needs a system that maximizes his strengths. Amorim must figure out how to get Garnacho involved more centrally, where his explosiveness can make a bigger impact.
3. The Importance of One Key Defender
Lisandro Martínez’s absence has crippled United’s backline, leaving them exposed far too often. But with the Argentine still recovering, Amorim must build a solid defensive structure around another key man—Raphaël Varane.
Varane’s experience and composure will be vital against Sociedad, but he needs support. Will Amorim revert to a three-man defense, or does he trust a Maguire-Varane pairing to hold firm? One thing is clear: without defensive stability, the Europa League campaign will be short-lived.
A Last Roll of the Dice
For Manchester United, the Europa League is now a survival mission. Amorim has the tactical mind to make an impact, but time is against him. Can he reshape this struggling side in a matter of days?
Thursday’s game in Spain will be the first real test of his tenure. Fail there, and the season may be unsalvageable. Win, and a glimmer of hope remains.