Manchester United will take on Tottenham Hotspur in the 2025 Europa League final but Champions League winning defender Patrice Evra won't be in Bilbao to cheer on his former club
Former Manchester United defender Patrice Evra won't be at Wednesday's Europa League final. Instead, the French international will be attending the funeral of his sister, who has died after a 20-year cancer battle.
The left-back was part of United's victorious 2008 Champions League final side, and also featured in defeats to Barcelona at the same stage in 2009 and 2011. United have just one European trophy to their name since then, winning the Europa League in 2017, but have a chance to add to that if they can beat Spurs in Bilbao.
Evra, in a video message, explained why he's missing the game. "I was supposed to come to Bilbao tomorrow for the final in person, to show you support, sharing my positive energy, but unfortunately I have to go to Paris for the funeral of my sister the same day as the final," he said.
"She was 56, fighting against cancer for 20 years. Resilience, fighting, that's what I want from you guys tomorrow - just fight, bleed for this shirt, for the fans, for the staff, for the people in Manchester, for the fans all around the world.
"There's no excuse - this is your duty tomorrow. I think your coach Amorim [is] someone I support, someone I believe in, even if we win or we lose. Give something, guys."
He anticipated a tough game, with opponents Tottenham Hotspur having already beaten United three times this season. "Tottenham also have a lot to lose," he continuned. "They are in the same position in the league like us, they didn't win a trophy, so this is a massive chance for them.
"But this is no excuse. We are Man United. Do you know many fans are going to travel around the world and believe they know they are going to celebrate after the game, because they believe in you guys no matter what.
"Because we can do it. We can do it, guys. So, like I say, bleed for this shirt, the history. Think about the people, your family or whatever - there's no way other than to win. Don't be selfish - it's a qualification [for the] Champions League so we even prepare for the future for next year. So guys, you know, I will be far away, I'm counting on you. Come on United!"
Evra's former club have been handed a boost in their preparations after three first-teamers returned to training. Joshua Zirkzee made a surprise return after previously being ruled out for the season, while Leny Yoro and Diogo Dalot are also attempting to prove their fitness ahead of the final.
"While their availability for the final is still to be confirmed, the fact they were involved in the portion of training captured live on MUTV is surely an encouraging sign ahead of the expected announcement of Ruben Amorim's travelling group later today," the club said in an online update. "Zirkzee's Dutch compatriot and fellow recent absentee Matthijs de Ligt wasn't seen in our last session before we head to the Basque Country, but did an individual workout elsewhere on the grass.
"Youngsters Toby Collyer and Ayden Heaven continued to build their fitness back up by training with the group, after returning to the matchday squad against Chelsea on Friday following some time out. Jonny Evans, who hasn't played since scoring in our League Cup defeat to Spurs in December, wasn't involved at Stamford Bridge but took part today too, as did Chido Obi despite his ineligibility for the final."
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