Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United are set to face off in the UEFA Europa League final at the San Mames stadium in Bilbao on Wednesday. This highly anticipated clash, available live on Paramount+, sees both English clubs vying for a prestigious European trophy and a vital spot in next season`s UEFA Champions League.
Spurs are in pursuit of their first European silverware since 1984 and their first major trophy overall since lifting the League Cup in 2008. Manchester United, meanwhile, is aiming to replicate their Europa League success from 2017. This fixture marks the second time in the Europa League era that the final features two English sides.
Qualification for the Champions League is a significant incentive, especially given both teams` disappointing Premier League performances meant they failed to secure European berths through domestic league standings. The final represents the last chance for both Tottenham and Manchester United to ensure they play European football next season.
Key Match Information
- Date: Wednesday, May 21
- Location: San Mames — Bilbao, Spain
- TV: CBS Sports Network
- Live stream: Paramount+
- Odds: Tottenham +188; Draw +223; Man United +143
Journey to the Final
Ange Postecoglou`s Tottenham side reached the final after overcoming Bodo/Glimt in the semifinals. Brennan Johnson`s rapid goal just 39 seconds into the first leg set the tone for a 3-1 home victory, followed by a 2-0 win in Norway sealed by Dominic Solanke and Pedro Porro. This sends Spurs to their fourth European final overall, though their first in the Europa League era.
Manchester United makes their return to the Estadio de San Mames, a venue where they recently secured a comfortable 3-0 first-leg win against Athletic Club in their semifinal just 20 days prior. They completed the job with a convincing 4-1 victory at Old Trafford, thanks to goals from Mason Mount, Casemiro, and Rasmus Hojlund, securing a dominant 7-1 aggregate win.
Predicted Starting 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.
Player to Watch
Bruno Fernandes, Manchester United — The Portuguese midfielder has been a standout performer for Ruben Amorim`s side throughout their Europa League campaign, contributing seven goals and five assists in 13 matches. As captain, his influence is significant, highlighted by his two goals in the crucial semifinal first leg against Athletic Club at the very stadium where the final will be played.
Intriguing Storyline
The Future of the Managers — While nothing is definitively decided, the final is widely seen as a pivotal match for the futures of both head coaches, Ange Postecoglou and Ruben Amorim. For Postecoglou, in particular, defeat could potentially lead to his departure, whereas lifting the trophy for Tottenham, their first since 2008, could cement his position and be a historic achievement.
Match Prediction
This final is expected to be a challenging encounter for both teams. However, Manchester United appears to have a slight edge over Tottenham.
Predicted Score: Manchester United 3, Tottenham 2.
Dominic Ashworth