Manchester United, Tottenham chase salvation in Europa League final showdown

Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur will battle for Europa League glory on Wednesday in Bilbao, with both clubs desperate to salvage dismal Premier League seasons and secure a lucrative Champions League spot.

The final, taking place at the San Mames Stadium, carries a potential £100 million ($133 million) reward for qualification to Europe’s top competition. Both sides have endured historically poor domestic campaigns, with United sitting 16th and Spurs one place lower — their worst positions in decades.

Ruben Amorim’s United have suffered 18 Premier League defeats — more than any season since their 1974 relegation. Tottenham, under Ange Postecoglou, have lost a club-record 21 times and are heading for their worst season since 1978.

Both teams have seen their league form collapse as they focused on European success. United are winless in eight Premier League games, while Spurs have lost five of their last six.

Tottenham, twice Europa League winners, haven’t lifted a European trophy since 1984 and remain without silverware for 17 years. Their last major final, the 2019 Champions League showdown against Liverpool, ended in defeat.

Postecoglou sees this final as a potential turning point for the club. “When you look at the historical backdrop of this club for the past 20-odd years, I feel this could be a turning point,” he said.

United, despite recent struggles, have won the FA Cup and League Cup in the past two seasons under previous boss Erik ten Hag. Amorim, who took over in November, has found European success more promising — guiding United past Real Sociedad, Athletic Bilbao, and staging a dramatic comeback against Lyon.

However, Amorim remains grounded. “I’m not concerned about the final, it’s by far the smallest problem in our club,” he said.

Spurs have beaten United in all three meetings this season, including twice in the league and once in the League Cup. “If you think about the odds it’s hard for the club to lose four times in a row,” said Amorim.

Former United midfielder Paul Scholes believes experience could prove decisive. “They know how to win trophies, Tottenham don’t,” he stated.

Amorim is expected to remain at the helm regardless of the outcome, buoyed by the club’s European run. Postecoglou, however, may face the axe if he fails to deliver silverware in his second season.

Tottenham’s injury woes continue, with James Maddison, Lucas Bergvall, and Dejan Kulusevski ruled out. Son Heung-min, though, is back from injury and expected to lead the line.

After surviving a gruelling semi-final in Norway against Bodo/Glimt, Postecoglou brushed off league concerns. “Who cares if we’re struggling in the league… I’m looking forward to it and it should be a great game,” he said.

The final promises a dramatic conclusion to a turbulent season for both English giants, with redemption and Champions League riches at stake.