Manchester United will lose the Europa League final against Tottenham as their star player ‘won’t turn up on the night’.
That is Martin Keown’s prediction ahead of the all-important clash in Bilbao on Wednesday night.
Both United and Spurs have endured terrible Premier League campaigns, sitting 16th and 17th in the table ahead of the final weekend of the season.
Yet, both clubs have performed well in Europe and are desperate to win the Europa League, as it will give them not only a trophy but qualification for the Champions League.
The two sides have already met three times this season, twice in the Premier League and in the Carabao Cup quarter-final, with Tottenham winning each time.
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But this final is a match that could go either way with Spurs under extreme pressure to end their 17-year wait for silverware, while manager Ange Postecoglou knows that defeat will surely cost him his job.
‘My Tottenham roots pull me towards them and I want them to win of course,’ former Spurs and Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy said on Match of the Day 2.
‘But I think Manchester United have the only player in both the sides whose reliable in the big games and can create magic: Bruno Fernandes.
‘I think he’s been a shining light and he’ll make the difference.’
In spite of United’s awful form, Fernandes has been fantastic, recording 38 goal contributions in 55 appearances, including seven goals and five assists in the Europa League.
Who will win the Europa League final?
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Tottenham Hotspur
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Manchester United
The Red Devils captain already has plenty of experience in major finals, leading his side to FA Cup and Carabao Cup glory in the past two years.
Yet, Murphy’s co-pundit Keown isn’t convinced the attacking midfielder will be able to repeat the trick in Bilbao, instead predicting: ‘I think Spurs will win it, I honestly do.
‘I know it could be a long night, maybe Manchester United will look for extra-time and penalties but I feel like Spurs can win this.’
Asked if Fernandes could make the difference for United, the Arsenal legend replied: ‘I don’t think he’ll turn up on the night.
‘I actually think Dominic Solanke might be the standout player. £65million will be like a snip if they win it.’
Solanke has endured a difficult and injury-ridden first season in north London following his big money move from Bournemouth.
The England striker has managed 15 goals and eight assists in 45 appearances, but appears to be finding form at the right time, scoring in each of the last three Europa League matches.
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