Man Utd take on Tottenham in the Europa League final in Bilbao, with ex-United striker Louis Saha warning his old team they must win the midfield battle to lift the trophy
Louis Saha has branded Manchester United's midfield “shocking” and said it could be their downfall against Tottenham in tonight's Europa League final. Former United striker Saha – who also had a short spell at Spurs – said Ruben Amorim cannot afford to allow his midfield to be out-muscled, like they have been against Ange Postecoglou's side already this season.
United have lost all three meetings with Spurs this season and Saha said Casemiro is the only hope the Red Devils have of controlling the midfield and ultimately emerging victorious.
“In terms of what the score might be, I could see United winning 2-1 or losing 3-0, to be honest!” said Saha. “It's going to be a scruffy one for United, because Tottenham have a lot of things that United don't like. They're strong defensively and their transition is way better, as is their midfield.
“But having someone like Casemiro in midfield - on his day - with all of his experience, might just balance things out a little. United need a strong midfield to turn up on Wednesday and that hasn't been the case against Tottenham in recent meetings.
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“We've been out-powered by their midfield, to the point where I'd say it's been shocking at times. It's a tough final to predict because we're talking about two teams who know each other well. We've seen in the last few meetings between the two sides that Tottenham have been gaining dominance over United, so they should be favourites.
“But in terms of history, how to manage a final, all of those kind of things, I'd say both clubs are in different positions and United are better equipped in this position. That's giving me confidence going into Wednesday's game. It's going to be interesting to see how the first 20 minutes pan out.”
Saha, speaking exclusively to Ladbrokes, also claimed it makes a mockery of the tournament that one of United or Spurs, 16th and 17th in the Premier League, will be playing in the Champions League next season.
“I don't really understand how either of these two teams can be playing Champions League football, because neither deserve to be, based on what we've seen from them this season,” said Saha. “But these are the rules, so there's not a lot you can do. It's not fair, when you compare it with some of the clubs in the league who will miss out on the Champions League.
“That's only one side of it, though. United, if they win on Wednesday, might turn around and say 'we've still managed to reach the Champions League, despite all of our struggles this season'. It's not something I totally agree with, but it's a great opportunity for both clubs.”
Reflecting on Tottenham's dismal season, which has seen them lose 21 times in the league, Saha said: “Tottenham are now sitting near the bottom of the table because of the mismanagement and an underestimating of needs.
“It's not always about money and spending the most. Sometimes it's about the right people and the right players. That's not an easy job. The sporting director needs to anticipate these kinds of things, and that's an art in itself.”