Man United are preparing to face Spurs in the Europa League final in Bilbao.
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19:42, 21 May 2025
Bale is on punditry duty
Bale is on punditry duty(Image: 2024 Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA)
Gareth Bale has claimed Manchester United midfielder Casemiro is the most professional player he has ever shared a dressing room with, backing him to play a key role in the Europa League final.
Casemiro starts for United in Bilbao as his United renaissance in Europe continues. His United career looked to be over earlier this season but his form has seen Ruben Amorim turn to him in the Europa League.
United are looking to beat Spurs for the first time this season and a win would see them clinch European silverware along with a place in next season's Champions League.
Ahead of the game, Bale was asked to give his thoughts on former Real Madrid teammate Casemiro. The Welshman admitted Casemiro was the ultimate professional and offered a glowing appraisal of his former teammate.
"I think Casemiro is going to have such a big impact today," Bale told TNT Sports. "Obviously, I played with him many years at Real Madrid.
"The experience he will have in finals, he has scored in a European final, so he is going to be really leading that team. Everyone will be looking to him knowing that he has got that experience, that knowhow and they will feed off his confidence.
"I have never had anyone so professional, so dedicated, even in training. When I heard some of the stories that he had thrown it in, I could never believe that. He is one of the best professionals I have ever been with.
"Watching him in the warm-up, he is ready to go. He is a tough, tough guy. He is going to be leading by example today."
Casemiro is expected to start alongside Bruno Fernandes in midfield with Patrick Dorgu and Noussair Mazraoui in the wing-back roles. Alejandro Garnacho has had to make do with a place on the bench, with Amad and Mason Mount selected to play in the two No.10 roles.
Rasmus Hojlund leads the line as he looks to end a frustrating season on a high.
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