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Bruno Fernandes will be key for Manchester United against Spurs, says Paul Gascoigne (Picture: Getty)
Ex-Tottenham star Paul Gascoigne has singled out Bruno Fernandes for praise ahead of the Europa League final, calling the midfielder an ‘extra manager’ on the pitch for Manchester United.
Fernandes has once again been United’s standout performer throughout an otherwise dismal season in the Premier League, with the 30-year-old racking up eight goals and nine assists in 35 games.
The Portugal international has also been instrumental in the Red Devils’ journey to this year’s Europa League final, netting seven times and registering four assists across the campaign.
But individual stats will mean little to Fernandes should United suffer defeat to Tottenham this evening, with Champions League qualification on the line in Bilbao.
United are guaranteed to finish with their lowest-ever points total in the league this term and tonight’s all-English affair at the San Mames Stadium represents a chance for Ruben Amorim and his squad to save their season.
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Previewing the eagerly anticipated match for Tribal Football, England and Spurs hero Gascoigne picked out United captain Fernandes as a player who would likely play a decisive role.
‘I like him. He’s got some engine and I like when he’s playing,’ Gascoigne said.
Manchester United Training Session And Press Conference - UEFA Europa League Final 2025
Fernandes has once again been United’s shining light this season (Picture: Getty)
Manchester United Training Session And Press Conference - UEFA Europa League Final 2025
Amorim’s side would qualify for the Champions League with victory in Bilbao (Picture: Getty)
‘He’s also organising players and telling them where to go. It’s like having an extra manager, but he’s on the pitch!
‘He scores some great goals and he really gets around the pitch.
‘Both teams need to win this competition, I think just for a bit of a buzz.’
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Gascoigne, who won the FA Cup with Tottenham in 1991, hopes to see Ange Postecoglou backed by his former club should they come out on top in Bilbao.
‘I think so [Postecoglou should keep his job],’ he added.
‘I think he will be relying on that. He might have been told already to go and look for another club now because he might getting the sack. So it’s not going good for him, bless him.
‘I think some of the players have let him down.’
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Pressed for specific names, Gascoigne responded: ‘I just think the whole team in general.
‘I think the whole team can hold their hands up, they’ve had a bad season.’
Gascoigne has been stunned to see United and Spurs struggle to such an extent in the Premier League this term, with the clubs languishing down in 16th and 17th respectively.
‘I just can’t believe it. Even Manchester United doing so bad too, just wow,’ he continued.
‘Now, I really try not to watch much football these days because I still miss it.
‘But when I look at the league tables and things, I can’t believe it.’
Who will win the Europa League?
Manchester United
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