Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United are both looking to end disappointing domestic seasons on a high note as they face off in the Europa League final on Wednesday in Bilbao.
Despite struggling in the Premier League, both teams have the chance to turn things around with a European trophy – and a place in next season’s competition is also on the line. This marks the sixth all-English final in UEFA history.
Tottenham have had a rough league campaign and are currently sitting 17th, but they’re just one win away from their first major trophy since 2008 – and potentially becoming only the second English club after Liverpool to win the Europa League (or its earlier form, the UEFA Cup) three times.
They’ve already made history by winning more Europa League games (9) this season than ever before in a single campaign. Their path to the final included wins over AZ Alkmaar, Eintracht Frankfurt, and a dominant 5-1 aggregate victory over Bodo/Glimt, with Dominic Solanke scoring in both legs.
Under manager Ange Postecoglou – the first Australian to coach a team in a major European final – Spurs have also had United’s number this season, beating them three times in three competitions.
It hasn’t been smooth sailing for United either. They're just one point above Tottenham in 16th place after a 1-0 loss to Chelsea on Friday. But in Europe, they’ve looked like a different team.
Their road to the final included a wild 7-6 aggregate win over Lyon, and a convincing semi-final performance against Athletic Bilbao – winning 3-0 away and 4-1 at home to deny the Spanish side a dream final in their own city.
United have scored 35 goals in this Europa League run – one of the highest tallies ever in the competition – and they’re still unbeaten. A win would see new manager Ruben Amorim join Mourinho and Ten Hag as the only United bosses to lift silverware in their first season.
The final at San Mames is a chance for redemption, silverware, and a return to European football for both clubs. Tottenham are chasing their first continental trophy since 1984, while United hope to replicate their 2017 triumph and add to their proud European history.
With both teams desperate for a positive end to the season, it promises to be a tense and memorable night in Bilbao.
INJURIES & SUSPENSIONS
Amorim brought back several of his regular starters for Friday’s Premier League match, saying they needed to stay sharp. In contrast, Postecoglou opted to rest some key players in Spurs' game at Villa Park.
Despite a strong showing against Aston Villa, Antonin Kinsky will step aside for Guglielmo Vicario in goal. Rodrigo Bentancur, Dominic Solanke, Brennan Johnson, and Pedro Porro are also expected to return to the starting lineup.
Captain Heung-min Son, who started for the first time since his foot injury, could keep his place. However, Spurs will be without Dejan Kulusevski, James Maddison, Lucas Bergvall, Timo Werner, and Radu Dragusin for Wednesday’s final.
Solanke is likely to lead the attack, supported by Son. He’s been in great form, with five goals and four assists in the Europa League this season, and he’s scored in each of his last four games against Manchester United.
On the other side, United’s Bruno Fernandes shares the top spot in the Europa League golden boot race with seven goals. Rasmus Hojlund isn’t far behind with six.
Only Lyon’s Rayan Cherki (12) has contributed to more goals in this season’s competition than Fernandes (11). For an English club, the only player to beat that in a single Europa League campaign was Olivier Giroud, who notched 15 with Chelsea in 2018–19.
United’s attack has been struggling, but the returns of Mason Mount and Amad Diallo gave them a boost in the second-leg win over Athletic. Matthijs de Ligt is doubtful for the final, while Leny Yoro, Joshua Zirkzee, and Diogo Dalot are just back from injuries. Lisandro Martinez remains out until next season.
POSSIBLE LINE-UPS
Tottenham Hotspur possible starting lineup:
Vicario; Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Udogie; Sarr, Bissouma, Bentancur; Johnson, Solanke, Son
Manchester United possible starting lineup:
Onana; Lindelof, Maguire, Yoro; Mazraoui, Ugarte, Casemiro, Dorgu; Diallo, Fernandes; Hojlund
EXPERT PREDICTIONS
Tottenham 1-2 Manchester United
