Ruben Amorim Explains Why He Believes the Europa League is ‘Harder’ Than the Champions League!
Manchester United manager Rúben Amorim has offered an unexpected perspective on European football, suggesting that the UEFA Europa League (UEL) presents a greater challenge than the UEFA Champions League (UCL). While the Champions League is widely regarded as the most prestigious club competition, Amorim argues that the Europa League’s grueling schedule makes it even more demanding.
Manchester United secured a spot in the Europa League Round of 16 after finishing third in the league phase, with five victories and three draws. However, their first-leg clash against Real Sociedad on March 6 proved difficult, as they were held to a 1-1 draw away from home. Amorim sees this as just one example of the difficulties teams face in the tournament.
The biggest issue, in his view, is the limited recovery time between matches. Just three days after their encounter with Sociedad, United must take on Arsenal in a crucial Premier League fixture. Amorim believes this short turnaround adds to the intensity of the Europa League, making it harder to navigate than the Champions League.
Beyond the tight schedule, United are already dealing with injuries and a packed fixture list, which has affected their form in both domestic and European competitions. The financial implications also add to the pressure, as success in the Europa League could provide a pathway back into the Champions League and the financial rewards that come with it. Amorim’s comments highlight the physical and mental toll the competition takes on clubs aiming to balance European ambitions with domestic responsibilities, requiring careful squad management to stay competitive on all fronts.
