Christian Eriksen has acknowledged the immense “pressure” on Manchester United as they prepare to face Real Sociedad in Thursday’s Europa League clash at Old Trafford.
Eliminated from the Carabao Cup and FA Cup, with their victory in the latter last season being their path into European competition this term, Manchester United’s disappointing league position makes qualifying for continental tournaments seem unlikely. With inconsistent performances and only ten games left, the pressure is mounting.
However, the club remains in contention in the Europa League, holding a slight advantage following last week’s 1-1 draw in the first leg of the last-16. Winning the tournament in May would secure a spot in next season’s Champions League, offering a much-needed lifeline.
In an interview with The Guardian, Eriksen described the upcoming match against Real Sociedad as “massive.”
“We understand the pressure and the situation we’re in the league. To secure European qualification next season, we must win a significant number of league games or succeed in the Europa League. That’s why there’s so much riding on this match,” Eriksen said.
“But this pressure comes with representing a club like Manchester United. We compete for trophies, so we must perform well to progress. United belongs in Europe, but we also don’t belong in the lower half of the Premier League. We are striving to improve our league position, and it’s not where we want to be.
“We are Manchester United, so expectations are high. Ultimately, the game is decided on the pitch, so we must focus on our football and aim to climb the table by the end of the season.”
Manchester United have previously reaped the rewards of winning the Europa League. Under Jose Mourinho in the 2016/17 season, the team finished sixth in the Premier League, seven points outside the top four, but claimed the Europa League trophy to secure Champions League qualification.
