Former club captain wants his side to show courage and manage the pressure to come out on top
Patrice Evra has sent a stirring message to Manchester United players ahead of their Europa League final clash with Tottenham, urging them to “bleed for this shirt” and honour the weight of the club’s history in Bilbao.
The former United captain, who lifted 14 major trophies during his time at Old Trafford, had originally planned to attend Wednesday’s final in person to support Ruben Amorim’s side. However, he revealed through an emotional Instagram post that he will instead be in Paris to attend the funeral of his sister, who recently passed away following a 20-year battle with cancer. He then made it clear that he expects to see resilience and fight from the players on the pitch.
“Hi guys. I was supposed to come to Bilbao tomorrow for the final in person to show you support, sharing my positive energy,” said Evra. “But unfortunately, I have to go to Paris for the funeral of my sister on the same day as the final. She was 56, fighting against the 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 is no excuse. This is your duty tomorrow.”
United face Tottenham in a tense final where the winner will take all and the loser be left to rue the decisions they have made this season, with both clubs at the absolute bottom of the Premier League not counting the relegated sides.
Evra acknowledged that both sides had a lot resting on the match but said he expects the United players to manage the pressure.
“It’s gonna be a tough game,” he said. “Tottenham also has a lot to lose. 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 how many fans gonna travel around the world and believe they’re gonna celebrate after the game because they believe in you guys, no matter what? Because we can do it guys.
“Don’t be selfish. It’s a qualification in the Champions League, so we can prepare for the future next year. So guys, you know, I will be far away. I’m counting on you.”
