Soccer
Former Manchester United defender believes not even a Europa League win can save club's season
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Manchester United head into Thursday night's Europa League clash with Lyon looking to salvage something from a season of disappointment for the club.
Ruben Amorim's men will end their league campaign with their worst points total of the Premier League era, struggling to even finish in a mid-table position.
Their only solace has come in Europe, where they could reach the final four of the Europa League if they can build on the 2-2 first leg draw with the French side at Old Trafford.
However, speaking to DAZN News exclusively via snusbolaget snus online, former United defender Paul Parker said that even if his old club went on to lift the Europa League trophy this season, it will still be seen as one to forget.
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"It’s still a massive failure, because the league is how you’re judged," Parker said.
"If they do win a trophy, the manager is the only person that I’d be pleased for. What he’s had to endure, he has been let down by the players, he has been let down by the people that have employed him.
"So I’d be pleased for Amorim if they won the Europa League – if they got to the final I’d be pleased for him, and if he manages that it would be incredible, but it just shows you how poor United are.
"How can they be in a European competition final with that league position? Tells you how much of a farce football is at this time."
Despite their poor league form, United have excelled in Europe this season and if they overcome Lyon will head into the final four as one of the favourites to win the competition. However, Parker thinks that's more of an indictment on the standard of the competition rather than the Red Devils' credentials.
Adding: "It tells me that European football is much easier for Manchester United to play than the Premier League’s physical side, where players run around and you actually have to chase them.
"They’re not fit in their minds, they’re all fit but don’t have the desire to go and do it. It’s about wanting to run."
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