Former Manchester United coach tips club to salvage something from disappointing campaign

Manchester United's season could still end on a high note by winning the Europa League, according to former coach Rene Meulensteen.

Ruben Amorim's men may have had a forgettable league campaign, underlined by the weekend's drab goalless draw in the Manchester derby, but they still have a Europa League quarter-final to look forward to this week when they take on French side Lyon. 

Speaking exclusively to DAZN News, thanks to Poker Firma, Meulensteen still believes his former club has a chance for European success. 

• Read next I 'So many aspects to improve' - Ruben Amorim comments on Manchester United's standard after derby draw

"Yes, they can win it on their day," he said when asked if they had a chance of lifting the trophy. 

"Although United is, from a playing style point of view and a team point of view, not like an oiled machine because you never know exactly what you're going to get, they have also shown glimpses that it can fall into place.

"But what they do have, they have still individuals, i.e. Bruno Fernandes, because if you would take him out of the equation, then that would be a massive, massive loss to them. But you still have good individuals that can make a difference. 

"They can win it because, obviously, they have, to be fairly honest, had a decent run and I'm sure that gives them confidence. They've got Lyon next, who sit, what, sixth, seventh in the French League. It's an attacking team that does score goals but also concede goals, a bit similar to United.

"So it's going to be an interesting game to see. But if they get through that, you're in the semi-finals, aren't you? They're in the semi-finals and then these are just games you have to take game by game.

"But on their day, United, like I said, they can turn up and beat anybody. Look at the last game in the Europa League against Real Sociedad. You know what I mean? Fantastic. Very good performance." 

Meulensteen, who helped United win three Premier League titles and the Champions League in his time as part of Sir Alex Ferguson's backroom staff, says that a Europa League win would not only salvage something from a disappointing season but enable the club to attract better players who want to play in the Champions League. 

Adding, "It would definitely put a little bit of a silver lining to a very difficult season. You know what I mean? Because it's been so, so poor throughout the league.

"The position they find themselves in, the amount of games they've lost in the league, getting knocked out of both cup competitions. 

"The Europa League is the only one, and plus, it's such a massive competition because if you do win it, you get back in the Champions League. And that would be, that would be massively important for United because that would give them more pulling power to bring players in."

Watch the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup live on DAZN

Sign up for a free DAZN account now to watch the Club World Cup starting on Saturday, June 14.

Or, if you are already a DAZN subscriber or Freemium member, then the draw is part of your current membership.

A DAZN Freemium account costs nothing and provides access to action across football, boxing, NFL, golf, darts, motorsports, basketball and padel.

This includes the UEFA Women's Champions League, NFL , LIV Golf, Super League Basketball and Saudi Pro League, plus other weekly specially selected games, leagues, sports and highlights.

Free TV Channels include Matchroom Boxing, PGA Tour, PowerSports World, Billiard TV and Padel Time TV.

You only need an email address to register for a Freemium account, with no hidden costs or fees.

Join us now to start watching sport for free on DAZN, sign up here .

*Sports and channels dependent on country of residence

More Football

• 2025 FIFA Club World Cup fixtures, groups, schedule, venues
• How to watch the Club World Cup on DAZN
• National League fixtures & results
• The National League only on DAZN
• Watch the Champions League on DAZN (Canada & New Zealand)
• Watch the Women's Champions League free on DAZN
• Nassr TV on DAZN - Watch Ronaldo and Al Nassr for free