Enzo Maresca's Chelsea side could have their Champions League chances boosted(Image: Eddie Keogh - UEFA)

Man United Europa League drama hands Chelsea boost after Ruben Amorim admission

by · football.london

Manchester United's heroic comeback in the Europa League on Thursday night could help Chelsea in their push for Champions League football next season.

Old Trafford bore witness to what will likely be one of the most remembered nights in the club's history. Three late goals in extra time saw United beat Lyon and progress to the Europa League semi-finals.

If United are able to beat Athletic Club in the semi's across two legs, then Ruben Amorim has admitted the final will become his top priority.

He said: "We have to take a risk with the kids in the Premier League... we have to focus on the Europa League."

The Europa League final is on the 21st May. Chelsea will face United at Stamford Bridge on the 16th May. After Amorim's admission on where his focus lies, Blues manager Enzo Maresca will hope it's an easier-than-usual encounter in London.

Ruben Amorim celebrates Manchester United's winner against Lyon(Image: PA)

Amorim will surely not want to risk any of his star players such as Bruno Fernandes, Casemiro, Patrick Dorgu or Chelsea target Alejandro Garnacho ahead of the final where, if United are to win a trophy, it could turn their season around.

Maresca will take any potentially good news regarding future Premier League fixtures at a time when every game is a must-win if he wants his Blues side in the Champions League next season.

Chelsea currently sit sixth, one point below Manchester City in those crucial top-five positions. Maresca's side are also tied on points with Aston Villa in seventh.

The Blues have arguably one of the hardest run ups to the end of the season. Their remaining six matches see them play Fulham (A), Everton (H), Liverpool (H), Newcastle (A), Man United (H) and Nottingham Forest (A) on the final day.

With half of Chelsea's remaining opponents sitting in the top five positions, it puts Maresca's squad in a prime position to move up the table.

The Blues do also have their own European progression to contend with. Despite the defeat to Legia Warszawa last night at Stamford Bridge, the English side still progressed with an aggregate score of 4-2.

They will play Swedish side Djurgarden on the 1st and 8th May with the Conference League final set for the 28th of May which is crucially after the Premier League has finished.