3 reasons why Manchester United will win the Europa League this season

Guaranteed Champions League spot

Playing Thursday-Sunday is far from ideal, but when the incentive is not only a European honour but also a place in the Champions League, it’s something Mourinho may well target.

The Red Devils lost ground on the Premier League’s top four at the weekend after only drawing at home to Bournemouth, a result which leaves them sixth in the table and three points adrift of Liverpool in fourth.

Although that is not an insurmountable gap, the games are running out for United to finish in the top four, so their best bet of returning to the Champions League, at the moment, looks to be by winning the Europa League.

Mourinho’s men are the favourites to win the competition, and it’s one that they could reap the rewards from if they go all the way this term.