Roy Keane makes sharp U-turn in Man United vs Tottenham Europa League final prediction
The latest Manchester United news as Ruben Amorim's side take on Tottenham in the final in Bilbao, Spain, on Wednesday night.
Both Roy Keane and Jamie Redknapp have made their predictions for the Europa League final as Manchester United gear up to face United in a crucial match.
Both teams have had a poor season in the Premier League with United sitting in 16th and Spurs in 17th place in the table. But the two sides have the chance to be playing Champions League football next season.
The winning team won’t only lift European silverware this season but will have the chance to play in the prime European competition in the 2025/26 campaign.
Speaking on Sky Sports on Friday night following United’s loss against Chelsea, Keane has backed his former club to edge the contest, and has picked out who could be the difference maker.
“You still have to fancy United. I still think someone like Bruno [Fernandes] will produce, the history of Manchester United…” he said.
When asked by presenter David Jones what history has to do with the game, he added: “I think it carries a little bit of weight. If you look at our league performance there's not a lot between them, they've both been desperate.
“I just think, come the crunch, come the final, United's history in finals and even winning a few cups in the last few years you'd like to think they have a bit more knowledge around the big game more than Spurs. I'm not confident and saying Man United are going to win I just think that might edge it for them and I just think somebody like Bruno can produce that bit of magic.”
Keane’s prediction that Fernandes could be the match-winner is somewhat of a U-turn following his criticism of the United captain so far this season. The former midfielder has questioned Fernandes’ leadership on more than one occasion.
Fellow pundit Jamie Redknapp was less willing to make a prediction for the game. He did however speak about Tottenham and the chance to win their first silverware in several years.
“I would say if Kulu [Dejan Kuluveski] was playing then for sure. He's a massive blow for them [Tottenham],” he said.
“I wouldn't say there's a great deal between them. It feels like a 50-50 game to me this one. You can turn around and say you can have more players getting in one team or the other.
“I feel, for Tottenham, this is a chance to change the narrative, change the history of the club. If they win a cup this year it will end up being - we will forget about that league position, it will be irrelevant, because all of the celebration will be off the back of that.”
When asked by Keane who would win the game, and tournament, Redknapp said: “I haven't got a clue. Be honest, how can you call this game?
Keane then reiterated his thoughts, saying: “I think United will edge it.” To which Redknapp replied: “I wouldn't back Man United after watching them tonight.”
Both pundits were then asked which manager edges it. “Again, there's not much in it. There's not much in it,” Keane said.
Redknapp then added: I've listened Ruben this last six or eight weeks having a go at his team, I dread to think what he'll say if they lose this one.”
Again reiterating his prediction, Kenane says: “I think Bruno will produce something. I just think Bruno will turn up.” To which Redknapp added: “Oh alright you go United, I'll go Tottenham then.”