Europa League Final: Brian McClair And Michael Dawson Join The Panel

Ahead of the Europa League final between Tottenham and Manchester United in Bilbao, a former player from each club joined The Panel to give their thoughts on the big game.

Brian McClair won 14 trophies during his 11 years at with Manchester United, including four Premier League titles in a glorious spell for the club.

He was pivotal in their 1991 European Cup Winners’ Cup triumph, scoring in every round on the way to the final in Rotterdam as the Red Devils beat Barcelona 2-1 - Alex Ferguson’s first European trophy in English football.

Michael Dawson made over 300 appearances for Spurs across all competitions, often wearing the captain’s armband. 

Dawson played a crucial role in Tottenham’s League Cup triumph in 2008 and their qualification for the UEFA Champions League.

With both clubs having miserable seasons in the Premier League, the Europa League campaign has provided some welcome relief.

And with a Champions League place up for grabs for the winner, beleaguered bosses Ruben Amorim and Ange Postecoglou will be desperate for a win that could just change the fortunes of their respective clubs.

Europa League Provides Different Challenge For United

With Manchester United enduring one of their worst seasons on record in the league, McClair believes that their European run has provided much needed respite.

The striker was involved in the victorious FA Cup winning side of 1990 at a time when, like today, the manager was under huge pressure following a terrible league season.

But for McClair, team selection is vital if the current United side are to emulate that feat as they head into the final on Wednesday.

“Ruben Amorim has suggested that there's a different atmosphere around the players and the staff when it's come to the European games for whatever reason - and there was maybe a similar thing on that FA Cup run back in 1989/90,” he said.

“Manchester United's injuries are nearly all defenders, with De Ligt, Yoro, Dalot - so we're waiting to see whether they're going to be available or not.

“I know they're talking about light training and various different things, but they may well have been brought out of the treatment room just for the press, and maybe it's Amorim playing some mind games with who will be available for him to select.

“I'd be looking at Onana in goal. A back three of Mazraoui, Lindelof and Maguire, with Dorgu and Shaw. Then Ugarte and Casemiro.

“I would put Mainoo in midfield, and Fernandes where he has been the best at creating chances this year, which is as further forward as possible. 

"So I’d consider playing him a bit towards the left or right, where he doesn't stay in one particular place, and he can cause several problems for Spurs by being difficult to pick up. 

“Then he's also got some consideration when it comes to Hojlund and Garnacho.”

Brian McClair’s Europa League Final Prediction: Tottenham 1-2 Manchester United

Like Watching A Different Kind Of Spurs In Europe

Dawson was at Spurs the last time they won a trophy, but injury prevented him from lining up against Chelsea in the League Cup final in 2008, which Spurs won 2-1 after extra-time.

So he knows what an impact victory in the Europa League final would mean to the club and the fans who have been reminded of this relative lack of success for almost two decades since.

Dawson thinks that an under-pressure Postecoglou should stick to the philosophy that has seen Spurs get to the final if they are to finally get their hands on silverware once again. 

“It's going to be really interesting because in European football, Postecoglou has had a pragmatic formation,” he said.

“His philosophy and the way he's played in the Premier League has gone out of the window.

“Look at when they went to Frankfurt, who I think had scored in every home game this season going into that game, and Spurs kept a clean sheet. 

“They were resolute, they were strong. It was a different kind of Spurs performance really to what we’ve been seeing in the Premier League.

“I think he'll stick to his European football style. I know it's an all-English final, but I think he'll go that way because he's had success in recent games in Europe.

“Obviously in the Premier League, it's just been one of those seasons with injuries, and the results have been really, really poor. 

“But he will accept that when you're in this industry and you don't win football matches, and don't put in performances, you come under scrutiny. 

“But I think he’s put that to the back of his mind and all eyes are on Wednesday.”

Michael Dawson’s Europa League Final Prediction: Tottenham 3-1 Manchester United