Jamie Carragher has warned Arsenal and Manchester United that the Europa League is ‘massive’ for them and they need to get into the Champions League, no matter what this season, as he told CBS Sports (07/09/22 at 10:45 pm)
Mikel Arteta watched his side fall to their first defeat of the season at Old Trafford over the weekend, whilst Erik ten Hag, after suffering two opening defeats, is now on a four-game winning run.
It’s fair to say that the mood in both camps is pretty positive, but this is where the fixture list kicks in, as Arsenal and Manchester United prepare for Thursday night Europa League games up until the 2022 World Cup.
Arsenal are in Switzerland ahead of their Europa League opener against FC Zurich, whilst their old rivals welcome Spanish side Real Sociedad to Old Trafford to try and make it five from five.
Either way, the aim for the Premier League giants is to secure Champions League football – either winning the Europa League outright or securing a top-four spot.
That was pointed out by Carragher, who shared that he has been ‘really impressed’ by what he has seen in recent weeks from both sides.
“I think the Europa League is massive for Manchester United and Arsenal,” said Carragher. “It’s so competitive to try and get into the top four this season and that’s another opportunity to get into the Champions League.
“And that’s the name of the game for ten Hag and Arteta. They have to be in the Champions League next season. It’s not how they do it, they just need to be there.
“But I have been really impressed with Arsenal, certainly Manchester United of late, they are two teams that have to go really close to win the trophy.”
THOMAS TUCHEL SACKING
There are so many teams trying to get into those top-four places and Chelsea, who have been doing so in a comfortable manner in recent years, are one of those.
Their only issue is that they have looked well off-colour this campaign and those in the Stamford Bridge boardroom have reacted by booting Thomas Tuchel out of the door.
All of this will have a bearing on the Champions League race because it’s Brighton boss Graham Potter who is going to replace Tuchel in the dugout now, as reported by BBC Sport.
The Englishman wants to become an elite manager and this job could make or break his career because he is now hitting a different level.
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