Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim has admitted that his side are not currently ready to compete in the Champions League.
Speaking ahead of Thursday’s Europa League quarter-final second leg against Lyon, Amorim also acknowledged the significant financial benefits of Champions League qualification – something United are desperately chasing.
The Red Devils are languishing in 14th place in the Premier League, with a miserable domestic campaign leaving no realistic chance of qualifying for Europe’s top competition via league position. Their only hope now lies in lifting the Europa League trophy.
After a 2-2 draw in the first leg, United face a straight shoot-out against Lyon at Old Trafford for a place in the semi-finals.
However, even if United do go all the way in Europe, Amorim has concerns about whether the current squad is built to cope with the demands of the Champions League.
“If you look at this moment we are not ready to be really competitive in the Premier League and cope with the Champions League,” said Amorim.
“But if you play in one club you should fight for this competition.
“If you are in the Champions League you have a different budget to put a better team for next season. It is something we will discover next year hopefully.”
