LONDON: Manchester United midfielder Bruno Fernandes (pix) said winning the Europa League would signal improvement at the Old Trafford side but success in Europeâs second-tier club competition should not be enough for them.
United have all but booked their place in the final of the competition they last won in 2017, having thrashed AS Roma 6-2 in the first leg of their semifinal tie at Old Trafford.
Speaking ahead of the return fixture later on Thursday, Fernandes said the team must view the tournament as a launch pad for long-term success.
âFor us, itâs a signal of improvement if we win the Europa League, because last season we didnât win anything. So, if we win a trophy this season itâs an improvement â but still not enough for us,â Fernandes told reporters.
âWhen you play for this club, your standard has to be high. For me, the game against Roma wasnât my best, but in numbers everyone will say itâs the best Iâve done because the two goals and two assists was the first time I did it for the club.
âI want to improve so I have to do maybe next time two assists and two goals, or three goals and two assists …but the most important for me is the way we win and weâre closer to getting the trophy.â
Fernandes said he hoped striker Edinson Cavani and midfielder Paul Pogba would remain at the club.
The contract of World Cup winner Pogba, who joined United from Juventus for £89 million (RM510 million) in 2016, is set to run out in 2022.
Cavani arrived at United on a oneâyear contract in October with an option for another 12 months but he remains undecided about his future.
âOf course, we know theyâre really important for us, the qualities they have for us are difficult to find on the market for a good price,â Fernandes said.
âEveryone knows the team is moving up and with their help too so itâs important that we keep our best players and keep improving the team.â â Reuters
