Ex-Blue knows the dangers for Sevilla
Anthony Martial was runner-up in our Player of the Year poll
BRUNO Fernandes believes Europa League glory will help breed further success at United.
Having fallen at the semi-final stage of the Carabao Cup and FA Cup this season, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men are looking to make it third time lucky against Sevilla in
ODION Ighalo has no interest in joining Paris Saint-Germain amid reports they are keen on signing him this summer.
M.E.N. Sport understands United have no intention of cutting the striker’s loan spell at the club short, and sources close to the player insist there is ‘no truth at all’ behind the rumours. Reports in France suggested PSG were interested in a move for Ighalo as they search for a replacement for Edinson Cavani.
SEVILLA captain Jesus Navas has warned his team-mates about the attacking threat United will pose in their Europa League semi-final encounter tomorrow.
The forward faced the Reds plenty of times during his City career and is expecting another difficult encounter when they meet in Germany.
United struggled to find a way past Copenhagen in the quarter-final on Monday, but Navas insists their ‘quick and dangerous’ attacking players will cause Sevilla problems.
Germany tomorrow night. Reaching a first final under the Norwegian fresh from a third-placed Premier League finish would offer another promising sign about the direction of travel.
But Fernandes only has glory in his sights as the club look to continue their squad rebuild.
“I think it’s so important to win
It was claimed they had drawn up a shortlist of experienced strikers to bring in over the coming months, and there was talk initial contact had been made with Ighalo’s representatives.
However, sources insist there is no truth in the claims and reiterated Ighalo is already at the club he always dreamed of playing for.
The Nigerian forward extended his loan spell with United until the end of January.
“I’ve played against them several times,” he said.
“I recall the passion surrounding the Manchester derby from my time at Manchester City. I was lucky enough to appear in some really special games and those were great times.
“We know they’re tough opponents and it’ll be difficult. We’re clear about what we have to do and are focused on what we have to do at every stage of the game. Let’s hope we can go out and win the match.
“In terms of their individual players, they’ve got some quick players up top who are dangerous. because every player needs to understand how it is to win a trophy for Manchester United,” the Portugal international said.
“For the coach it will be important and for the players because I think we’ve done very well until now.
“I think if we finish with a trophy, it will not be perfect, but it will be a good year for us because Manchester United needs to come back again to win some trophies and fight for the European competitions and also the league.
“Finishing well now is a good start for next season.”
United, a club synonymous with success, have only won three major trophies since Sir Alex Ferguson retired as a league champion in 2013.
The last triumph came in the Europa League three years ago, with Jose Mourinho’s side going onto finish as Premier League runnersup to swashbuckling City the
“We’re focusing on ourselves and knowing what we have to do in each game - and, particularly, keeping calm when necessary and then attacking at pace.
“The important thing is that we go into the game with all the hope in the world of reaching the final. We’ll be going all-out.
“Given the difficult times we’re all experiencing, being able to win the Europa League for the fans and all of us would be really great. It would also be special, as captain and as somebody from Seville, to enjoy lifting the trophy. It would be really nice for me.” following season. Asked if winning the Europa League can give United belief they can challenge for the title, Fernandes said: “I think we need to keep progressing and we need to start the league with the mentality to win.
“We know we play for a big club with big aspirations, also the players, we have big aspirations and we need to win some trophies.
“Of course, the Premier League is one of the trophies we want to win and I think to win the Europa League would be good for the mentality of winning trophies and fighting with the top clubs.
“For next season, if we can win this, it will be important.”
Success will help the team mature and Fernandes believes the mindset of winning every game is crucial.
The 25-year-old knows it is key for the more experienced players like himself ‘to pass the good