Former Manchester United captain Gary Neville has expressed a mix of anxiety and confidence regarding his old club's Europa League final clash against Tottenham on 21 May. The match, set to take place in Bilbao, is not just a battle for the trophy but also a gateway to next season's Champions League, with a potential £100m windfall for the victors.

Neville, a veteran of 602 appearances for United, described the game as "huge" and highlighted the "massive consequences of losing". Despite his defensive mindset, which he attributes to his days as a right-back, Neville remains optimistic about United's chances, citing the club's historical knack for winning trophies even in challenging times.

"Roy Keane called it a great game the other day," Neville remarked. "That is what Roy would think. My mentality is different. I was a right-back. You know the only thing you can do is lose your team the game. Unless you are Trent Alexander-Arnold, you are unlikely to win your team a game as a right-back."

Neville also pointed out that United have managed to secure silverware under various managers, including Erik ten Hag, Jose Mourinho, and Louis van Gaal, despite not clinching the Premier League title since 2012-13. "That is not a bad habit to have as a football club," he added.

In addition to his thoughts on the final, Neville discussed his recent involvement with Salford City, where he and David Beckham have formed a new consortium to ensure the club's sustainable future. Neville emphasized the importance of maintaining low ticket prices and advocated for a more equitable distribution of resources within the football pyramid.

"Let's be clear," Neville said. "Change has been put in place. The EFL owners and directors' test is a lot more rigorous than it was eight years ago when Bury went bust. But at this moment in time, the Premier League could be a little bit more kind and generous to the rest of the pyramid."

As the Europa League final approaches, Neville's reflections offer a unique insight into the pressures and expectations surrounding one of the most anticipated matches of the season.