Ruben Amorim has said that even though Tottenham Hotspur have a perfect record against Man United this season, his side have one advantage heading into the Europa League final.
It is difficult to say who the favourites are at Bilbao as both Spurs and the Red Devils have had abject seasons domestically, with the pair sitting just above the drop zone.
The struggles of the two clubs add to the stakes on Thursday, with both sides needing a trophy to salvage their campaigns.
There is also the small matter of Champions League qualification on offer for the winners, which is crucial ahead of the summer transfer window for both clubs, with Tottenham’s financial problems being well documented.
Ruben Amorim says Man United know what to expect from Spurs
The North London club will be able to take confidence from the fact that they have beaten United on three occasions already this season.
However, Amorim suggested that the one advantage his side have is that Tottenham will not throw any surprises tactically, insisting that they know what to expect from Ange Postecoglou’s men.
The Portuguese coach told TNT Sports ahead of the final: “We need to look at our two games. One of the things that is good (while) facing Tottenham, they are really good, but you can understand what they are going to do, because they have such a strong identity that they will not change.
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“That is a good thing. For example, Manchester United with [Jose] Mourinho, they changed all the time the way they play because of the opponent. Set-pieces are going to be a key point because they are really strong on that, because they win a lot of corners. So that is a key point.
“We have an idea of how they are going to press, they have an idea of how we are going to build up. So, I think it’s going to be a tough match for both teams.”
Bruno Fernandes fires warning to Tottenham
This admission from Amorim comes just days after his own captain also made a very similar statement, firing a warning shot at Spurs.
Bruno Fernandes insisted that Man United know where Tottenham’s threats will come from, although he was complimentary of the Lilywhites for what they can do on and off the ball.
Fernandes’s and Amorim’s statements suggest that the Red Devils believe that they have come up with a tactical plan to stop Spurs, and it will be interesting to see if Ange Postecoglou sticks to his guns or has a surprise up his sleeve.