Ian Wright’s suggestion that a win in the Europa League final could salvage Manchester United’s season left Roy Keane rolling his eyes in disgust. The Red Devils have had a difficult time this season, slipping as far as 15th place in the Premier League table at one stage.
However, they’re still in contention for European glory under Ruben Amorim, and silverware could still be on the table this season. Currently, United are 13th in the league, with more defeats than victories this season – 10 wins, eight draws and 13 losses – sparking widespread criticism of their domestic form.
In terms of cup competitions, Tottenham knocked United out of the Carabao Cup at the quarter-final stage, and Fulham put them out of the FA Cup in the fifth round on penalties.
Yet, according to Arsenal legend Wright, United fans still have something to look forward to as they prepare for the first leg of their quarter-final clash against Lyon in the Europa League.
The Red Devils have history on their side going into the match, as Lyon have never managed to defeat them in European competition. But the question remains: would clinching the trophy be enough to appease some disgruntled United fans?
Wright seems to believe so, as he appeared on the Stick to Football podcast alongside former United stars Keane and Gary Neville and women’s football icon Jill Scott.
Scott began the tense discussion about whether league position matters when silverware is on the line, pointing out that United finished eighth when they clinched the FA Cup against rivals City last season. She said: “See, so you can kind of go ‘it’s all right’, but I do think that 13th, 14th is terrible.”
Former United stars Keane and Neville nodded in agreement; however, Wright wasn’t so sure, as he said: “It’s not terrible if you’ve got a trophy. I would take that at Arsenal,” prompting audible shock around the table.
Wright doubled down and added: “If Arsenal had that season with everybody going on about the manager not winning [anything]. If we could win the Europa League I’d take it.”
Keane couldn’t hide his surprise at this logic, as he joked: “But you’re winning the Champions League this year?”
Despite trailing Liverpool by 11 points in the Premier League, Arsenal proved their European credentials with an eye-catching 3-0 win over Real Madrid in the quarter-finals of the Champions League. Declan Rice’s stunning free-kick double made the win even sweeter, earning him the man of the match.
Scott asked: “But with a 14th league position, would you take it?” Wright firmly replied: “Yeah I’d take it, because at the end of the day the fans would be happy with something wouldn’t they? I don’t know how the Man United fans will feel.”
Keane hit out with a classic eye-roll and shake of the head, indicating he wouldn’t be content with just a Europa League trophy.
Neville then said: “It would be massive for Arsenal fans to win the Champions League. For Mikel Arteta to win the Champions League would be massive.” Scott remarked: “Champions League is another ball game though, isn’t it?”
Keane interjected, spotting the moment to have a dig at Wright, as he said: “He’d be crying his eyes out. You’d be on the bus with them, wouldn’t you?”
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