Manchester United will be bidding to salvage their season with victory in the Europa League final in Bilbao on Wednesday night
07:00, 21 May 2025
Sir Alex Ferguson during a Manchester United training session in 2011
Sir Alex Ferguson during a Manchester United training session in 2011(Image: Matthew Peters/Manchester United via Getty Images)
Rene Meulensteen has offered a fascinating insight into what former Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson would say to his players before a major final.
Ruben Amorim's side face fellow Premier League strugglers Tottenham Hotspur in the Europa League final in Bilbao on Wednesday night, knowing only a win can save their abysmal season by earning a trophy and, crucially, Champions League qualification.
Speaking to Tipman Tips, former United coach Meulensteen - who helped Sir Alex lift three Premier League titles, the Champions League, Club World Cup and two League Cups - spoke about how the legendary Scotsman guided the Red Devils to glory in finals.
Rene Meulensteen sitting alongside Sir Alex Ferguson in the dugout
Rene Meulensteen sitting alongside Sir Alex Ferguson in the dugout(Image: 2011 VI-Images)
He said: “He would say, play the game and not the occasion, and remember the game goes in different chapters. You need to start strong, because then you straight away put a mark on the game and take control.
“Sir Alex would tell players to be positive, especially when going forward to create chances and take them.
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“His final message would be to enjoy the moment, they are there for a reason. How many finals are you going to play in your career? And finals are there to win.
“At half time, he would highlight how to manage the game as we got towards the end, whether we were behind or not.
“He told us staff that we need to use the substitutions well, and to make sure that all the subs are ready to come on and make a difference.”
Tottenham have beaten United three times already this season. And Meulensteen reckons this could lead to complacency in the Spurs camp.
He added: “Amorim won’t bring that up, especially because it’s a one-off game. But it will definitely be on the minds of the Tottenham players and their manager, because he will draw confidence from that. That could be the pitfall for Tottenham in that respect.
“United need to address it, and they have to change how they approach the game to get it right.
“Tottenham will play like Ange (Postecoglou) has always played. They will look to open up United, but it’s a neutral ground and is different from what both teams have experienced before.”
Falling short at San Mames would mean United spend a first season without European football since 2014-15, compounding their worst top-flight campaign since suffering relegation in 1973-74.
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The 20-time English league champions have been wretched on the domestic front, yet fans have stuck with the team and chanted Amorim's name throughout the dark moments.