THE BLIND PLEADING THE BLAND
Dutch star calls on wobbly United to find form and confidence ahead of big Europa final
DALEY BLIND has admitted Manchester United must snap out of their mini-slump ahead of the Europa League final.
United have won just one of their last six games in all competitions, with boss Jose Mourinho having already written off the remainder of the Premier League campaign.
Mourinho has gambled United’s entire season on their European showdown with Ajax a week tomorrow, with the winners gaining entry into the Champions League.
Against that backdrop, Mourinho has decided to rest his key players to ensure they are fresh and fully fit for the final in Stockholm, a week tomorrow.
But Blind conceded United now need to build some momentum in the last two matches of their domestic campaign – at Southampton tomorrow and at home to Crystal Palace on Sunday.
“There are two games to play and we want to finish on a good feeling,” said Blind. “You want to go into the final with the best feeling you can.
“So for the last two league games it’s important to play a good match and win, and get the best possible feeling around the squad.”
United went down 2-1 at Tottenham without a fight in the final game at White Hart Lane on Sunday, with Blind admitting they did not do themselves justice.
“It was a hard game and we weren’t happy with the result,” said the Dutch defender. “Now we want to move on.
“We tried to come back into the game and we had a big chance to make it 2-2, but we couldn’t take it which was a pity
because we really wanted to get a result. Now we have to focus on the next game and it’s nice that the games are so quick together so we can focus on the next one.
“Everybody knows the importance of the games and we’ll be ready as a team.”
Midfielder Juan Mata said United fans must remain positive in the wake of the defeat at Spurs.
The Reds have lifted the League Cup already this season, and now they can focus on the prospect of Europa League glory and a return to the Champions League after a gap of two seasons.
“We must remember that we have a few exciting days ahead,” said the Spaniard.
“I hope that at the end of the season we can say that, overall, it’s been a good season for us.
“It’s true that the calendar has been hectic over the last two months, but we have to push hard now to try to win the three remaining games. We really want to.
“I hope we can enjoy something similar after the final in Stockholm.
“The semi-final matches against Celta Vigo were tough.
“We suffered until the last minute but, at the end, we made it to the big final.”