Mazraoui details what Man Utd lack in Premier League despite Europa heroics
Noussair Mazraoui says Manchester United can be proud of their season if they win the Europa League – despite their shocking Premier League form. United have suffered their worst season of the Premier League era, with Ruben Amorim's under-performing side down in 16th place, after 18 defeats this season.
But United can still salvage something from their otherwise miserable season by beating Tottenham in Wednesday's Europa League final in Bilbao. As well as lifting the trophy, the winners will also go straight into next season's Champions League, which is worth up to £100million in revenue.
And although their domestic form has been pitiful, Mazraoui claimed that will largely be forgotten if Amorim's players are victorious against Spurs. 'Winning a trophy is never easy,' said Mazraoui.
'I think in any case you don't downgrade that, because you have to fight hard to get into the position to win a trophy. You have to beat opponents who are strong and who are also really hungry to be in that final.
'When you look back at your career, you will look back at this season and you're going to be proud of winning the Europa League, if we win on Wednesday, more than you're going to look at the failure in the Premier League. You can be sure, for sure, you can be proud.'
In contrast to losing almost half of their Premier League games this season, United are the only team that started out in the Europa League or Champions League to remain unbeaten. It is something United defender Mazraoui cannot explain.
'That's something really tough to say, because we always manage in the Europa League to eventually win,' said the Morocco international. 'I think the biggest example was Lyon, where we were almost dead in the last 10 minutes of the game. Extra-time, everybody's tired and everything, and you still manage to win.
'I think one of the biggest differences in the Europa League and the Premier League for us this season is how to manage to win. We maybe have that kind of fighting spirit in the Europa League that we maybe lack in the Premier League.'
Mazraoui was signed by former United manager Erik ten Hag, who made way for current boss Amorim whose forthright and straight-talking approach has been welcomed by the defender. 'I like him a lot in that respect,' said Mazraoui.
'He's really honest, really straightforward, he's not hiding from anything. That's how I am as well. I'm not hiding behind anything and that's the manager as well.
'He takes responsibility, he knows he's the head of the club eventually, because he's the manager. That's something I like a lot about him.'
Tottenham have beaten United on all three occasions they have met this season, but Mazraoui claimed that will have no bearing on the outcome of Wednesday's make-or-break showdown.
'I don't think so, because this is a whole different competition,' said Mazraoui. 'It's the Europa League, it's a final, so the context around it is so different that you can't really compare any previous games with this final.
'Tottenham bring a lot of intensity in their games. We've seen that already this season. That's their biggest quality - they bring so much intensity and pressing in everything they do.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Record
11 minutes ago
- Daily Record
Rangers make Oliver Antman transfer breakthrough with deal timeline emerging
Talks over a move for the Finnish international have been progressing and now a deal could be in sight for Russell Martin Oliver Antman is set to sign for Rangers after the Ibrox club agreed a fee with Go Ahead Eagles. Record Sport understands that an agreement has been reached with the Eredivise outfit for the Finnish wide man, with sources in the Netherlands suggesting that the 23-year-old could become Russell Martin 's latest signing within the next 24 to 48 hours. Talks have taken place over a switch to Ibrox and a breakthrough has been made with the Deventer-based outfit. A fee of around £5million has been reported, and now it's understood that progress has been made with both club and player, easing the way for a move to Govan to happen. Antman won't be eligible for Wednesday night's Champions League second leg showdown with Panathinaikos in Athens even if he signs in time. But he could well be in the squad Martin takes to Fir Park on Saturday as Gers begin their Scottish Premiership campaign with an evening kick-off away to Motherwell. Antman bagged 7 goals and an impressive 17 assists to help fire Go Ahead to Dutch Cup glory last term. Sheffield United had been strongly linked with Antman, along with Belgian outfit and recent Ibrox visitors Club Brugge. But it now looks as if Gers have won the race. Go Ahead Eagles director Jan Willem van Dop insisted Antman, along with Celtic-linked teammate Jakob Breum, wouldn't leave on the cheap. He told Oost: "We think Breum and Antman should be allowed to leave for more than six million," which would seem to be the threshold Rangers have met to get a deal over the line. Former PSV, Barcelona and Dutch international star Ibrahim Affelay predicted that Antman would bank Go Ahead good money. he said: "That Antman is really... I think the treasurer is rubbing his hands with glee. He's going to make a fantastic transfer at the end of the season."
