Man United news: Besiktas president reveals Europa League plan
The Europa League has grown in importance ever since winning the competition guaranteed a Champions League place.
The European cup was seen as a bit of a waste of time by Premier League sides just a few seasons ago but not anymore.
Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho revealed that he could even protect his players for the Europa League in the next few weeks.
“Then, it’s possible that you see me play in the Premier League with a team where I’m going to protect the players that I consider fundamental for the Europa League. But only, only if the results in the next matches put us in a situation where mathematically, it becomes almost impossible to do it,” Mourinho was quoted as saying in the Telegraph.
See More: For Besiktas news and everything you want to know about the club
United are currently 5th in the Premier League and face the possibility of not making the top four.
The Red Devils would have to win the Europa League to book a place in the Champions League if they fail to make the top four.
Manchester United are the bookmakers favourites to win the Europa League but Besiktas president Fikret Orman made it very clear today that he also has his eye on the trophy.
Orman revealed that he aims to win two trophies this season. “I want two trophies, the league and the Europa League,” Orman was quoted as saying by Turkish-Football.
“Lyon and the others may be favourites and do not rule us out, we have a great team in great form and a very experienced manager.”
“We must believe in ourselves, we have the quality to win the cup.”
Besiktas will take on Lyon in the Europa League quarter-finals.
The reigning Turkish league champions are currently first in the Super Lig, five points clear of second placed Basaksehir.
United meanwhile will face Anderlecht in the last eight.
