Man Utd boss Ruben Amorim responds to Arsene Wenger over rule change

Former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has called on UEFA to stop pushing Europa League winners into the following season’s Champions League – as United bid to put their domestic nightmare behind them by taking the backdoor route back to Europe’s top table

Ruben Amorim responded to Arsene Wenger and insisted Manchester United are just “following the rules” as they stand two matches away from a remarkable return to the Champions League.

Both United and Tottenham have endured miserable domestic seasons, with the pair sitting in the bottom half of the Premier League. United are currently 15th, and guaranteed to have the ignominy of their worst ever Premier League finish.

But with both sides on course to reach the final after strong first leg victories – United lead Athletic Bilbao 3-0 after the first leg while Spurs lead Bodo/Glimt 3-1 ahead of their reunion in Norway – one looks set to play in Europe’s premier club competition next term.

That would mean there will be SIX English teams in the Champions League, with the Premier League’s strong co-efficient ranking already ensuring that fifth place will be in next year’s competition.

Former Arsenal boss Wenger, now FIFA’s chief of global football development, suggested it is ‘not right’ that the winner of the Europa League is rewarded with a place in the Champions League while doing punditry for beIN Sports on Tuesday night.

READ MORE: Ruben Amorim breaks silence on Bruno Fernandes transfer with clear Man Utd messageREAD MORE: Manchester United handed huge double BOOST ahead of Europa League semi-final second leg

UEFA made the decision to offer a place in the competition as a reward for victory in the Europa League back in 2014 and the Frenchman has called for that to be reviewed, believing the policy is unfair.

“They [Europa League winners] should qualify automatically for the Europa League again but not necessarily for the Champions League.

“Especially when you’re in the Premier League where already five teams qualify. I think it’s something (for Uefa) to think about and to review.

“On the other hand people will tell you that to keep the Europa League focused, interesting and motivated you need to give them that prize (of qualifying for the Champions League).”

Asked about Wenger’s comments on Wednesday, as he faced the media ahead of Thursday night’s semi-final second leg against Athletic Bilbao at Old Trafford, Amorim said: “I just know the rules.

“If people want to change the rules, by all means. But these are the rules and the rules are that you win the Europa League, you go to the Champions League, so we will follow the rules. I don’t think a lot about it.

“I know that the Champions League is for the champions or the best team in the leagues. We are just following the rules.”

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