Andre Onana on how Europa League can salvage Man United's season

Photo Credit - Manchester United.

Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana and Ivorian winger Amad Diallo have explained why winning the UEFA Europa League could atone for an underwhelming 2025 season.

The African stars said this as Ruben Amon’s side head into the final against fellow Premier League strugglers Tottenham Hotspur on Wednesday, May 21, 2025.

The Cameroonian told the Red Devils media that while winning Europe's second-tier competition cannot completely make up for their poor Premier League campaign, it would still provide solace.

“It's been a very difficult season for all of us. And it's a learning time for all of us because for some of us, maybe it's the first time to face something like this in their whole career, but we have another big opportunity, so we have to take it. And this game will not save the season, but at least we'll give some joy to the fans,” he said.

“For me, it's a big honour. A big privilege. My first final was against Manchester United in the Europa League, when I was still at Ajax. So being in this final again, but with Manchester United this time, it's just wonderful for me.”

Amad echoed Onana, saying the final presents United with an opportunity to collect silverware, adding that he is encouraged by the positive mood in camp.

“We know we already lost three times against them this season, so we have to respect them. We know they’re not really doing really well in the Premier League like us, but we have to respect them because they’re a really good team. So, we will prepare, we will prepare the game very well with the manager. And then we will play the final as a final,” he said.

“I think a club like United has to play in the Champions League every year. It's a big club, it deserves to play in Europe every year. We know that if we win this trophy, we’ll play in the Champions League next season, so we will try our best to win this trophy.”

The Red Devils have gone eight consecutive games without a win in the Premier League, their woes summed by a 1-0 loss to Chelsea over the weekend.