Douglas Luiz. (UEFA/Getty)
Manchester United have the opportunity to salvage an otherwise dismal season by winning the Europa League on May 21, when they take on fellow underachievers Tottenham Hotspur at the San Mamés Stadium in Bilbao, Spain.
United secured their place in the final with an emphatic 7-1 aggregate win over Athletic Bilbao, claiming a 3-0 victory in the first leg and following up with a 4-1 triumph in the second.
Looking ahead to the clash, former United defender and pundit Gary Neville described the match as “huge,” stressing that “the consequences are massive.”
“I have a sickly feeling in my stomach about this game as a United fan purely because of what is at stake,” Neville said. “But I am confident. Manchester United have an uncanny knack, even in difficult times and bad times – and this has been a really bad season – of picking up trophies.”
Indeed, United have lifted silverware under Erik ten Hag, Jose Mourinho, and Louis van Gaal over the past decade, despite not winning the Premier League since 2012–13.
“That is not a bad habit to have as a football club,” Neville added. “They still get to finals and do things even though the league form has been awful – and it has been a terrible season.”
United to Be Offered Luiz for Hojlund
Regardless of the outcome in Bilbao, United manager Ruben Amorim is expected to overhaul his squad this summer, aiming to bring in new talent while moving on from underperformers.
Among those reportedly on the chopping block is young striker Rasmus Højlund, who has struggled in his debut Premier League season, scoring just four goals.
His disappointing form hasn’t entirely deterred interest, with Italian outlet Tuttosport, per Tribal Football, reporting that Juventus are considering a move for the Danish forward. The Serie A side is said to be preparing a player-exchange offer.
The player they’re reportedly willing to send in return is Douglas Luiz, the former Aston Villa midfielder who transferred to Juventus last summer for £42 million. The 27-year-old has had a frustrating season, making 25 appearances but starting only six games, and has yet to register a goal or assist—an underwhelming return for a player once pivotal in the Premier League.
Luiz recently voiced his longing for England, saying on his Twitch channel: “I miss Villa, guys. I miss playing in Villa Park. I miss everything. Always in my heart.”
While United are not Aston Villa, a return to England and the Premier League spotlight may offer Luiz a chance to revive his career—just as United look to revive theirs with a strong finish in Bilbao.
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