By Simon Wilkes
Former Tottenham striker Harry Kane will be cheering on the Londoners in Wednesday night’s Europa League final against Manchester United, but he admits “it’s going to be tough” for his old side.
Both United and Spurs have had terrible seasons in the Premier League, sitting in 16th and 17th position in the standings after Friday night defeats to Chelsea and Aston Villa, respectively.
The Red Devils have suffered 18 defeats in 37 league games under Erik ten Hag and Ruben Amorim, while Tottenham’s Ange Postecoglou has seen his team lose 21 of 37 PL matches.
Regardless, both teams now have a shot at glory in the final of the Europa League, which takes place in Bilbao on Wednesday (8pm kick-off UK time).
Tough season for Tottenham
Bayern Munich striker Kane, still basking in the glory of the German giants’ Bundesliga title glory, said: “It’s been a tough season for Tottenham in the league, but they have the chance to make it one of the best seasons in recent history.
“I’m obviously wishing them all the best. I still have a lot of friends there in the players and the staff. I know how much it would mean to them, how much it would mean to the fans.
“It’s going to be tough. United have experience in the bigger games, but Tottenham have shown they can compete at any level and they deserve to be in the final.
“I’ll be keeping an eye on it for sure and wish them all the best.”
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Victory vital
Former United and England defender Gary Neville, meanwhile, admits he is not looking forward to Wednesday night’s showpiece.
With that said, he knows securing a victory is vital for both teams’ summer transfer window plans, with the winners of the final securing a lucrative place in next season’s Champions League.
Speaking on The Gary Neville Podcast, the Sky Sports pundit said: “There’s a lot at stake for both managers, both clubs. It really does impact the next two to three years for these clubs.
“They need investment into their teams, and if they don’t get this Champions League money there’s going to be a lot less investment, which means they might not finish in the Champions League next season, and you’re bumping the problem more down the road.
“Ange Postecoglou said earlier in the season he would win silverware in his second season and he’s on the brink of doing so.
“For Ruben Amorim, to win silverware in his first season at Man Utd and overcome the horrific league form and go into that pre-season with a new group of players, with the money behind him to invest in the squad and the confidence of a medal around the players’ necks and his neck, is massive.
“It’s huge on Wednesday. I won’t look forward to it being a United fan.”
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Roy Keane on transfer plans
Ex–Red Devil Roy Keane has also outlined the importance of winning on Wednesday as he thinks Amorim will struggle to attract top-class players to Old Trafford if they lose.
He told Sky Sports: “If they [Man Utd] don’t win [the Europa League final], I think the days of everyone wanting to go to Manchester United are gone.
“I don’t think there’ll be players looking to sign for Manchester United. That’s gone, that bit of excitement with the club.”
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