BRITAIN-POLITICS-LABOUR-CONFERENCE
It is an uneasy time for Manchester United fans, including Gary Neville (Picture: Getty Images)
Gary Neville is not afraid to admit that Wednesday night’s Europa League final is making him a bit queasy, given what is on the line for both Manchester United and Tottenham in Bilbao.
While both the Red Devils and Spurs have endured disastrous seasons in the Premier League, the opportunity to rescue their campaigns remains.
Not only is a European trophy on the line on Wednesday night, but a place in next season’s Champions League.
With that comes vast riches and the ability to attract a different calibre of player in the transfer market.
While Ruben Amorim’s job is not on the line in Bilbao, Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou may well need to win to remain employed, so there really is a huge amount riding on the unusual final between two woefully underperforming sides.
Get personalised updates on Manchester United every day
Wake up to find news on your club in your inbox every morning with Metro’s Football Newsletter.
Sign up to our newsletter and then select your team in the link so we can send you football news tailored to you.
Neville says the significance is getting to him, with the prospect of what can be won and lost making him a touch unwell.
‘That game is making my stomach churn with its level of importance, to both clubs,’ Neville told The Athletic.
Manchester United FC v West Ham United FC - Premier League
Ruben Amorim has the chance to end the difficult campaign on a high (Picture: Getty Images)
‘Not just from a silverware perspective, not just from a manager’s perspective, but also from a finance perspective; what it gives both clubs in terms of attracting players and the money that it will put into the clubs.
‘It’s making me a little bit sick.’
Manchester United are 16th in the Premier League, one place and one point above Tottenham.
Amorim has had a terrible time of things in England so far but Neville is reserving judgement on the Portuguese boss, saying he can only really be properly assessed after a few months of next season.
The former United full-back hopes to see Amorim bring in at least five signings that will fit into his preferred 3-4-3 formation and have the summer to bed them in.
‘He needs a proper pre-season with the team to embed this system and this style of play,’ said Neville. ‘We’ll know a lot more in October, November, December when I’m sure they’ll be winning more matches than they are now.
Manchester United v Athletic Club - UEFA Europa League 2024/25 Semi Final Second Leg
The Europa League has been a highlight of a miserable Man Utd season (Picture: Getty Images)
‘It needs a big overhaul in the summer. Five or six players minimum to be able to change the direction of how he wants to play. There’s at least two forwards, a central midfield player, definitely two wing backs and another centre-back. They need six players minimum.
‘Ruben has been very good at identifying the players he wants out of the club; that’s really clear to everybody. The club’s job now is to get them out and get replacements in that he likes and wants in his team.’
Amorim recognises the importance of the game on Wednesday in Spain, chiefly because he sees it as a way to repay the Manchester United fans for their support during a torrid time.
Manchester United Training Session And Press Conference - UEFA Europa League 2024/25 Quarter Final Second Leg
Amorim has had nothing but praise for Manchester United’s fans (Picture: Getty Images)
Around 50,000 Red Devils fans are expected to be in Bilbao, despite the vast majority not having tickets, which is no shock to the boss.
‘With our fans, it’s not a surprise for me. They will go swimming to Bilbao if needed to, even without a ticket. I already know!’ Amorim said. ‘A big thank you for everything they did during the season. We will do our best to give something to them.
‘It’s hard. It’s not enough, winning the Europa League. It’s not enough for all the support the fans gave us this season. But we’re really excited for the final. It’s really important, massive for us, and we want to give that to our fans.
‘I feel it’s a mixed feeling. I’m really excited but, at the same time, I know my responsibility as Manchester United coach. I have always that feeling of frustration for the season, so I want really badly to help the team win this final. We’ve got to give something to the club, to the fans, to the staff, to everybody.’
MORE: Jamie Carragher tips Man Utd to sell one player following Matheus Cunha transfer
MORE: Is the Europa League final 2025 on YouTube? How to watch for free in the UK
MORE: Wolves boss Vitor Pereira responds to Matheus Cunha to Man Utd reports