Speaking exclusively with BoyleSports , Manchester United hero Quinton Fortune gives his take on what has been a disappointing season at his former club and argues that their season hinges on winning the Europa League.
The former midfielder has also given his insight into the legacy of Sir Alex Ferguson at the club and the high standards that he set, while also discussing the importance of the club retaining their homegrown talent after selling Scott McTominay.
“Hard Watch” Man United
Manchester United have been hard to watch at times. They did okay against Chelsea, and Harry Maguire’s goal was offside by inches; it came down to defensive mistakes again.
Somehow, they have got into the Europa League final, and it would mean everything; they need to cross that line because in the Premier League, it’s been so tough.
Importance Of The Europa League
I feel so fortunate to have played for Manchester United, and it was during an era in which all we knew was the Champions League and winning the Premier League, coming close to every single trophy.
For them to get to the final is great, but it leaves you scratching your head at the Premier League results. Getting into the Champions League is a great opportunity.
They need to forget the season and earn the right to be back where they belong.
Europa League Prediction
I hope Manchester United can show their experience; they have lost three times to Spurs in all competitions this season, but in this game, anything is possible.
They have experience and a fantastic player in Bruno Fernandes, that will step up. The other players need to follow him and show their ability on the day. I really, really hope they do it because I want to see Manchester United in the Champions League. I’m predicting 3-1 to Manchester United.
Man United To Lift Europa League - 6/10
*Odds are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change
Champions League Prediction
I hope PSG win the Champions League for Luis Enrique. I really like the style of football they play, and I really enjoy watching them. Ousmane Dembele is one player I've watched for the last couple of years, and not many players in world football can do what he does.
He took a penalty a few weeks ago where he looked like he was going to take it with his right foot, but scored with his left foot. He is so versatile. I like the style of football Luis Enrique is playing, and he's been through a tough couple of years, and I really hope PSG can win it.
PSG To Lift Champions League - 8/13
*Odds are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change
Amorim Has Struggled
It might go from a four out of ten to an eight out of ten, but whatever happens, they just need to go and win it. Whether it’s beautiful or scruffy, they need to win it like never before.
When you look at the Premier League season and how Ruben Amorim has struggled with a squad that isn’t really his, the truth is that he will be judged by results, so the team and the manager need to cross this line.
“Ruthless” Sir Alex Ferguson?
A season like this could never have happened under Sir Alex Ferguson, it wasn’t in the nature of the man.
He was ruthless in terms of wanting to win every single day. If you look at his team, it showed that. He had Roy Keane, who was his leader on the pitch; having Roy was almost like having Sir Alex playing with us.
Roy was driving the standards in training, and the squad was so blessed. We had Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs, David Beckham, Andy Cole, Dwight Yorke, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Nicky Butt, Dennis Irwin, Gary Neville, Edwin van der Sar, you can go on and on.
He built a team with amazing talent who wouldn’t let standards drop; what people saw on a Saturday at Old Trafford was happening all week, that dedication to perform.
That’s the standards Sir Alex kept, and the culture was on and off the pitch, we celebrated winning titles but never took our foot off the pedal, it was relentless. There were no easy days, but it was an absolute joy.
Praying To God, Mainoo Stays
I pray to God that Kobbie Mainoo doesn’t leave. Look what we saw with Scott McTominay, I’m still scratching my head over how that was allowed to happen. A homegrown player who had a history with the club, it’s the same with Mainoo, there are links, but he can’t be let go, he is a wonderful player.
When he came on the scene, I was really surprised by his maturity and the way he played. He is such a talented player, but level-headed and down-to-earth. That's what you want as a Manchester United player. I really hope they don't let this one slip.
Selling McTominay Was "Crazy"
They've let McTominay go, which I thought was absolutely crazy because he can play in several positions, he’s a die-hard United fan and came through the academy ranks to get to the first team.
I hope the same mistake isn’t made with Mainoo; he has shown that he is an amazing player, and young players do go through periods of poor form or injury, but all that talent is there, we know what he is capable of.
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