BIG CASE OF DEJA RU

Fergie had a clear-out to move forward, and now Amorim is doing the same ...it's like history repeating itself at Old Trafford - and look what Sir Alex achieved

- SIMON MULLOCK

BRIAN MCCLAIR believes that the definition of what constitutes Manchester United's DNA can be captured in three simple words: class, humility and dignity.

The former Scotland striker spent 11 years at Old Trafford while Sir Alex Ferguson was restoring the standards first laid down by Sir Matt Busby.

And he has warned that, until the Red Devils rediscover their identity, the lifeblood of his old club will continue to drain away.

Ruben Amorim is the latest manager tasked with getting the Stretford End arising and McClair believes a comparison can be made between the club he arrived at in the summer of 1987 and the one that now finds itself on a precipice.

United are set to finish in their lowest league position for half a century - yet still have a chance of qualifying for the Champions League by winning the Europa League Final against Tottenham on Wednesday night.

When McClair arrived from Celtic for £850,000, United had not been champions for 20 years - but he went on to win four Premier League titles, two FA Cups, the League Cup and the European Cup Winners' Cup under Ferguson.

McClair (below with Ferguson in 1987) said: "I can't say I've enjoyed watching United this season but the one oasis in a very dry desert is the Europa League.

"I'm even reluctant to say they have played well on the road to the final because I think they've enjoyed a lot of good fortune.