New Delhi: With the Europa League final on the horizon in Bilbao, all eyes turn to Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur, who hope to salvage what has been a forgettable domestic season. Both clubs have fallen short of expectations in their league campaigns, and the final offers a golden opportunity not just to lift silverware, but to secure a much-needed spot in next season’s Champions League.
The numbers tell a grim story about both clubs. Man United’s 1-0 loss to Chelsea marked their 18th league defeat of the season, their worst run since the 1973-74 season, when they were relegated. Tottenham fared no better, slumping to a 2-0 defeat against Aston Villa, taking their season’s total to 21 defeats across all competitions, which is a new club record.
United struggles have been consistent and painful this season, failing to secure a single win in their last eight Premier League fixtures. Meanwhile, Spurs have managed just one win in their last 11 matches. Ruben Amorim’s side defensive vulnerabilities are also glaring, having gone 12 league games without a clean sheet. Yet, despite all the domestic turmoil, the European form of both clubs tells a more optimistic story.
United and Spurs both are unbeaten in their last five Europa League games, each winning four of those to earn a spot in the final. That run has offered a glimmer of hope in an otherwise dreary season.
Next name on the trophy? ✒️#UELfinal pic.twitter.com/0lvRyGYBKS
— UEFA Europa League (@EuropaLeague) May 15, 2025
In their Friday Premier League fixtures, both teams’ managers took a contrasting approach to selecting their squads. Spurs manager Ange Postecoglou opted to rest key players like Vicario, Johnson, and Solanke ahead of the final. On the other hand, United manager Ruben fielded most of their regular starters, indicating Amorim’s preference for rhythm over rest as he said, “We have five days to prepare, two days to fully recover and then two days to prepare.”
Attacking firepower vs lack of bite
Offensively, Spurs have had more bite, having scored 63 league goals compared to United’s 42, and they have already beaten United three times this season- twice in the league and once in the Carabao Cup. Son Heung-min’s return to fitness is a timely boost as he has failed to win the trophy with Lilywhites, showing spark against Aston Villa and will be itching to end that drought.
Man United vs Spurs this season😭😭 pic.twitter.com/6UUQm2QbUJ
— Footebate (@footebate) May 11, 2025
United’s frontline has struggled a lot this season, as Rasmus Hojlund has scored just three goals in his last 15 games with the Reds consistently struggling to find the back of the net.
Injury concerns linger
Both squads have had injury nightmares throughout the season. The Lilywhites have suffered 38 injuries costing them over 1.400 days of player absence this season, while the Reds have suffered 30, losing over 1,200 days. Key players like James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski are already ruled out for Spurs, while United have tried to keep their stars fit without further setbacks after Friday’s match against Chelsea.
History vs hope
When it comes to finals, Manchester United boast a pedigree. They are chasing their second Europa League title in the past decade, and their fifth major European trophy overall. On the other hand, Spurs are desperate to break their trophy drought and finally add silverware to their cabinet.
It feels like a coin toss, United have the history, but Spurs seem hungrier this season. One game, 90 minutes, or maybe more to change the narrative. Well, time will tell who lifts the trophy in Bilbao, but one thing is certain that Wednesday’s action will be filled with drama, goals, and a shot at redemption from both ends.
Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspurs clash in the Europa League final in Bilbao, both eyeing Champions League redemption after dismal domestic campaigns. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
