Man Utd news: Europa League is huge, just look how good Mourinho’s side are now - Jenas

MANCHESTER UNITED are the perfect example to show how important the Europa League is as a competition.

Wayne Rooney awkwardly slips during Europa League qualifier

That is the opinion of pundit Jermaine Jenas, who featured in the Europa League as a player with Tottenham.

The difference to when Jenas played however is that now the winner of the tournament qualifies for the Champions League.

Manchester United did just that last season, beating Ajax 2-0 in the final in May, which automatically put them into the group stage of Europe’s elite competition this term.

But it is not just the carrot of Champions League qualification which makes the Europa League important for Jenas.

Europa LeagueBT SPORT

Man Utd news: The Europa League is a huge competition, says Jermaine Jenas

Manchester United didn’t manage to finish in the top four last year but look at them now

Jermaine Jenas on Man Utd winning the Europa League

He says it has brought confidence to the United squad, who are unbeaten and top of the Premier League table after four games.

“Well it’s huge,” Jenas said on BT Sport of the Europa League.

“If you look at how competitive the top four positions are now in the Premier League and how hard it is to achieve that. 

Manchester United didn’t manage to achieve it last year but look at them now. 

Man Utd news Europa LeagueBT SPORT

Man Utd news: The Red Devils qualified for the Champions League by winning the Europa League

“They’re walking out to that Champions League music, all because they lifted that trophy. 

“Not only that, having lifted it, it will be something they can look back on this year that will give them a lot more confidence. 

“Not only going into the Champions League but in the league position as well. 

“It’s massively important.”

Everton and Arsenal get their Europa League campaigns underway tonight.

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