Ruben Amorim says Manchester United better off without European Football this season Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim believes missing out on European competition this season could prove to be a blessing in disguise, giving his side the chance to reset and rebuild after a turbulent campaign. United’s 15th-placed Premier League finish last season, coupled with defeat to Tottenham in the Europa League final, has left the club without continental football for only the second time since English clubs returned to UEFA competitions in 1990. What Amorim said While the absence is a financial blow and means United must start their Carabao Cup campaign a round earlier than usual, Amorim insists the trade-off of having free midweeks is vital for development. “We were not prepared to play in Europe and the Premier League. We need time to develop as a team,” Amorim admitted. United kick off their Carabao Cup run on Wednesday night against League Two Grimsby Town, in what will be the clubs’ first meeting since 1948. Amorim confirmed he will rotate his squad, with Andre Onana, Harry Maguire, Kobbie Mainoo, Manuel Ugarte and Joshua Zirkzee all pushing for starts after limited playing time so far. “We have three games this week and we have quality players, so we need rotation to try to win every game,” the Portuguese coach said. Youngsters Ayden Heaven and Tyler Fredricson may also feature, while defender Noussair Mazraoui is close to returning from injury but may not be risked. Given that the Carabao Cup winners earn European qualification, Amorim is under pressure to take the competition seriously. United have started their Premier League campaign poorly, taking just one point from their opening two fixtures after defeat to Arsenal and a draw with Fulham. The last time United entered the Carabao Cup at this stage was in 2014, when they crashed to a humiliating 4-0 defeat against MK Dons, then featuring an 18-year-old Dele Alli.