May 9 -Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur will face off in an all-English UEFA Europa League final on May 21 in Bilbao, setting the stage for a high-stakes clash between two domestic underachievers with contrasting European histories.
Ruben Amorim’s United side powered past Athletic Club 7-1 on aggregate in their semi-final, while Spurs comfortably dispatched Norwegian champions Bodø/Glimt 5-1 over two legs. The result ensures a sixth all-English final in major European competition – and remarkably, the third involving Tottenham.
United, who last lifted the Europa League trophy in 2017 under José Mourinho, are chasing a second title in eight years. Tottenham, on the other hand, are bidding to end a 41-year wait for European silverware and claim their first trophy of any kind since 2008.
While neither side has impressed in the Premier League – sitting 15th and 16th respectively – a continental triumph would shift the narrative on a difficult season. The final also guarantees that six English clubs will take part in next season’s UEFA Champions League which in itself acts as a huge financial incentive for victory in Bilbao.
Tottenham have beaten United three times this season and head into the final as slight favourites. But United boss Ruben Amorim remains defiant: “If you think in the odds, it’s hard for the club to lose four times in a row.”
Former Spurs star Glenn Hoddle and ex-United midfielder Paul Scholes both echoed the unpredictable nature of a final between Premier League rivals.
“It will be a titanic battle,” said Hoddle. “Spurs have had the upper hand, but United will be looking for revenge.”
Scholes added: “United’s history tells me they will win it. They know how to win trophies. Tottenham don’t.”
Whatever the outcome, the final will be a pivotal moment for two of England’s biggest clubs – one seeking redemption, the other desperate to shed its nearly-men tag on the European stage.
“It’s going to upset a lot of people isn’t it?” said Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou.
“Neither us will get a trophy if we win, we’re just going to take a team picture.
“Who cares if we’re struggling in the league?
“This club and others have finished first, second and third in the Premier League and haven’t made finals. I couldn’t care less who is struggling and who’s not.
“Both us and Manchester United have earned the right to be there. I’m looking forward to it and it should be a great game.”
Contact the writer of this story, Harry Ewing, at moc.l1746824018labto1746824018ofdlr1746824018owedi1746824018sni@g1746824018niwe.1746824018yrrah1746824018