By our reporter 20-5-2025
Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United, two Premier League clubs who managed to beat the drop will square up Wednesday night in the final of the Europa League.
With one game to go at the Premier League Manchester United sit at 16th, while Tottenham perched at 17th and it’s a game many football fans see as a scandalous match up.
However, fans of both teams are already in Bilboa, Spain for the final that will not only redeem an underwhelming season for both clubs but also open the door for a Champions League football next season.
Manchester United have struggled to regain their dominace of English football over the years, while Tottenham is yet to lay their hands on any trophy for several years. The last time they did was in 2008, when they won the EFL Cup final under coach Juande Ramos.
Bilboa offers a rare opportunity for both sides to record an achievement this season in a match that could go both ways. Tottenham have confindence they can beat Manchester United for the fourth time this season.
Tottenham manager believes a win for the London club could be a turning point in their trophy drought. Tottenham Hotspur have won the Uefa Cup/Europa League twice previously (1972, 1984).
“For me personally, well you know great, it’s another trophy I can reminisce in my old age about, but more importantly what it means for the club,” Postecoglou said.
“When you look at the historical backdrop of this club and what it’s been through in the last 20-odd years, I feel like it could be a turning point in terms of the way the club is perceived but also more how it perceives itself which I think is the biggest thing.
“That’s the hurdle this club has to overcome because it’ll always be there. Until you actually do it, then you are fair game for people to say ‘you’ve always kind of fluffed it on the big stage.’”
Manchester United defender Harry Maguire says all his teammates have to do is to believe.
“They’ve suffered as well as us this season,” said Maguire.
“They’ve had a lot of injuries like us, have not been able to find that rhythm and concentrated on the Europa League as well.
“But we believe in ourselves. We have got to make sure we put the percentages in our favour in terms of turning up, giving absolutely everything and performing on the day.”
