Manchester United not ready to play in Europe, Amorim says

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FILE PHOTO: Soccer Football - Premier League - Fulham v Manchester United - Craven Cottage, London, Britain - August 24, 2025 Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim reacts Action Images via Reuters/Dylan Martinez/File Photo

REUTERS

Manchester United are not ready to play in Europe and need more time to build a solid base to be competitive in the Champions League, coach Ruben Amorim said on Tuesday.

United, who finished 15th in the Premier League last season, missed out on the chance to qualify for Europes top club competition when they lost to Tottenham Hotspur in the Europa League final in May.

I think we were not prepared to play in Europe, that is my feeling. To have strong games in the Champions League and then play Premier League, we need time to develop as a team, Amorim told reporters ahead of Wednesdays League Cup second-round tie at fourth-tier Grimsby Town.

So (the players) need to fight for their places, and then everything can change.

United have failed to win in their first two Premier League games this season, having lost their opening match 1-0 at home to Arsenal before being held 1-1 at Fulham on Sunday.

Amorim blamed his teams defensive mindset for surrendering the lead against Fulham, stressing the players must improve.

The games are really, really competitive. We need time to build the base and then, in the future, to move forward. We will reach a moment where we need to have Europe for