Manchester United face Tottenham in the Europa League final on Wednesday night, with Red Devils legend Gary Neville now revealing who he is backing to win in Bilbao
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06:08, 20 May 2025
Gary Neville
Gary Neville has backed Manchester United to win the Europa League
Gary Neville has backed Manchester United to win the Europa League on Wednesday. United have endured a largely miserable season, though will face Tottenham in Bilbao in the final of Europe's second-tier competition.
The Red Devils smashed Athletic Bilbao in the semi-finals, having claimed a last-gasp win over Lyon in the quarters. With boss Ruben Amorim having won just six of his 26 Premier League games in charge, the Europa League has taken on a fresh importance.
United sit 16th in the Premier League table, 27 points away from the top five and a gigantic 44 adrift of champions Liverpool. It means that Wednesday's final now offers the only chance United have of qualifying for the Champions League and with it a bumper pay day.
Failing to beat Spurs and lift the trophy would likely seriously damage Amorim's chances of being able to do business this summer. Neville though is confident the Red Devils will come out on top.
The legendary captain pointed to the likes of Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro as players who can single-handedly inspire United to a win. He warned though that United's season has the air of a 'very dark cloud'.
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"Winning the Europa League would be the silver lining around a very dark cloud. To win a trophy should never be disrespected," Neville told Sky Sports ' Monday Night Football programme.
"It would be a brilliant achievement to win three trophies in three years in an era when United have been really poor. But to be where they are in the league is incredible. I think United will win.
"I think they’ve players in there that will feel that occasion. Bruno [Fernandes], Casemiro - want it, need it in their lives. I agree with the belief. I do feel confident on United just getting through this game.”
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 01: Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro of Manchester United show dejection, after Luis Diaz of Liverpool (not pictured) scores his team's second goal during the Premier League match between Manchester United FC and Liverpool FC at Old Trafford on September 01, 2024 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
Neville believes Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes will carry United over the line
One player who looks set to arrive whether United win on Wednesday or not is Wolves Matheus Cunha. Ipswich's Liam Delap has also held talks with club chiefs, with Neville expecting a large-scale overhaul this summer.
“I think he’s a good player," Neville added on Cunha. "Cunha is someone with that level of running ability suits Old Trafford. Delap has a level of potential and ability, but my fear is of the pressure on a young player coming to lead that line for United.
"We’ve already seen Zirkzee and Hojlund struggle. Ruben Amorim has a specific style of play and it’s quite clear he wants massive upheaval in the squad, and that’s getting players in and getting players out.
“They need forwards obviously, but they need players in every position. And I think Amorim will want an absolute wipeout of the current squad. And that’s why they’ve had to start early.”
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