Man United Boss Shares Reason Why Europa League Is More Difficult Than Champions League
- Manchester United manager Ruben Amoirm has claimed the Europa League is tougher than the Champions League
- The Red Devils are in the round of 16 in Europe's secondary competition, meaning they play Premier League matches on Sunday
- Ruben Amorim's side face Arsenal, who played on Tuesday in the Champions League, in the league on Sunday
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Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim has admitted playing in the Europa League is much harder than the Champions League.
The Red Devils have been playing on Thursdays and Sundays this season and are considered favourites to win the title.
The English giants face Arsenal, who thrashed PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League, this weekend.
Source: Getty Images
Is Europa League harder than Champions League?
Manchester United played Real Sociedad on Thursday, March 6, and only have Friday and Saturday to prepare for the Premier League clash with Arsenal set for Sunday, March 9.
The Gunners played on Tuesday and therefore had two extra days to rest and prepare for their Premier League clash.
"In the beginning people talked about our rotation in Europe. We were changing all the time and it is because of this," said Amorim, per BBC Sport.
"Europa is so much harder than Champions League. Not the games, but the recovery to play Premier League on the weekend. We have to deal with that."
Amorim's team are the only unbeaten team in European competitions this campaign. They were held by Real Sociedad in the first leg in the round of 16.
Man United have a decent record in the league after playing in the Europa League. They lost three times in the league after playing in the Europa League.
Can Man United stop Arsenal?
Mikel Arteta's side head into Sunday's encounter after thrashing PSV 7-1 in the Champions League. Still, the Gunners have a loss and a draw in their last two league matches.
They have fallen 13 points behind Liverpool in the title race with a game in hand and many have written them off.
They'll need to win almost every game and hope Liverpool drop points to end their Premier League title drought, which stands at 21 years.
Arsenal have beaten their bitter rivals in their last four meetings. Opta have given Arsenal a 51% chance of winning, while the hosts have a 23% chance.
Arteta is still wary about Man United who are having their worst season in the Premier League.
"Watching the game...against Real Sociedad, it became very clear that they’re very capable of putting a really strong performance in and beat you on the day. We know the difficulty of the match and that’s what we’re preparing for," Arteta said via Arsenal.com.
Man United have won one match against the top six this season. They took a limping Manchester City down in December.
Source: Getty Images
They have lost to Tottenham Hotspur three times, Liverpool, and the Gunners.
Mourinho's message to Amorim
TUKO.co.ke earlier reported that Jose Mourinho sent a message of support to his compatriot Amorim who has made a difficult start as Man United boss.
The Fenerbahce boss lauded Amorim's character and wished him well in the tough test he faces.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
