Tam McManus reacts to what Rangers did in showdown v Athletic Bilbao – ‘Best’
Tam McManus has made his feelings apparent after Rangers suffered a 2-0 defeat against Athletic Bilbao on Thursday.
Rangers’ hopes of a UEFA Europa League miracle came crashing down after they succumbed to a 2-0 loss in San Mames on 17 April, courtesy of goals from Oihan Sancet and Nico Williams.
The Ibrox outfit now have nothing to play for, as Celtic are only a point away from clinching the Scottish Premiership title.
This raises serious doubts over the future of Barry Ferguson, who has been hopeful of remaining as the Gers’ manager beyond this season.
McManus makes Rangers admission after loss v Bilbao
Rangers certainly pushed Athletic Bilbao to their limits, despite the La Liga club being one of the favourites to win the Europa League.
McManus was also impressed by the Light Blues’ effort, tipping his hat to Ferguson and Co. for ‘battling away’ against the Spanish giants, although the ‘best team’ ultimately claimed the win.
| Athletic Bilbao | Stat | Rangers |
| 22 | Shots | 7 |
| 4 | Shots on target | 2 |
| 56% | Possession | 44% |
| 463 | Passes | 371 |
| 82% | Pass accuracy | 79% |
The PLZ pundit deemed the Europa League run as another great European campaign for the Glasgow heavyweights, who he feels gave their fans a few more memorable nights.
“Best team went through”, McManus wrote on X (17 April).
“Rangers battled away but Bilbao, as expected, [had] too much quality for them.
“Great run though again from Rangers in Europe, and given the supporters some really memorable nights.”
Gers to move on from Ferguson
Ferguson will be disappointed to have been knocked out of the Europa League, as it was his only hope of convincing the new owners to make him their permanent manager.
The incoming owners will now surely move on from the former captain and look elsewhere when they come into power.
Ferguson’s time as the Rangers’ caretaker manager has been mixed, with the Light Blues winning four of their 10 games under him across all competitions.
The Ibrox outfit, though, have failed to win each of their four matches at home since the 47-year-old took the reins in February.
It remains to be seen if he can do enough between now and the end of the season to have a chance to remain in charge of Rangers.