Man Utd legend Patrice Evra to miss Europa League final after death of sister

Patrice Evra sent a message of support to Manchester United (Pictures: Getty/Instagram)

Manchester United legend Patrice Evra will miss the club’s Europa League final against Tottenham following the death of his sister.

Evra was due to attend Wednesday night’s European clash in Bilbao but revealed on social media that he would now instead be attending his sister’s funeral.

The ex-defender said his sister died at the age of 56 following a 20-year battle with cancer.

‘Hi guys, I was supposed to come to Bilbao tomorrow for the final in person to show my support and share my positive energy,’ he said.

‘But unfortunately, I have to go to Paris for the funeral of my sister on the same day as the final. She was 56, fighting against cancer for 20 years.’

Evra, 44, went on to urge Ruben Amorim’s side to show the same strength his sister did during her battle with cancer.

‘Resilience, fighting… that’s what I want from you guys tomorrow,’ he said. ‘Just fight, bleed for this shirt.

United face Tottenham in the Europa League final (Picture: Getty)

‘For the fans, for the staff, for the people in Manchester, for the fans all around the world, there is no excuse. This is your duty tomorrow.

‘The coach is someone I support, someone I believe in. Even if we win or we lose, give something guys.

‘It’s gonna be a tough game. Tottenham also has a lot to lose. They are in the same position in the league like us.

‘They didn’t win a trophy, so this is a massive chance for them. But this is no excuse. We are Man United.

‘Do you know how many fans gonna travel around the world and believe they’re gonna celebrate after the game because they believe in you guys, no matter what.

‘Because we can do it guys. So like I say, bleed for this shirt, the history. Think about the people, your family or whatever, there is no way other than to win.

‘Don’t be selfish. It’s a qualification in the Champions League, so we can prepare for the future next year.

‘So guys, you know, I will be far away. I’m counting on you.’

Manchester United can end a difficult season on a high (Picture: Getty)

Evra made 379 appearances for Manchester United across nine years at Old Trafford.

The left-back won five Premier League titles under Sir Alex Ferguson and the Champions League.

Manchester United will not only lift a major European trophy but qualify for the Champions League if they triumph in the Europa League final.

Champions League qualification will be a surprising outcome for a United team that have slipped to 16th in the Premier League table ahead of the final day of the season.

But their Europa League final opponents have fared even worse domestically, with Spurs just 17th ahead of their final game.

Revealing his prediction for the Bilbao final, ex-England striker Alan Shearer said: ‘Who would you say are favourites? Tottenham because of their record against Man United this season?

‘They have both been rotten in the Premier League yet one of them is going to be playing Champions League football next season.

‘My prediction is 2-2 or 3-3 after extra-time and Tottenham to win on penalties.’

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