Ruben to tackle domestic affairs first

Red Devils boss happy to be staying at home

- by PATRICK AUSTEN-HARDY

RUBEN AMORIM has admitted Manchester United would not have been competitive in the Champions League this season.

Amorim endured a painful first seven months at Old Trafford, but a Europa League final against Tottenham offered a route into Europe's elite competition.

However, the Red Devils were beaten 1-0 in a lacklustre final in Bilbao.

Tonight United go to League Two Grimsby in the second round of the Carabao Cup with Amorim saying his side are only capable of competing on domestic fronts this season.

“We were not prepared to play in Europe. That was my feeling,” said Amorim. “(We were not prepared) to play strong games in the Champions League and then play in the Premier League.”