Let’s get this straight – to be eligible for the ideal UEFA Europa League (former UEFA Cup) team, you had to win it at some point in your career. In a short video published on UEFA’s official YouTube channel, Manchester United boss, Erik ten Hag, opted for a five-a-side team consisting of a goalkeeper, a defender, two midfielders, and an attacker. So the Dutch tactician picked: Gianluigi Buffon, Fabio Canavaro, Lothar Matthaus, Steven Gerrard and Dennis Bergkamp.Buffon, Cannavaro, Matthaus, Gerrard, Bergkamp (©Getty images sport)Explaining his choice of custodian, the legendary Italian international and Parma and Juventus star, ETH said:”Buffon was a motivator with very good reactions. He was also a very brave goalkeeper, and I think he would be very good at futsal.”Interestingly, he decided to place another Parma, Juve and Italy player in front of Buffon.”I’ll go back to the best, Fabio Cannavaro,” responded he with a smile. “Cannavaro wasn’t the biggest defender, but he was very flexible, very quick in the first few metres and a real ‘killer’. That’s why I’d pick him.”Unlike all-Italian defence, the Manchester United coach based his midfield on a mixture of English and German football schools.Erik ten Hag faces a familiar opponent in FC Twente 🤝#UEL pic.twitter.com/xmSyUSlfZz— UEFA Europa League (@EuropaLeague) September 25, 2024 Matthaus was one of the best footballers in the world during the late 80s and early 90s, so it was a no-brainer to go for the former Bayern Munich, Inter Milan and Germany versatile star.”He could both defend and attack. He was not very tall, but he had good speed, was quick with his feet, with a ferocious shot from a distance. He was also quick to pass the ball and a good dribbler. So he’s a good defender, and that’s what I would like in my team,” stated ETH.Albeit Liverpool are Man Utd’s archrival, for Ten Hag, there was no dilemma that the Reds’ legend Gerrard should be an essential part of this dream team.”Just like Matthaus, he can also defend and attack. He has a good shot, and is a good finisher, and can play a final pass, which is what you need.”Even the AI doesn‘t believe in Man Utd: Super computer predicts Europa League winnerLast but not least, ETH was asked about the forward for this five-a-side slot, and despite having players like Wayne Rooney and Ronaldo Nazario among the nominees, he went for his compatriot and ex-Arsenal icon, claiming it was ‘easy’ to decide.”Dennis Bergkamp is phenomenal in tight spaces. Incredibly quick. A great finisher.”I think that would be a great team,” concluded Erik ten Hag.And what do you think of his choices?UEFA EUROPA LEAGUE – ROUND 1WednesdayAZ Alkmar – Elfsborg IN PROGRESSBodo – Porto IN PROGRESS22:00: (2.35) Anderlecht (3.40) Ferencvaros (3.25)22:00: (3.35) Dynamo Kyiv (3.40) Lazio (2.30)22:00: (1.58) Galatasaray (4.10) PAOK (5.70)22:00: (4.10) Ludogorets (3.50) Slavia Praha (2.00)22:00: (1.27) Man.Utd. (6.25) Twente (9.50)22:00: (2.40) Midtjylland (3.60) Hoffenheim (2.80)22:00: (2.45) Nice (3.15) Sociedad (3.30)Thursday19:45: (1.60) Fenerbahce (3.90) St.Gilloise (6.00)19:45: (2.40) Malmo (3.45) Rangers (3.15)22:00: (2.00) Ajax (3.60) Besiktas (4.00)22:00: (2.15) Roma (3.45) Ath.Bilbao (3.70)22:00: (1.53) Braga (4.20) Maccabi T.A. (6.25)22:00: (1.35) Eintr.Frankfurt (5.00) Plzen (9.00)22:00: (1.60) FCSB (3.90) Rigas (6.00)22:00: (1.90) Olympique Lyon (3.60) Olympiakos (4.50)22:00: (1.15) Tottenham (8.00) Qarabag (16.0)***odds are subject to change***
