The culmination of the 2024-25 UEFA Europa League season arrives on Wednesday, featuring an all-English showdown at the San Mames stadium in Bilbao. Manchester United is set to face Tottenham Hotspur in a highly anticipated final. Both clubs have endured challenging domestic campaigns, and for one, this match represents the sole opportunity to secure qualification for next season`s Champions League.
Adding to the intensity, the managerial futures at both clubs appear uncertain. Defeat in this final could potentially spell the end for either or both head coaches after disappointing spells in the league.
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
Managerial Pressure Cooker
The stakes are incredibly high for both men in the dugout. While Ange Postecoglou`s long-term future at Tottenham is subject to much speculation regardless of the final`s outcome, Manchester United`s head coach, Ruben Amorim, who reportedly took charge in November 2024, may find his position more reliant on lifting the trophy. After difficult seasons for both teams, the reputation of each manager hangs significantly on the result in Bilbao. This final also offers Tottenham the chance to end a long wait for major silverware, their last trophy being the League Cup in 2008. Both Manchester United and Tottenham have previously won this competition in its various forms, with Spurs victorious in the UEFA Cup in 1972 and 1984, and United winning the Europa League in 2017.
Goalkeeper Under the Spotlight
Manchester United`s goalkeeper, Andre Onana, has experienced a fluctuating period since his arrival from Inter in the summer of 2023. Despite being a significant investment, his performances have been inconsistent throughout the 2024-25 season, including errors that caused concern in the Europa League quarterfinals. The final provides a critical stage for Onana to deliver a commanding performance and demonstrate his capabilities, potentially justifying the club`s decision to sign him as their number one.
Spurs` Attacking Conundrum
Tottenham Hotspur faces challenges in their attack, with captain Son Heung-min returning from injury tasked with leading the line and inspiring his teammates. Ange Postecoglou`s side is contending with several key absences in forward areas, including Dejan Kulusevski, James Maddison, Lucas Bergvall, and Timo Werner, all ruled out for the final. Overcoming these issues against Manchester United will be difficult, but Son and the available players must strive to deliver a performance capable of bringing the first trophy back to North London since 2008.
Adrian Whitmore 
Benedict Kingsley