Tottenham and Manchester United are set to clash in the UEFA Europa League final at the San Mames stadium in Bilbao on Wednesday. This match represents a significant opportunity for both clubs. Tottenham aims to secure their first European trophy since 1984 and end a title drought dating back to the 2008 League Cup. Manchester United, meanwhile, looks to replicate their 2017 Europa League success in what will be the second all-English final of the competition`s modern era.
Beyond the trophy, the victors will also earn a coveted spot in the next season`s UEFA Champions League. This fixture is particularly vital as neither side managed to qualify for European competition through their domestic league performance. Winning the Europa League is their final chance to participate in European football next season. Below is a breakdown of the key information:
How to Watch the Final
- Date: Wednesday, May 21
- Time: 3 p.m. ET
- Location: San Mames — Bilbao, Spain
- TV: CBS Sports Network
- Live stream: Paramount+
- Odds: Tottenham +188; Draw +223; Man United +143
Road to the Final
Tottenham, managed by Ange Postecoglou, advanced to the final after defeating Bodo/Glimt in the semifinals. Brennan Johnson`s goal just 39 seconds into the first leg marked the quickest semifinal goal in Europa League history, contributing to a 3-1 home victory. Dominic Solanke and Pedro Porro secured a 2-0 win in the return leg in Norway, sending Spurs to their fourth major European final overall, and their first in the Europa League format.
Manchester United seeks their second Europa League title. They return to the Estadio de San Mames, where they recently secured a dominant 3-0 win against Athletic Club in the first leg of their semifinal, just 20 days prior. United completed their passage with a convincing 4-1 triumph at Old Trafford, with goals from Mason Mount, Casemiro, and Rasmus Hojlund sealing a commanding 7-1 aggregate victory.
Predicted 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 vital figure for Ruben Amorim`s side throughout the Europa League campaign, scoring seven goals and providing five assists in 13 appearances. The captain`s two goals in the crucial first-leg semifinal against Athletic Club were particularly impactful, occurring at the very same San Mames stadium that will host Wednesday`s final.
Storyline to Watch
Managerial Pressure – While not officially confirmed, this final is widely seen as pivotal for the future of both managers, Ange Postecoglou and Ruben Amorim. The position of the Australian head coach, Postecoglou, seems particularly precarious; a defeat could almost certainly lead to his departure, whereas winning Tottenham`s first trophy since 2008 might offer him a reprieve.
Prediction
This match is expected to be closely contested, though Manchester United is considered a slight favorite over Tottenham. Predicted Score: Manchester United 3, Tottenham 2.
