The 2024-25 UEFA Europa League final is set to take place on Wednesday at the San Mames stadium in Bilbao, featuring a highly anticipated clash between Manchester United and Tottenham. Both English clubs have experienced disappointing seasons, and for one of them, this final offers a crucial opportunity to secure a place in the Champions League next season. The positions of both team managers are also reportedly under scrutiny, especially in the event of a defeat on Wednesday, following their respective finishes in the Premier League standings (listed as 16th and 17th in the source text).
Will either coach secure their future?
The outcome of Wednesday`s match carries significant risk for both head coaches. While there are suggestions that Tottenham may part ways with Ange Postecoglou regardless of the result, the future of Manchester United`s coach (as indicated in the source) Ruben Amorim appears more uncertain internally. A victory in the final is expected to bolster his chances of remaining in charge after joining the club in November 2024, replacing Erik ten Hag. For both managers, whose reputations have been impacted by the disappointing seasons, the final in Bilbao will be a critical factor. Tottenham`s last major trophy was the League Cup in 2008. Both clubs have previously won this competition: Spurs claimed the UEFA Cup in 1972 and 1984, while Manchester United won the Europa League in 2017 under Jose Mourinho.
Can Andre Onana avoid costly errors?
Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana has shown inconsistent form since his arrival from Inter in the summer of 2023 for a substantial fee. Despite being a significant signing, he has not always displayed the consistency expected of United`s primary keeper. He has faced difficulties in his performances this season, including mistakes noted during the Europa League quarterfinals (as mentioned in the source) that put their progression at risk. The final provides an ideal platform for Onana to deliver a decisive performance and justify the club`s decision to sign him.
Who will step up for Tottenham`s attack?
Tottenham Hotspur`s captain and striker Son Heung-min is expected to be a key figure, providing experience and leadership, particularly as he recently returned to the starting lineup after injury. However, the team managed by Ange Postecoglou faces significant challenges due to key absences in their attacking roster, including Dejan Kulusevski, James Maddison, Lucas Bergvall, and Timo Werner, who are all ruled out for the final in Bilbao. Securing a victory against Manchester United and ending their trophy drought since 2008 will be a demanding task for both Tottenham and their Korean forward, requiring them to give their utmost effort.
Dominic Ashworth