Scholes thinks Spurs are 'favourites' to win UEL but reveals why he's backing MU

Paul Scholes believes Tottenham Hotspur will be considered the favourites going into the Europa League final, but still expects Manchester United to come out on top.

Spurs have beaten United three times this season, including a 3-0 win at Old Trafford in September, a 1-0 home victory in February and a dramatic 4–3 triumph in the Carabao Cup in between.

In fact, United have not beaten Spurs in any of their last six meetings, but Scholes is banking on European experience to make the difference in Bilbao.

Writing in his TNT Sports column, the former England midfielder said: 'When you look at the recent matches between the two teams, then you'll probably have to make Tottenham the slight favourites.

'But Manchester United are used to being in finals. Even in recent bad periods, they're still reaching finals and winning trophies and I think that experience is big.'

Despite his backing for United, Scholes admitted he enjoys watching Ange Postecoglou's Spurs team and expects them to play the better football on the night.

'Tottenham will probably be the best team on the night,' he added. 'But I just think United will have enough to win.'

United are narrowly favoured by UK bookmakers, although Spurs' strong form in Europe, including knockout wins over AZ Alkmaar, Eintracht Frankfurt and Bodo/Glimt, has made them serious contenders.

Both clubs have rotated heavily in recent weeks to preserve their top players for Europe, effectively writing off their woeful Premier League campaigns.

United started the weekend 15th in the table, one point and one place above Spurs. The Red Devils thrashed Athletic Bilbao 7-1 over two legs in their Europa League semi-final but failed to beat Brentford, Bournemouth, Wolves, Newcastle, Man City and Nottingham Forest in their last six domestic outings.

Scholes, who scored 155 goals in 718 appearances for United between 1994 and 2013 and won 25 trophies, feels uneasy with how Ruben Amorim has seemingly thrown in the towel in the Premier League.

The Portuguese coach has been in charge since November and the Europa League final will be his 41st match in the United dugout. A win would see United qualify for next season's Champions League.

'United should be able to play in two or three competitions at once without sacrificing something, and they've clearly sacrificed the league,' Scholes said.

'I think it's quite risky sacrificing the Premier League for the sake of Champions League football next year.'

But Scholes still believes Amorim has long-term potential and can take inspiration from Mikel Arteta's journey at Arsenal.

Arsenal finished eighth in each of Arteta's first two seasons as manager but they have since placed fifth, second and second.

The Gunners look likely to finish second again this term, but European success is no longer on the menu after Arteta's men exited the Champions League at the hands of Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday night.

Scholes said: 'I would swap United's season this year for Arsenal's campaign even if they go on and win the Europa League. All day long.

'It wouldn't be a bad example for Amorim to take. He can have a look at Arsenal and just study what Arteta has done over recent years. It might be the starting block for United.'

Scholes also urged the club to do everything possible to keep hold of captain Bruno Fernandes, who has been linked with a possible move to Saudi Arabia.

'Bruno has to stay because he's the best player,' he said. 'He's involved in nearly everything United do well. It's quite clear they need to keep him and build a team around him.'