James Tavernier came so close to lifting the Europa League trophy with Rangers and a victory over Manchester United might inspire a similar run as the one that led the club to Seville.
It was a playoff round victory over Champions League dropouts Borussia Dortmund that showed the Rangers team they were capable of going the distance.
Rangers might be facing Manchester United in the competition’s revamped league phase but this young squad’s self belief would skyrocket with a Europa League victory.
Speaking ahead of the Europa League clash at Old Trafford, James Tavernier has been discussing one of his former Rangers teammates on that run to the Roman Sanchez Pizjuan.
And whilst Amad Diallo never played a solitary Europa League minute for Rangers, the Ibrox captain reckons the Manchester United winger could play a key role at Old Trafford.
Amad Diallo is Manchester United’s ‘danger man’
“I was always convinced Amad would be a top player because he showed really good signs at Rangers,” said Tavernier.
“He was in and out of the team but then had a really bright spell on loan at Sunderland.
“He’s obviously continued that at Man United and he’s now showcasing his talent. He’ll be a danger man we need to be wary of on Thursday because he’s in form. I’m looking forward to playing against him.
“It was a good learning experience for him coming to Rangers. You get tested in Old Firm games or going away to places where there are only a few fans.
“So it would have been a different learning curve for him. I think it would have taught him something. He’s really progressed since then.”
Man United clash personal for Rangers captain James Tavernier
Whilst this will be the first time James Tavernier captains Rangers at Old Trafford, it’s not the marauding right-back’s first time visiting Manchester United.
Indeed, Tavernier played in a Carling Cup defeat with Newcastle United as a youngster where Wayne Rooney ran the show from the middle of the pitch.
But whilst the Rangers captain would relish getting a result for the Ibrox side, there’s more than a tinge of the personal for Tav at Old Trafford this week.
The boyhood Leeds United fan would love to get one over on his childhood rivals whilst the game is set to be watched by several of the Tavernier clan.
“It’s obviously important to try and keep the crowd quiet here,” Tavernier said. “We just need to stick to our game plan and hopefully that will happen.
“It would be special to get a result here – especially being a Leeds fan playing against Man United!
“I’ve only played here once a long time in the Carling Cup and lost so I’d like to come here and win. I’m really excited about it.
“The only thing I remember about it is Wayne Rooney played centre midfield and he was running the show. Thankfully he’s not playing now.
“I was young and it was a little bit daunting coming to Man United.
“I’m well experienced now so I can block the noise out and concentrate on the game.
”Everyone in the team has got that in them now because we’ve been involved in big games before.
“I’ve got a lot of friends and family coming here, they’re all sorted for tickets.”
