Tottenham Hotspur is scheduled to meet Manchester United at the San Mames stadium in Bilbao on Wednesday for the UEFA Europa League final. This highly anticipated match will be available live on Paramount+. Spurs are aiming to secure their first European trophy since 1984 and haven`t claimed any major silverware since the 2008 League Cup. Manchester United, on the other hand, is looking to replicate their success from 2017 in what marks the second all-English final in the history of the Europa League era. The victor of this final will also earn a place in the upcoming season`s UEFA Champions League. This match is of critical importance for both clubs, as disappointing performances in the Premier League left them unable to qualify for European competition through domestic league standings. The Europa League final represents the final opportunity for both Tottenham and Manchester United to ensure participation in European football next season. Here`s an overview of the key details:
Match Information
- 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
Path to the Final
Ange Postecoglou`s Tottenham side effectively navigated their semifinal tie against Bodo/Glimt. Brennan Johnson`s goal just 39 seconds into the first leg set a record for the fastest goal in a Europa League semifinal, contributing to a 3-1 home victory. A subsequent 2-0 win in Norway, thanks to goals from Dominic Solanke and Pedro Porro, confirmed their spot in their fourth major European final, though their first in the Europa League format. Manchester United is vying for their second Europa League title. They return to the Estadio de San Mames just under three weeks after a convincing 3-0 away win against Athletic Club in their semifinal first leg. They completed the tie with a dominant 4-1 victory at Old Trafford, featuring goals from Mason Mount, Casemiro, and Rasmus Hojlund, sealing a resounding 7-1 aggregate triumph.
Predicted Starting 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 — This Portuguese midfielder has been instrumental for Ruben Amorim`s team throughout their Europa League campaign. He has registered seven goals and provided five assists across the 13 matches played so far. Fernandes` crucial contribution included scoring two goals in the pivotal first leg semifinal against Athletic Club, coincidentally held at the very same San Mames stadium where the Red Devils will face Tottenham on Wednesday.
Key Storyline
Significance for the Managers — While nothing is definitively decided, this match is widely seen as potentially crucial for the futures of both managers, Ange Postecoglou and Amorim. The position of Tottenham`s Australian head coach, in particular, is believed to be closely tied to the outcome. A defeat could potentially lead to his departure, whereas lifting the trophy—Tottenham`s first since 2008—could significantly impact his tenure.
Prediction
This final is expected to be a hard-fought contest for both sides, but Manchester United enters as slight favorites over Tottenham.
Predicted Score: Manchester United 3, Tottenham 2.
Benedict Kingsley