Scottish Sun
11 minutes ago
- Scottish Sun
Hibs fan fighting for life after away trip to Denmark for European clash
His son Ian shared the news in a message posted on Facebook 'BEST WISHES' Hibs fan fighting for life after away trip to Denmark for European clash Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A HIBS fan is fighting for his life in intensive care after falling seriously ill in Denmark whilst supporting his "beloved team" in Europe. Dougie Sneddon travelled to Copenhagen this week to watch the Hibees take on Midtjylland in their Europa League second qualifying round. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 Dougie Sneddon was rushed to hospital in Denmark this week Credit: GoFundMe 3 He travelled to watch Hibs take on Midtjylland in the Europa League second qualifying round Credit: EPA Jamie McGrath's priceless early opener put David Gray's men ahead, but the match on July 24 finished 1-1 after Aral Simsir scored a late equaliser. However, the supporter, who was known to many as Uncle Dougie, was sadly rushed to a Danish hospital after taking ill during his trip. He is currently on a ventilator in the ICU and needs treatment. His son Ian shared the news in a message posted on Facebook through The Provincial Grand Lodge of Edinburgh. It said: "As you can imagine, it's come as a shock to us all, and with it happening away from home, that's just added to the complications and the stresses of the situation. "There's not too much information at the moment, but a brief summary of what has happened is that my Dad landed in Copenhagen on Tuesday evening and got on the train to travel to Henring for the match, but had to get off about an hour into the journey as he took really unwell. It's come as a shock to us all, and with it happening away from home, that's just added to the complications and stresses Ian "The good news is that there's been a slight improvement in him since he's been admitted, and he's responding well to dialysis and the antibiotics. "He is, however, still in intensive care and is still sedated and on a ventilator. "My mum and sister are staying at the hospital with him and are providing updates as and when they can, which I will share. "We're hoping that he continues to improve, but I think it's still going to be a long road of recovery ahead for him yet." Legendary Mixu Paatelainen lifts lid on Jim McLean's brutal blast, infamous Walter Smith bust-up and his Hibs job regrets And his fellow supporters have launched a fundraiser to try and raise vital cash for his family to help cover some of the costs. The GoFundMe page explains that his loved ones are trying to navigate through the complicated insurance process. But they are urging people to help the family with Dougie's ongoing healthcare costs in the meantime. Organiser Peter Manson wrote on the page: "I am starting a fundraising to help cover the cost of medical care and accommodation for a well-known friend to many. "As some of you may know, Uncle Dougie (Dougie Sneddon) was over in Denmark to see his beloved team. "Dougie became seriously ill and is in a Danish Hospital and is in ICU, and on a ventilator. "So the family need our donations to cover the cost till they find out about insurance. We're hoping that he continues to improve, but I think it's still going to be a long road of recovery ahead for him yet Ian "Not like the UK, everything must be covered first. "Any funds I receive will be transferred to the family ASAP. "I will also take cash donations and keep a check of who donated it and mention them if they request it. Please share". Many have flocked to social media to wish Dougie well in hospital. One person said: "Get well soon Dougie. Sending love to you and your family at this difficult time Another added: "Keep fighting and get well soon Bud." Someone else wrote: "Get well soon from a Hearts fan". While a fourth commented: "My best wishes, praying for a speedy recovery and happy outcome". And a fifth posted: "Thinking of you Dougie, get well bro". Anyone looking to donate to the fundraiser can do so here.
Scottish Sun
35 minutes ago
- Scottish Sun
Beth Mead scores penalty then misses after being forced to retake it under bizarre rule in Euros final
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) LIONESSES star Beth Mead scored a penalty then was controversially forced to retake and MISSED in a dramatic Euros final shootout. After 120 minutes of action, it was England 1-1 Spain and left to spot-kicks to decide the final. 5 Beth Mead was forced to retake the penalty after already scoring Credit: BBC 5 Mead's standing leg gave way and it led to a double touch spot-kick Credit: Getty 5 The Arsenal star had to return to the penalty spot and go again Credit: Getty 5 Her second attempt was saved by the goalkeeper Credit: Getty Mead bravely stepped up first for the Lionesses and scored her penalty despite slipping over. But as her standing foot gave way she fired the ball with her right on to her left boot. The double touch diverted the ball beyond the Spanish goalkeeper and it rolled into the back of the net. Due to recently changed new rules, a retake was ordered by referee Stephanie Frappart. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL Switched it up Fans switch over to ITV for Euro 2025 final after realising who pundits are Mead returned to the spot but had her second attempt saved by the stopper Cata Coll. Though the Lionesses did not let it impact them as they went on to win the shootout 3-1. The rule on accidental double touches on penalties was tweaked by lawmakers in June. It came after Atletico Madrid star Julian Alvarez did similar to Mead in the Champions League last-16 earlier this season. SUN VEGAS WELCOME OFFER: GET £50 BONUS WHEN YOU JOIN Following a VAR check, his goal was controversially disallowed and Real Madrid went on to win the game. The outrage over the decision caused IFAB to alter Law 14, which is based on a player intentionally kicking the ball twice during a penalty. Chloe Kelly completes Lionesses' greatest comeback yet to retain Euros title It now states: "The penalty taker inadvertently hits the ball with both feet simultaneously or the ball touches his supporting foot or leg just after taking the kick: If the ball enters the goal, it will be repeated. "If the ball does not enter the goal, an indirect free kick will be awarded (unless the referee grants an advantage when the action clearly benefits the defending team) or, in the case of penalty shoot-outs, the shot will be recorded as missed." Meanwhile, if a player voluntarily kicks with both feet, the alternative rule states: "An indirect free kick will be awarded (unless the referee grants an advantage when the action clearly benefits the defending team) or, in the case of penalty shoot-outs, the shot will be recorded as missed."
