Everton manager Koeman wants United to beat his former club

LONDON: Everton manager Ronald Koeman (pic) is hoping Manchester United beat his former club Southampton in today’s English League Cup final because victory for Jose Mourinho’s team would boost his own side’s chances of qualifying for the Europa League.

Koeman, who spent two seasons in charge of Southampton, also wants one of the league’s top-four finishers to win the English FA Cup so that Everton make it to the Europa League qualifying rounds if they manage to end the season in seventh place.

Both trophies come with the added bonus of European football if the winners finish the domestic league season outside the European places.

“It is true you need help from which team will win the League Cup or the FA Cup,” the Dutchman told reporters.

“In that way we hope United will win at the weekend and one of the biggest clubs wins the FA Cup, because then it’s possible seventh in the table can play a qualification for the Europa League.”

Koeman believes Everton’s involvement in Europe next season will be crucial to his plans for strengthening the squad in the off-season.

“Players like to be part of Europe and they like to be part of the Champions League,” he added.

“That is the best for football players but that will normally be impossible (for Everton).

“The first step is to be part of Europe even if that means being part of a difficult European league on a Thursday or qualification really soon in the pre-season.

“We would like to do it and be part of it because Europe is the next step.”

Koeman revealed that Everton had failed in their pursuit of several transfer targets before the start of the season because the club could not offer European football.

“Some players were interested last summer and ... some wanted to see how we progressed (before signing),” he added.

“You will always fight against big clubs with more reputation and with more Champions League competition but I think we are in a good way to get what we want in the team for next season.”

Southampton are bidding for their first silverware since beating four-time League Cup winners United in the 1976 FA Cup final. — Reuters