The stage is set for an all-English showdown in the Europa League final as Manchester United and Tottenham face off in a battle for European glory on Wednesday at San Mames, Bilbao.
Both clubs are looking to end a dismal season on a high note, with the winner claiming a much-needed trophy to salvage some pride from a lackluster campaign.
For United, a Europa League title would provide a welcome respite from their struggles in the Premier League, where they currently sit 16th, just one spot above their opponents. Despite their league woes, United have been impressive in the Europa League this season, remaining unbeaten in the competition.
Tottenham, on the other hand, are seeking their first continental honor since 1984. The Spurs have been in fine form under Ange Postecoglou, and their recent results against United have given them cause for optimism.
The London based club has won all three matches it has played against United this season, including a League Cup quarter-final victory.
In fact, Tottenham has been unbeaten in six straight games against United, with the last five under Postecoglou’s management. This momentum could give them a significant advantage in the final.
The two clubs have met in just one previous final, the 2009 League Cup, which United won 4-1 on penalties after a 0-0 draw. This time around, the stakes are much higher, with a prestigious European trophy on the line.
Tottenham’s last taste of European success was a distant memory, having lost the 2019 Champions League final to Liverpool 2-0. Since then, they have had to settle for domestic cup competitions, with their last trophy coming in 2008.
United, meanwhile, picked up the FA Cup in 2024, but their league form has been a major concern.
Possible line-ups
Man Utd: Onana; Yoro, De Ligt, Maguire; Mazraoui, Ugarte, Casemiro, Garnacho; Diallo, Hojlund, Fernandes
Tottenham: Vicario; Pedro Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Udogie; Sarr, Bissouma, Bentancur; Johnson, Solanke, Son
Form Guide (all competitions, most recent first):
Tottenham ( LLWDW)
Aston Villa 2-0 Tottenham
Tottenham 0-2 Palace
Bodo Glimt 0-2 Tottenham
West Ham 1-1 Tottenham
Tottenham 3-1 Bodo Glimt
Man Utd (LLWLW)
Chelsea 1-0 Man United
Man United 0-2 West Ham
Man United 4-1 Bilbao
Brentford 4-3 Man United
Bilbao 0-3 Man United
What the coaches say
Ange Postecoglou, Tottenham coach:
“It is a great prize. You know the significance of Champions League qualification and what comes with it. You get to play against the best on the continent. But the club has been in the Champions League before, they have not won a trophy for a long time – so that is the most important thing.”
Ruben Amorim, Man Utd coach:
“This season has been really difficult on everyone – the results, the change in staff; you can feel it in our club. We are addressing that, we are changing the way we play. When we are preparing a game in the Europa League, the environment is a little bit different; then you can feel the excitement.
“Nothing is going to change our season, but everybody knows winning a European title can help us have the feeling that can help us to build a future. We have bigger things to deal with to get this club back on top; [this title] can help, and give us the strength to do what we have to do.”
