JAKARTA - Manchester United (MU) midfielder Bruno Fernandes said winning the Europa League was still not enough for a club in his team's class even though success in the second tier European club competition could be a marker of improvement in the Old Trafford team.
United are close to securing tickets to the final in the competition they last won in 2017 after beating AS Roma 6-2 in the first leg of the Europa League semi-final at Old Trafford.
Commenting ahead of Thursday evening's second leg, Fernandes said United should see the competition as a stepping stone to long-term success.
One more step 👣 # MUFC #UEL
- Manchester United (ManUtd) May 6, 2021
"For us, this is a signal of improvement if we win the Europa League because last season we didn't win anything. So, if we win a trophy this season, that's an increase. But it's still not enough for us," Fernandes said. , Thursday.
"When you play for this club, your standards have to be high. For me, the game against Roma was not the best, although some people said it was the best I did because two goals and two assists was the first time I did for the club."
"I want to improve. So I have to do in the next two assists and two goals, or three goals and two assists ... but the most important thing for me is the way we win and we are getting closer to getting the trophy."
On the other hand, Fernandes hopes striker Edinson Cavani and midfielder Paul Pogba will remain at the club.
World Cup winner Pogba's contract, who joined United from Juventus for £ 89 million ($ 123.65 million) in 2016, will expire in 2022.
While Cavani arrived at United on a one-year contract in October with an option for a further 12 months, he remains doubtful about his future.
We got a great result last week but this isn't finished yet! We're going to Rome to win the game. 💪 pic.twitter.com/iUi2kYgLBl
- Bruno Fernandes (@ B_Fernandes8) May 5, 2021
"Of course we know they are very important to us. The quality they have is difficult to find in a player market at a good price," said Fernandes.
"Everyone knows this team is moving forward with their help. It is important for us to keep our best players and continue to improve the team."
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