Bruno Fernandes ‘emotional’ after fans' messages as Harry Maguire labels season ‘unacceptable’ for Manchester United before UEFA Europa League final
Published 20/05/2025 at 22:49 GMT+1
Bruno Fernandes and Harry Maguire are both determined to lift the UEFA Europa League trophy aloft in Bilbao on Wednesday, live on TNT Sports and discovery+, to repay the United fans. Despite their domestic woes, United can win a trophy for a third consecutive season with victory over Tottenham Hotspur. It is an ideal opportunity for Ruben Amorim's side to end their 2024/25 season on a high.
‘He wants my job!’ quips Amorim as Fernandes interrupts question on Man Utd manager future
Video credit: SNTV
Bruno Fernandes admitted to being "a bit emotional" after seeing the goodwill messages from the Manchester United fans ahead of their UEFA Europa League final showdown with Tottenham Hotspur.
United take on Spurs in the final at San Mames on Wednesday – live on TNT Sports and discovery+ – with both clubs looking to salvage their respective seasons after dismal domestic campaigns.
The Red Devils captain has been overwhelmed by the backing of the club’s supporters and explained how the Europa League campaign became the team’s primary focus amid their Premier League struggles.
When asked about the fans’ support, he told TNT Sports: "Very good. It makes me feel a bit emotional.
"Obviously, we know how much they've been through this season. This club and fanbase is used to winning big trophies and to be in the top positions.
"We're very grateful for everything they have said to us, and we want to bring something back to the fans because we know how much support they have given us and what they have done to be here today already for tomorrow.
"We know many of them don't even have a ticket to be at the game, so we really appreciate that, and I can reassure everyone that we're going to give everything to bring that trophy to Manchester.
"We knew at a certain point in the league that we were not in a position where we wanted to be, where this club has to be. We also felt that in the Europa League, going forward, that was an aim for the team.
"For the fans, they felt that the game against Lyon [the quarter-final second leg which United won 5-4 after extra time] was the pinnacle of everything.
"It was a big help from them that allowed us to be here today. So it's a big competition, a big final for us, and we want to do everything we can to win that trophy."
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Fernandes could 'never predict' 3-0 United win at 'crazy' San Mames
Video credit: TNT Sports
Fernandes scored in a 3-0 semi-final first leg win against Athletic Club and is looking forward to having more United fans packed inside San Mames on Wednesday night.
He continued: "The Bilbao fans made a great atmosphere, one of the best I've played in in my career. The stadium was amazing and you always want to play in that kind of atmosphere.
"Obviously, having more of your fans will give you that little bit of an extra push we need. They have been great all season and I'm pretty sure they will give us that little bit extra we need. The extra they give to us will be massive."
Meanwhile, facing a familiar opponent in Tottenham holds little significance for the midfielder, with this set to be the fourth meeting between the two clubs this season.
"A final is a final, no matter who we play against," he explained.
"We know Tottenham because we've played them three times this season already. We know their team very well, they know us very well.
"Two big clubs that haven't had the season they expected, but a final is always a different game. It is a different competition. Everything is going to change and in our mind, it's only winning the game."
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'Season nowhere near good enough' but Man Utd 'believe' ahead of final - Maguire
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Maguire: Premier League performance is ‘unacceptable’
Harry Maguire echoed Fernandes’ sentiments and wants to make amends following an "unacceptable" showing in the Premier League.
The United defender spoke about the UEFA Europa League being the "shining light" this season, in what has been an impressive run to the final.
He told TNT Sports: "It's amazing. Our fans, I've always said it, are the best fans about. How we've performed this season in the Premier League is unacceptable and they've just stuck with us throughout it all.
"It's incredible. I said it in my last interview that we're surprised how much they've stuck with us because they've just been incredible.
"The Europa League has obviously been a shining light to the season and given them these memorable nights, from Lyon and Bilbao to hopefully one more tomorrow night.
"They deserve one more tomorrow night. It's a final, we know it's going to be a tough game, we know it's against Spurs, and they're a tough team when they perform well. It's one that we're looking forward to."
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