Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United are set to meet in the final of the UEFA Europa League on Wednesday at the San Mames stadium in Bilbao. This highly anticipated match is crucial for both clubs, as it represents their last opportunity to secure qualification for next season`s UEFA Champions League after disappointing domestic league campaigns left them outside the qualification spots. For Tottenham, this is a chance to win their first European trophy since 1984 and their first overall title since 2008. Manchester United, meanwhile, aims to add a second Europa League title to their collection, having previously won in 2017. This final marks the second time two English clubs have contested the Europa League trophy.
Match Details
- Date: Wednesday, May 21 | Time: 3 p.m. ET
- Location: San Mames, Bilbao, Spain
- TV: CBS Sports Network
- Live stream: Paramount+
- Odds: Tottenham +188, Draw +223, Man United +143
Road to the Final
Tracing their paths to the final, Ange Postecoglou`s Tottenham side overcame Bodo/Glimt in the semifinals, securing a 3-1 home win and a 2-0 away victory, marked by Brennan Johnson`s early goal. Manchester United reached the final after defeating Athletic Club. They won the first leg 3-0 at San Mames, the same venue as the final, before sealing their spot with a 4-1 home win, resulting in a 7-1 aggregate triumph.
Predicted Lineups
- Tottenham Hotspur XI: Guglielmo Vicario; Pedro Porro, Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven, Destiny Udogie; Yves Bissouma, Rodrigo Bentancur, Pape Sarr; Brennan Johnson, Dominic Solanke, Heung-Min Son.
- Manchester United XI: Andre Onana; Victor Nilsson Lindeloef, Harry Maguire, Leny Yoro, Noussair Mazraoui; Manuel Ugarte, Casemiro, Patrick Dorgu; Amad Diallo, Bruno Fernandes, Rasmus Hoejlund.
Key Player to Watch
Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United) — The Portuguese midfielder has been pivotal for his team, contributing seven goals and five assists across 13 Europa League appearances this season. As club captain, his performance is crucial, especially given his two goals in the semifinal first leg against Athletic Club at the very stadium hosting the final.
Significant Storyline
The Future of the Managers — This final is widely seen as having major implications for the futures of both head coaches, Ange Postecoglou and Ruben Amorim. While nothing is confirmed, Postecoglou`s position at Tottenham is speculated to heavily depend on the outcome; a defeat could lead to his departure, whereas victory might secure his tenure and end the club`s long trophy drought.
Prediction
This final is expected to be a closely contested match, but Manchester United are considered slight favorites. Predicted Score: Manchester United 3, Tottenham 2.
