Ruben Amorim Downplays Manchester United's Champions League Dreams: 'Not Prepared To Play Europe'

Last Updated:August 26, 2025, 20:12 IST

Ruben Amorim says Manchester United need more time to build before competing in the Champions League, with Noussair Mazraoui close to returning from injury.

Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim (AP)

Manchester United are not yet prepared to compete in Europe and require more time to build a strong foundation to be competitive in the Champions League, coach Ruben Amorim said on Tuesday.

United, who finished 15th in the Premier League last season, missed the opportunity to qualify for Europe’s top club competition when they lost to Tottenham Hotspur in the Europa League final in May.

“I think we were not prepared to play in Europe, that is my feeling. To have strong games in the Champions League and then play Premier League, we need time to develop as a team," Amorim told reporters ahead of Wednesday’s League Cup second-round match at fourth-tier Grimsby Town.

“So (the players) need to fight for their places, and then everything can change."

Who Starts For Manchester United Against Grimsby Town In League Cup?

When asked about personnel who might be involved for the trip to Grimby, Amorim said: “All the players are available. Then we will make the choice to get the best starting XI to win every game."

The Portuguese coach also mentioned that defender Noussair Mazraoui, who sustained an injury in pre-season, could be back next week.

“Maybe he is going to return next week, we will see. But he’s near, we are just finishing some drills with him, to (be) assured that he’s not going to have another problem," he said.

United have failed to secure a win in their first two Premier League games this season. They lost their opening match 1-0 at home to Arsenal and were held to a 1-1 draw at Fulham on Sunday.

Amorim attributed his team’s defensive approach to losing the lead against Fulham, emphasising that the players must improve.

“The games are really, really competitive. We need time to build the base and then, in the future, to move forward. We will reach a moment where we need to have Europe for everybody to play games," Amorim said.

(With inputs from Agencies)

Ritayan Basu

Ritayan Basu, Senior Sub-Editor, Sports at News18.com. Has been covering domestic and and international football for nearly a decade. Has played and covered badminton. Ocassionally writes cricket content, havin...Read More

Ritayan Basu, Senior Sub-Editor, Sports at News18.com. Has been covering domestic and and international football for nearly a decade. Has played and covered badminton. Ocassionally writes cricket content, havin...

Read More

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First Published:

August 26, 2025, 20:12 IST

News sports Ruben Amorim Downplays Manchester United's Champions League Dreams: 'Not Prepared To Play Europe'

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