MANCHESTER UNITED VS SPURS: Europa League Final Preview

This Is What It Leads To

If there were a Premier League award for “Most Chaotic Season”, Manchester United would be a strong contender. The 2024–25 campaign has been a whirlwind, starting with Erik ten Hag at the helm. Despite some promising signings, including the highly-touted Leny Yoro and the dependable Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui, the team struggled to find consistency. Ten Hag’s tenure ended after a series of disappointing results, leaving the club in a precarious position.

Enter Ruben Amorim, who took over in November 2024. Known for his commitment to a 3-4-3 formation, Amorim stuck to his tactical philosophy, even when results didn’t immediately improve. The team continued to falter in the Premier League, eventually finding themselves in 16th place, just above Tottenham Hotspur, who occupied 17th. Both clubs have endured seasons they’d rather forget, with United suffering their ninth home league defeat of the season—a joint club record .

Despite the domestic turmoil, United’s European campaign has been a beacon of hope. Unbeaten in the Europa League, they’ve managed to navigate through the competition, setting up a final against a similarly struggling Spurs side. Tottenham, under Ange Postecoglou, have also faced their share of challenges, sitting 17th in the league with a record 21 losses .

The irony isn’t lost on fans: two of England’s most storied clubs, both underperforming domestically, now face off in a European final. Spurs have already bested United’s Amorim twice this season, adding an extra layer of tension to the upcoming match. But as the saying goes, “third time’s the charm.” For United, this final isn’t just about silverware; it’s a chance to salvage pride, secure Champions League qualification, and perhaps most importantly, avoid the embarrassment of a trophyless season overshadowed by domestic woes and getting $100m in inflows.

As the teams prepare to clash in Bilbao, the stakes couldn’t be higher. For United, it’s an opportunity to turn a season of despair into one of redemption. For Spurs, it’s a chance to end a 16-year trophy drought and bring some much-needed joy to their fans. Regardless of the outcome, this final promises to be a memorable chapter in both clubs’ histories.

The Importance?

For Tottenham Hotspur, this Europa League final isn’t just another match; it’s a potential turning point. The club hasn’t lifted a major trophy since almost 40 years. A drought, during which fans have endured near-misses and unfulfilled promises. While some might jest about the Audi Cup, the reality is that Spurs are desperate for silverware that holds genuine prestige. Winning the Europa League would not only end this barren spell but also secure a coveted spot in next season’s Champions League, bringing both financial rewards and a boost to the club’s stature.

Manager Ange Postecoglou, facing scrutiny and speculation about his future, has emphasized his commitment to the club. In a recent press conference, he dismissed concerns about his job security, stating, “I’m not a clown,” and highlighting his 26-year career in football. A victory in the final could solidify his position and provide a foundation for building a more successful era at Tottenham.

For Manchester United, the stakes are equally high, albeit for different reasons. While the club has experienced European success in recent years, including a Europa League win in 2017, this season has been tumultuous. Currently sitting 16th in the Premier League, United’s domestic campaign has been underwhelming. However, their unbeaten run in the Europa League offers a glimmer of hope. The primary incentive for United isn’t just adding another trophy to their collection; it’s about securing Champions League qualification. Participation in Europe’s premier club competition brings significant financial benefits, with estimates suggesting earnings of £80-100 million. This influx of funds could be pivotal for United’s plans to strengthen the squad, targeting players like Liam Delap or Viktor Gyökeres to bolster their attacking options. Moreover, victory would prevent the ignominy of losing to Spurs, a team United hasn’t beaten since 2022. The psychological boost of triumphing over a domestic rival, especially in a European final, cannot be overstated. It would also spare United fans the potential ridicule on social media platforms, where football banter can be relentless.

In essence, this final represents more than just a chance for silverware. For Spurs, it’s an opportunity to end a long-standing trophy drought and validate their project under Postecoglou. For United, it’s a chance to salvage a disappointing season, secure vital financial resources, and reassert their dominance over a domestic rival. The outcome will have lasting implications for both clubs, shaping their trajectories in the seasons to come.

Who Is Back?

