Rio Ferdinand makes ambitious Tottenham vs Man Utd claim after Europa League boost

legend has weighed in on the importance of success for his former club or after lacklustre seasons. Ferdinand reckons securing the European trophy could be pivotal for United - who are now widely-expected to reach the final after their dominant 3-0 win over Athletic Bilbao on Thursday night.

Casemiro netted the opening goal for them, while Bruno Fernandes scored twice to put his team in a strong position for the return leg at Old Trafford.

With Tottenham also in contention - after their 3-1 win over Bodo/Glimt - there's a possibility of an all-English showpiece in Bilbao come May 21.

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Both clubs have been starved of success and they've had seasons to forget in the Premier League, where United find themselves in 15th place with 39 points, while Spurs trail just behind in 16th.

Ferdinand sees the potential trophy as a significant boost for either side, telling TNT Sports: "When you get your hands on a trophy, I think that catapults you, I think further up in terms of who's been successful and who hasn't.

"I think for United especially, finishing where they're going to finish and winning a trophy, that doesn't paper over the cracks enough.

"They know there's a lot of work to be done, but I think Spurs will be the same.

"Spurs, especially, winning a trophy, they've been so long without one, it will be a huge thing.

"Both clubs will be looking to do that and, when you win a trophy, it doesn't matter what it is.

"I played at a club that was always looking to win every trophy we've played in, even in years where we didn't win the league, or win the , you'd cling on to an FA Cup or a Carling Cup at the time - you'd cling on to that.

"I think trophies are great for confidence and they also [have] interest when you go into recruitment."