The UEFA Europa League final for the 2024-25 season is scheduled for Wednesday at the San Mames stadium in Bilbao. This highly anticipated match will feature two prominent English clubs, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur. Both teams have endured challenging domestic seasons, making this final critically important as only one can claim a coveted spot in next season`s elite Champions League competition. The outcome is also expected to significantly impact the managerial situations at both clubs, with questions surrounding their future roles.
Key Information for the Europa League Final
- Date: Wednesday, May 21
- Time: 3 p.m. ET
- Location: San Mames — Bilbao, Spain
- TV/Stream: CBS Sports Network / Paramount+
- Odds: Tottenham +188; Draw +223; Man United +143
Managerial Futures on the Line?
The pressure on both head coaches entering this final is immense. While there are reports suggesting Tottenham are preparing to part ways with Ange Postecoglou irrespective of the result, Manchester United`s Ruben Amorim appears to have more at stake. Amorim, who took charge in November 2024 as a replacement for Erik ten Hag, is reportedly hoping a victory will secure his position, although internal club discussions regarding his future are said to be pending. For both managers, a triumph in Bilbao is crucial for their reputations following disappointing league performances. Tottenham`s last major trophy came in 2008 with the League Cup win. Both sides have lifted the trophy in this competition`s history; Spurs won the UEFA Cup in 1972 and 1984, while Manchester United claimed the Europa League title in 2017 under Jose Mourinho.
Can Andre Onana Deliver Without Mistakes?
Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana has experienced inconsistent form since joining the club in the summer of 2023 from Inter Milan for a significant fee reported to be around $50 million. Despite arriving as the established number one, he has struggled at times to consistently demonstrate the high level expected, showing moments of vulnerability during the 2024-25 season. His errors, particularly noted in the Europa League quarterfinals against Lyon, have occasionally put the team`s progress at risk. This final represents a prime opportunity for Onana to produce a commanding performance and silence critics, proving his worth to the Manchester United faithful.
Which Players Will Drive Tottenham`s Attack?
Tottenham Hotspur will rely heavily on the leadership and attacking threat of their captain, Son Heung-min. Son recently returned to the starting eleven after recovering from injury. However, Tottenham`s forward options are severely depleted for the final due to key injuries and absences, including Dejan Kulusevski, James Maddison, Lucas Bergvall, and Timo Werner. Overcoming Manchester United and ending their long wait for silverware since 2008 will be a formidable task for Ange Postecoglou`s side, and Son will need to inspire his teammates to perform exceptionally well in Bilbao to achieve it.