This isn’t just fitness news, it’s a statement. Yoro, Zirkzee, and Dalot have fought their way back, and Amorim didn’t just casually mention it; he emphasised it. That matters. It tells you these guys didn’t coast in on a light jog; they hustled, pushed, and demanded to be part of the final.

It’s symbolic, too. This isn’t a club limping to the finish line — it’s a squad snapping into shape when it counts.

Ruben’s Predicted XI vs Spurs

I feel he starts with Højlund up top — yes, even after a season that’s been more barren than a trophy cabinet at White Hart Lane. But in finals, managers often back potential over form, and Højlund, for all his inconsistency, still represents our most mobile, aggressive forward option. He brings chaos, and sometimes that’s exactly what you need when the stakes are sky-high.

Behind him? I expect Bruno and Amad as the no. 10’s: Amad a kids with something to prove and nothing to lose. With Brunos consistency and Amad’s guile could unpick a Spurs defence that loves possession but panics when chased. They’re unpredictable, raw, and fearless – just the kind of energy Amorim seems to favour. Bruno obviously slots in as the 10; talisman, creator, captain of chaos. He might frustrate, but when it matters most, there’s no one you’d rather have pulling the strings.

The midfield double pivot is where it gets a bit spicy. The two cms I believe Amorim will go with “Mr.Never Lost a European Final” Casemiro, who has been our clutch player in the Europa League, and Ugarte – Ugarte personally scares me because he can’t control the midfield and Spurs are good at that, but I believe he disrupts the player and we need Ugarte in his game (hopefully).

In defence, RWB Dalot returns and starts he’s been quietly superb this season and offers balance on either flank. Shaw probably doesn’t make it, so expect Dorgu to fill in at LWB.

Centre-backs? With Yoro back, the left center-back spot is secured. At central center-back, Lord Maguire has had a good season so far, scoring, assisting, and doing his part well. On the right side, Mazraoui is solid—both Yoro and Mazraoui are good at moving the ball forward and have decent pace to recover. Maguire just needs to stay consistent like he has been this season.

As for the goalkeeper, unfortunately, it looks like it will be Onana, because Bayandir has been just as shaky as him.

I think this is a decent starting eleven. The bench looks strong too, with Zirkzee, Garnacho, Mount, Shaw, and Heaven all ready to come on. I feel our bench is stronger than Spurs’. However, I do think Spurs have a better starting lineup overall.

Amorim’s XI will tell us everything about how he wants to win this — through youth, tempo, and bravery, or through pragmatism and experience. Either way, the choices he makes here could define his first season’s legacy.

My Best XI

I would definitely include Zirkzee in the starting lineup. Højlund has been struggling, while Zirkzee’s link-up play and finishing have been much better. I think he can work well with Garnacho and Amad, so he deserves a starting spot.

For the No. 10 positions, I’d pick Garnacho and Amad. Garnacho may have had some bad moments, but he has great pace and carries the ball forward well. He creates threats in the game that I don’t see from other players except Amad. So, pairing Garnacho on the left and Amad on the right makes a lot of sense. Amad is very technical and is likely the reason Amorim would choose him.

At fullback, I’d go with Dorgu on the left and Dalot on the right. For central midfield, I’d pick Casemiro alongside Bruno Fernandes as a box-to-box duo. This has been the best position for Bruno this season even when its much deeper. Casemiro’s experience, combined with Bruno’s creativity, will help us fight Spurs’ strong midfield.

My backline is the same as Amorim’s predicted lineup: Yoro, Maguire, and Mazraoui.

My Score Prediction

I think this will be a high-scoring game with more than three goals. In the first 20 minutes, both teams might be cautious, but once the first goal comes, the game will open up. I believe Spurs have a stronger team right now, but United have the history and spirit. My prediction is a 4-2 win for United. Hopefully, I’m not wrong!

Final Thoughts

I don’t want to keep you too long or bore you with this blog. This is a big game and a major night before the final. The wine is chilling in the fridge and I’m ready. This match could really affect our summer transfers, so I hope we don’t mess it up. Whatever happens, let’s all get behind the club, the manager, and the players. They need our support to deliver. See you after the match. YANITED YANITED YANITED!

UNITED SCRIPTED.