Tottenham, Man United set for all-English Europa league final in Bilbao

The stage is set for a blockbuster all-English UEFA Europa League final as Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United prepare to face off on Wednesday night at the iconic San Mamés Stadium in Bilbao, Spain.

The final, scheduled for 8:00 p.m., promises to be a gripping conclusion to a European campaign that has brought relief amid domestic turmoil for both clubs.

Tottenham reached the final after defeating Norwegian side Bodø/Glimt in a hard-fought semi-final, while Manchester United advanced by edging out Spanish contenders Athletic Bilbao.

Despite their contrasting form in Europe, both Premier League clubs have endured disappointing domestic campaigns, sitting 17th and 16th respectively on the league table with just one game left in the season.

Victory in the Europa League not only offers silverware but also a coveted ticket to next season’s UEFA Champions League, adding extra weight to the showdown in Bilbao.

This final marks the fourth meeting between Tottenham and Manchester United this season. Spurs hold the psychological edge, having won all three previous encounters — twice in the Premier League and once in the Carabao Cup quarter-final.

However, both teams came into the final on the back of recent defeats. Tottenham suffered a 2-0 loss to Aston Villa, while Manchester United were narrowly beaten 1-0 by Chelsea.

Despite their domestic struggles, both managers remain optimistic.

Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou, who has won praise for his attacking style, believes his team can achieve something special for their supporters.

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“We have given them [Spurs’ supporters] some real hope and something to dream about that we can do something special this year by winning the Europa League,” Postecoglou said during his pre-match press conference.

However, he faces tough selection decisions, particularly on the left flank of the attack. Star forward Son Heung-min has just returned from a foot injury, which may see Richarlison or Mathys Tel start in his place. In midfield, Dejan Kulusevski is ruled out, while Pape Sarr remains a doubt with a back injury.

Across the touchline, Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim is equally buoyant about his side’s chances.

“We are living a season that is really strange because we are doing so well in Europe but, in the Premier League, we struggle… The most important thing is the change in mentality in my team. They compete and that is what matters to me.”

Amorim also faces key decisions. Defenders Leny Yoro and Matthijs de Ligt are battling injury concerns but are expected to be in contention for selection.

Meanwhile, Mason Mount and Amad Diallo, both of whom impressed in the second leg against Athletic Bilbao, may be handed starting roles in attack.

This will be the first all-English Europa League final since 2019, when Chelsea triumphed 4-1 over Arsenal in Baku. On that night, goals from Olivier Giroud, Pedro Rodríguez, and a brace from Eden Hazard sealed victory for the Blues.

Football pundit and co-founder of the Borno Junior League, Isa Saleh, weighed in on the significance of the match.

“This is the first time in seven years that we’re seeing an all-English Europa League final. It shows English teams are doing well in Europe. Irrespective of the result, an English club will lift the trophy.”

On his prediction, Saleh expects a tightly contested encounter:

“It’s a 50/50 tie and could possibly go to extra time. My heart says Tottenham will win, but my head leans towards United. I’ll go with Spurs, as they’ve beaten United three times this season.”

The current Europa League champions, Atalanta, will relinquish their crown after stunning Bayer Leverkusen 3-0 in last year’s final.