MANCHESTER UNITED could need to win the Europa League to sign one of their top targets this summer – but the stats experts reckon their chances are slim.
The Red Devils booked their spot in the semi-finals with a heroic comeback win over on Thursday night, sealing a clash with Athletic Bilbao in the final four.
United overturned a two goal deficit with THREE sealed by a header in the dying embers.
But despite their monster status in world and their momentum from the magic comeback, they are still THIRDfavourites to win the competition.
That's because Opta's supercomputer reckons both Tottenham and Athletic Bilbao have a better chance of lifting the trophy than ‘s side.
After simulating the remainder of the Europa League 10,000 times, Opta have given the Red Devils 24.2 per cent of winning the tournament, only bettering the 12.4 per cent chance held by Norwegian side Bodo/Glimt.
While Athletic Bilbao are thought to be second favourites with 28.5 per cent chance of success, and rivals Spurs are the most likely to end their 17-year wait for silverware – given a 34.9 per cent chance of becoming European champions.
Falling short of success in Europe would make United's season even worse than it already is.
The outfit have already confirmed their and crashed out of both domestic cups.
But it's not just this season that failure could affect, but also the coming campaigns too.
That's because winning the Europa League comes with a place in next season's – a prize worth at least £80MILLION.
And according to ESPN, Man Utd's interest in signing £100m-rated Southampton star will come down to whether they can top up their bank balance with European success.
United are reportedly keen on signing the 19-year-old, who has also been linked to , Man City, Tottenham, and .
However Saints have slapped a £100m asking price on the winger, who has scored two goals and registered one assist in 28 Premier League appearances this season.
Man Utd chiefs are keen to bring in new talent up front and in midfield in the summer, areas that will have to take priority if they are unable to earn extra cash by winning the Europa League.
