Manchester United are set to compete with Spurs in the Europa League final on Wednesday night.
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Manchester United can still salvage something from what has been a poor season at Old Trafford by winning the Europa League and bagging themselves a trophy.
If they do beat Tottenham Hotspur in the final on Wednesday night, United would in turn qualify for the Champions League, despite being 16th in the Premier League table under Ruben Amorim.
Heading into the game, both United and Spurs are desperate to win after poor campaigns in the Premier League, and with both managers under considerable pressure heading into the summer.
Martin Keown makes bold Bruno Fernandes prediction
Looking ahead to the final, many will think that United midfielder Bruno Fernandes could be instrumental to any success that the Red Devils could have against Spurs in Bilbao.
Fernandes has been United’s best player this season, scoring 19 goals and providing 19 assists in 55 appearances for the Red Devils this year. Amorim has also used him both in attacking midfield roles and more central roles, both of which have been a success.
However, heading into the final, ex-Premier League defender Martin Keown thinks that Fernandes could struggle against Tottenham. He said on Match of the Day 2: “I know it could be a long night, maybe Manchester United will look for extra-time and penalties but I feel like Spurs can win this.”
On Fernandes, he said: “I don’t think he’ll turn up on the night. I actually think Dominic Solanke might be the standout player. £65 million will be like a snip if they win it.”
However, fellow pundit Danny Murphy disagreed with Keown, suggesting that Fernandes is the only player on both sides who can produce some magic capable of winning the final.
Murphy said: “I think Manchester United have the only player in both the sides whose reliable in the big games and can create magic: Bruno Fernandes. I think he’s been a shining light and he’ll make the difference.”
Bruno Fernandes “very eager” to lift Europa League trophy
The United captain has been somewhat of a bright spark for Amorim’s side this season, creating the majority of chances that United score whether that be through finishing himself or assisting for one of his teammates.
Speaking to TNT Sports ahead of the final, the Red Devils star seemed very relaxed and confident that his side can beat Spurs and win the game, despite the fact that he thinks its going to be tight.
Fernandes said: “Both teams will be very eager to get that [Europa League trophy], but we just have to find a way to be more eager than them. We know Tottenham, both teams aren’t having a great season, but a final is a final, a chance to get the silverware is there.
He was asked by former United star Owen Hargreaves what difference playing against a familiar opponent in Tottenham could have on the game.
“It helps us prepare for the game,” Fernandes said, “but during the game, it makes the game very tight, it makes it look like you’re afraid of everything because you know they know your strengths and weaknesses.
“At the same time, both teams aren’t having a great season, so I hope that in the final, we can show people on the outside world that both teams want to go for the trophy and give the best atmosphere and show possible that everyone is looking for.”
The game kicks off at 8pm on Wednesday night from Bilbao and will be available to watch for free, despite not being on terrestrial TV.