Looking forward to a good-natured, but fierce competition! Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur facing off in the UEFA Europa League Final on May 28, as the famous San Mames Stadium in Bilbao, Spain looks on in the background. This clash of English football giants comes after both teams experienced challenging seasons, with Manchester United currently sitting 16th and Tottenham Hotspur at 17th on the Premier League ladder.
Inside the San Mames Stadium, passionate support generates an intense home advantage. With a seating capacity of more than 50,000, it forms the proud home ground of Athletic Club. This historic final provides a once-in-a-lifetime chance for either side to claim European silverware. For Spurs’ captain, Son Heung-Min, this prized possession has been just out of reach for the last decade.
Journey to the Final
Manchester United qualified for the final following a closely contested win against Athletic Club in the semifinals on May 8. Manager Ruben Amorim led the Red Devils with grit and ferocity. They are enterprising, inventive and dynamic and deserving of their place in this thrilling semifinal showdown against their London rivals.
Their opponents, Tottenham Hotspur, had a difficult road to the final as well. Although they’ve had a fair pace of life this season in the Premier League, they have largely maintained their European dreams. The most recent matchup between these two clubs was back on February 16. With the goalscorer’s third goal in four appearances proving the winner, Tottenham’s recent revival steeped the pressure further onto their next opponents.
Ruben Amorim expressed his excitement and responsibility ahead of the final:
“I feel it’s a mixed feeling. I’m really excited, but at the same time, I know my responsibility as Manchester United coach. I have always had that feeling of frustration for the season, so I want really badly to help the team win this final. We’ve got to give something to the club, to the fans, to the staff, to everybody.” – Ruben Amorim
Expected Line-ups
What’s sure to be a preview of the best that both teams have to offer down to their youngest and most exciting players. Manchester United could start new goalkeeper Andre Onana. The defense is stacked with Yoro, Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof, and Noussair Mazraoui. Casemiro and Ugarte will hold down the midfield. At the same time, Bruno Fernandes will captain the side and be supported in the attack by Amad and Rasmus Hojlund.
Tottenham Hotspur – captained by the Class of 2023 captain Son Heung-Min – will be just as potent of a team on paper as well. Boy do they have an exciting line-up planned. The group features goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario and defenders Pedro Porro, Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven and Destiny Udogie. In midfield, Sarr, Bissouma, and Bentancur have formed a powerful trilogy. They give life to an attacking trio of Brennan Johnson, Dominic Solanke and Son.
Despite injury concerns, both teams are hopeful. Manchester United’s striker Joshua Zirkzee can make an impact as well, even though he is out with a hamstring strain at the moment. Meanwhile, Tottenham’s James Maddison is under scrutiny as he deals with a knee issue but remains a potential asset for his team.
Motivation and Expectations
As each team gets ready for this important series, the stakes are always high. Son Heung-Min emphasized the significance of respect between opponents while highlighting their desire to win:
“We always respect our opponents, but I think it’s important to do what we need to do. I think the Manchester United players would think the same. It’s definitely going to be a great game, but it will be a difficult one. But I think we want to win it even more.” – Son Heung-Min
The stakes could not be higher! The champion of this final will earn a place in the UEFA Super Cup, taking on the winner of the 2024-25 edition of the Champions League on August 13. Both Amorim and Son understand just how important this match is. It represents glory, and hope, and a chance at redemption following a long, painful league campaign.
Both managers are cooling under the pressure of dangerous form in their domestic league. They emphasize how much this final represents a huge opportunity to win back the trust of their fans and players. Ange Postecoglou remarked on the relevance of reaching a final despite league standings:
“I mean, who cares if we’re struggling in the league? Why is that important? If it’s so easy to get to a final, then why doesn’t everyone who finishes in the top three do it?” – Ange Postecoglou
