Manchester United legend presents Europa League trophy ahead of final

Europa League fever is taking hold in Dublin tonight.

Atalanta lead Xabi Alonso’s yet-to-be-beaten Bayern Leverkusen side.

More interestingly, the game kicked off after Manchester United legend John O’Shea presented the trophy as part of the opening ceremony.

O’Shea walked out onto the pitch as part of the opening ceremony to place the trophy on the pitch.

John O'Shea is out with the famous trophy! #beINUEL #UELfinal pic.twitter.com/Rrkgk22Ibg

— beIN SPORTS (@beINSPORTS_EN) May 22, 2024

Footage courtesy of beIN Sports

The current interim manager of the Republic of Ireland enjoyed a spell at Old Trafford that ranged between 1998 to 2011, after joining the club’s youth system from Waterford Bohemians.

It makes sense that O’Shea would present the Europa League, even though he never won it as a player. The former Republic of Ireland reached the promised land by winning the Champions League in 2008, on top of five Premier League titles.

Sheasy. Legend.

Subscribe to the Stretty News podcast Strettycast for weekly episodes on Manchester United. You can also sign up to the ad-free Stretty Newsletter. Get the Stretty News verdict on all matters Manchester United.