Europa League final: All-English battle as Man Utd, Tottenham aim for glory, UCL qualification
The stage is set for an all-English Europa League final between Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United.
The Europa League final will take place at the San Mamés Stadium in Bilbao, on Wednesday night by 8 p.m.
Tottenham had defeated Bodø/Glimt in the semi-final encounter earlier this month, while Manchester United knocked out Athletic Bilbao from the competition.
Spurs head to the game after losing 2-0 against Aston Villa in the Premier League in their last game.
The Red Devils, on the other hand, also lost 1-0 against Chelsea in the Premier League in their last match on Friday.
DAILY POST reports that both Tottenham and Man United have endured terrible Premier League campaigns.
Tottenham currently sit in the 17th position on the Premier League table, while Man United are in 16th position with just one match left to conclude the season.
But both teams have performed well in the Europa League and are desperate to win the competition, as it will give them not only a trophy but also qualification for the UEFA Champions League for next season.
The two clubs have already met three times this season, twice in the Premier League and once in the Carabao Cup quarter-final.
However, it was Tottenham who emerged victorious the three times both teams met this term.
Tottenham manager, Ange Postecoglou has already expressed confidence that his team can do something special this year by winning the Europa League for the club’s supporters.
“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 at his pre-match press conference.
DAILY POST reports that the left side of the Tottenham attack is the main team selection dilemma as Son Heung-min only recently returned from a foot injury.
This means that Richarlison or Mathys Tel are likely to get the nod to start again Man United.
Dejan Kulusevski is the latest injury in central midfield and Pape Sarr, if his back injury is not serious, may well take the third spot in that area.
Similarly, Manchester United manager, Ruben Amorim has already expressed confidence his team can get the job done against Spurs despite their poor campaign in the Premier League.
“We are living a season that is really strange because we are doing so well in Europe but, in the Premier League, we struggle. So I am really confident.
“But we will be prepared for the final. It is a different context and a different game. The most important thing is the change in mentality in my team. They compete and that is the most important thing for me,” Amorim said at his pre-match press conference.
DAILY POST reports that defenders, Leny Yoro and Matthijs de Ligt have some injury issues, but Amorim is hoping both players will be available for the Europa League final in Bilbao.
The biggest decisions for Amorim is the forward players, though, with Mason Mount and Amad Diallo impressing in the second leg against Athletic Club, the Portuguese may decide to start the both players.
DAILY POST reports that the last time an all-English Europa League final took place was in 2019 when Chelsea clashed with Arsenal.
The Blues won 4-1 against their Premeir League London rivals Arsenal.
Goals from Olivier Giroud, Pedro Rodríguez and Eden Hazard (2) ensured Chelsea defeated Arsenal as Alex Iwobi scored the Gunners’ only goal.
Meanwhile, Serie A side Atalanta are the current holders of the Europa League after beating Bayer Leverkusen 3-0 in the final in 2024.
Speaking with DAILY POST ahead of the all-English Europa League final between Tottenham and Man United, Isa Saleh, co-founder of Borno Junior League, gave his view on the encounter.
Saleh said: “I think this is the first time in seven years that we would witness an all-English Europa League final after Chelsea defeated Arsenal in 2019.
“This shows that the English teams are doing well in European competitions this season. Chelsea also have a final to play against Real Betis in the Europa Conference League.
“Arsenal did well in the Champions League but unfortunately they were eliminated in the semi-final. So, it’s a big kudos to the English Premier League this season.
“So, irrespective of the result of the Europa League final, an English team will definitely emerge winner,” he said.
When asked for his prediction, Saleh predicted a close encounter, but ultimately backed Spurs to carry the day.
He said: “I am not too good at prediction, but based on their current form and their recent performances, I expect a very close encounter.
“It would be a 50/50 tie and could possibly enter extra-time. The team with little mistakes will carry the day. My heart is saying Tottenham will win, but my head is going for Man United.
“And if I should pick I would go with Tottenham only because they defeated United three times this season.”
Europa League final: All-English battle as Man Utd, Tottenham aim for glory, UCL qualification
