All eyes are now firmly on Bilbao, where Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur will face off in the Europa League final on Wednesday, 21 May. With both sides enduring underwhelming domestic campaigns, European silverware offers a chance to salvage their seasons—and secure Champions League qualification.
United’s 1-0 defeat to Chelsea and Spurs’ 2-0 loss to Aston Villa capped off miserable Premier League runs, with no final-day lift before the big showdown in Spain.
Tottenham have now lost 25 matches in all competitions—a club record—while United’s 18 league defeats mark their worst return since the 1973-74 season, when they were last relegated. Both teams desperately need redemption.
Europa League: A Silver Lining Amid Domestic Struggles
Despite their poor league form, both clubs have found relative success in Europe. United and Spurs are unbeaten in their last five Europa League games, winning four each en route to the final.
Tottenham’s league form has been dire—just one win in their last 11 (D2, L8) since beating Southampton in April. They’ve also conceded in 12 consecutive league games, their worst defensive run since 2010.
United, meanwhile, are winless in their last eight league matches (D2, L6)—their worst run since 1990. But in Europe, they’ve looked more composed and focused.
Contrasting Preparations: Rest vs Rhythm
Managers Ruben Amorim (Man Utd) and Ange Postecoglou (Spurs) took different approaches ahead of the final.
Amorim fielded a strong XI against Chelsea, including Players’ Player of the Season Bruno Fernandes and returning goalkeeper Andre Onana. “We have five days to rest and prepare,” he told BBC Sport. “When you have a final, we show up.”
Postecoglou, on the other hand, rotated heavily. Key players like Brennan Johnson, Richarlison, Pedro Porro, and Vicario were benched, suggesting his focus is firmly on Wednesday’s final rather than league respectability.
Goals, Goals, Goals? Spurs Hold the Attacking Edge
Spurs have had the upper hand against United this season—beating them in both Premier League encounters and knocking them out of the Carabao Cup.
Despite sitting near the relegation zone, Tottenham have scored 63 league goals—21 more than United. Only top-six sides have outscored them.
But their defensive woes persist, having conceded 61 league goals. United have let in 54, only marginally better.
Spurs will look to Son Heung-min for inspiration. The 32-year-old, returning from injury, impressed in the first half against Villa and remains a key threat.
“He’s getting back into rhythm,” Postecoglou said. “He’s ready.”
United, by contrast, managed just one shot on target against Chelsea. Rasmus Højlund continues to struggle, scoring only three goals in his last 15 matches. “They’ve got no striker,” said club legend Roy Keane. “Højlund looks like a boy from the academy—he’s not ready to lead the line.”
Injury Crisis: A Shared Burden
Injuries have plagued both squads throughout the season.
Tottenham have suffered 38 separate injuries and lost 1,414 player days—third highest in the Premier League. United have had 30 injuries, missing players for a combined 1,229 days—fifth highest.
Spurs’ problems deepened against Villa as Pape Sarr limped off with a back issue, though Postecoglou insists it was precautionary. They’re already without Dejan Kulusevski and James Maddison for the final.
United came through their clash with Chelsea relatively unscathed—Amorim’s gamble to field a full-strength side seems to have paid off.
Final Factor: Experience vs Opportunity
Form and fitness may matter, but cup finals often come down to mentality.
United have the pedigree—four major European trophies and a Europa League title as recently as 2017. “You still have to fancy United,” said Keane. “Their history in big games might just give them the edge.”
For Tottenham, this final is a chance to break a decades-long trophy drought and redefine the club’s modern narrative.
“This feels like a 50/50 game,” said ex-Spurs midfielder Jamie Redknapp. “If Ange wins a trophy, he becomes a hero. It might even save his job.”
