Revealed: Man United are favourites only on paper, Besiktas will win Europa League says manager

Manchester United maybe the bookmakers favourites to win the Europa League but Besiktas boss Senol Gunes believes they will not win the competition.

Gunes underlined that Besiktas aim to win the domestic league trophy and the Europa League.

The Besiktas manager responded to questions regarding facing Lyon and avoiding Manchester United in his move recent press conference.

“In all honesty I wanted either Lyon or Manchester United to test our strength,” Gunes was quoted as saying by Turkish-Football.

“We aim to win both the league and the Europa League, we can win it and want to do so by beating the best teams along the way.

“Whether we face Lyon or Manchester United now or later is not important, these are the kind of top quality teams we must beat to lift the trophy.”

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Gunes underlined that Besiktas will win at least trophy this season whether it be the Europa League or the league.

“We want both cups but what I can say is we will definitely win one,” he added.

Besiktas are currently first in the league, two points ahead of second placed Basaksehir.

The Black Eagles are favourites to win the league title this season. Basaksehir are surprise title challengers but Besiktas’ traditional rivals Galatasaray and Fenerbahce are in third and fourth place, respectively.

The reigning Turkish champions will take on Lyon in the Europa League quarter-finals.

Besiktas will take on the French giants in the first-leg next Thursday. United meanwhile will face Anderlecht.

The Istanbul giants are almost certain to book Champions League next football regardless if they win the Europa League or not.

United meanwhile are 5th in the Premier League and may have to win the Europa League to secure a Champions League spot if they miss out on the top four.