Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur are set to clash in the Europa League final in Bilbao on Wednesday, with both teams chasing not only European silverware but also a coveted place in next season’s Champions League following dismal domestic campaigns.
The two English clubs have endured miserable seasons, suffering a combined 39 defeats in the Premier League. United, who boast 20 league titles in their history, find themselves languishing in 16th place, while Spurs are just one spot above the relegation zone in 17th. Despite these struggles, one of them will lift the trophy at the San Mamés Stadium, securing not only a major title but also a financial boost that could exceed £100 million ($134 million).
United manager Ruben Amorim, in his debut season at Old Trafford, acknowledges that victory won’t magically resolve the club’s longstanding issues. Nevertheless, he believes it could spark a shift in perception and morale.
“We have bigger things to deal with than that, to put this club back to the top,” the 40-year-old said ahead of the final in northern Spain.
“But if we win, people will look at our team in a different way, because winning a European title is really important.”
The former Sporting Lisbon coach emphasized that United’s global stature means Champions League revenue is not critical to their future. However, football finance expert Kieran Maguire argues otherwise, calling it “the most important match in the club’s history” from a financial standpoint. The potential earnings from sponsorships, broadcasting rights, and prize money could provide a much-needed injection of funds for a squad overhaul, as United continue to struggle with financial balance.
Regardless of the result, Amorim’s position appears secure—even though the club is heading for its worst league finish in over 50 years. Meanwhile, Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou, 59, may not be as fortunate. Despite reaching the final, speculation suggests he could be shown the door whether or not Spurs end their 17-year wait for a major trophy.
“I’ve said to the lads from day one, nothing is guaranteed in life, nothing is guaranteed in sport,” said the Australian coach, who previously managed Celtic.
“You’ve just got to try and make sure you take every opportunity before you, and that’s what I’ve done my whole career.”
Now in his second season in North London, Postecoglou believes he has unfinished business with Tottenham. He sees Europa League glory as a potential “turning point” for a club long accused of faltering under pressure.
“Until you actually do it, then you’re fair game for people to say, ‘Well, you’ve always kind of fluffed it on the big stage,’” he said earlier this month.
Tottenham have not lifted a trophy since their League Cup win in 2008. While they’ve previously claimed the Europa League twice—under its former name, the UEFA Cup—their last triumph came in 1984.
This all-English final, the sixth in European football history, promises to be tightly contested. Spurs have had the upper hand in head-to-head meetings this season, defeating United three times—twice in the league and once in the League Cup.
However, United possess superior European pedigree. They are three-time European champions and last lifted the Europa League trophy in the 2016/17 season. In contrast to their league woes, they’ve recently found success in cup competitions, winning both the FA Cup and League Cup under former manager Erik ten Hag.
Since February 2, both clubs have managed just a handful of league victories—only against relegation-bound sides or each other. Yet, they’ve continued to perform in Europe. United remain unbeaten in continental competition this season, having reached the final with an emphatic 7-1 aggregate win over Athletic Bilbao, crushing the Spanish club’s dream of a home final. Tottenham, meanwhile, cruised past Norwegian champions Bodo/Glimt with a 5-1 aggregate score.
United will count on the leadership of captain Bruno Fernandes and the experience of Casemiro, a five-time Champions League winner with Real Madrid. For Spurs, their injury woes deepen, as manager Postecoglou confirmed that promising midfielder Lucas Bergvall is unavailable, along with James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski, both ruled out for the final.
