Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur are set for a high-stakes Europa League final on Wednesday in Bilbao, both hoping to salvage silverware and secure a coveted Champions League spot after dismal Premier League seasons.
The clash at the San Mames Stadium comes with the allure of a possible £100 million ($133 million) Champions League windfall, providing both sides a chance to redeem campaigns that have seen them drop to the lower end of the English top flight.
Ruben Amorim’s Manchester United, currently 16th with 18 defeats, are enduring their worst domestic season since their relegation in 1974. Just beneath them are Ange Postecoglou’s Tottenham, who have lost a club-record 21 league matches and are staring down their worst top-flight showing since 1978.
Both teams have been so focused on European success that their league performances have nosedived. United are winless in eight straight Premier League games, their worst run ever, most recently losing to Chelsea. Spurs, meanwhile, suffered their fifth defeat in six league matches at Aston Villa.
Although Tottenham have won this competition twice, their last European success came in 1984, and they’ve not lifted any trophy for 17 years. They reached their first Champions League final in 2019 but fell to Liverpool in a lackluster match.
“When you look at the historical backdrop of this club for the past 20-odd years, I feel (this final) could be a turning point,” said Postecoglou last week.
United, despite their decline post-Alex Ferguson, managed to win the FA Cup and League Cup under Amorim’s predecessor, Erik ten Hag. But Amorim has struggled since taking over in November, securing just six wins in 26 league outings.
In Europe, however, United have looked revitalized, dismantling Real Sociedad and Athletic Bilbao and pulling off a dramatic comeback against Lyon—recovering from 6-4 down to win 7-6 on aggregate, evoking memories of their famous 1999 Champions League triumph.
Still, Amorim recognizes there are deeper issues at United than just the final.
“I’m not concerned about the final, it’s by far the smallest problem in our club,” said the former Sporting Lisbon boss. “We need to change something that is deeper than this.”
Tottenham once posed little threat to United, as former United captain Roy Keane recalled Sir Alex Ferguson’s team talk being as short as: “lads, it’s Spurs.” But this season, Spurs have defeated United in all three meetings—twice in the league and once in the League Cup. Postecoglou remains unbeaten in five matches against United.
“If you think about the odds it’s hard for the club to lose four times in a row,” said Amorim.
With experienced players like Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro, United have the pedigree. “They know how to win trophies, Tottenham don’t,” said Paul Scholes, a former United stalwart.
Despite their domestic troubles, Amorim is expected to continue leading the Red Devils, bolstered by their European run. Postecoglou, however, may not remain if he fails to fulfill his trophy promise in his second season.
Spurs face more challenges, with key midfielders James Maddison, Lucas Bergvall, and Dejan Kulusevski ruled out. But captain Son Heung-min is fit and ready. They overcame icy conditions in the semi-final at Bodo/Glimt, yet Postecoglou’s future remains uncertain—even with a win.
“(If we win) it’s going to upset a lot of people isn’t it?” said the Australian. “Who cares if we’re struggling in the league … I’m looking forward to it and it should be a great game.”
What you should know
Manchester United and Tottenham are battling for more than just a trophy—they’re fighting for financial rewards, Champions League qualification, and perhaps their managers’ futures. As both clubs navigate turbulent domestic seasons, the Europa League final could mark a turning point or the end of an era.
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