As the San Mamés Stadium in Bilbao prepares to host the 2024/25 UEFA Europa League final, the question on every football fan’s mind is: Will Tottenham or Man united Win Europa League Tonight? The clash between Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United promises to be a seismic encounter, not just for the silverware but for the lifeline it offers both clubs in a season where their domestic campaigns have crumbled.
With both teams languishing in the lower half of the Premier League table, this final represents more than just a trophy, it’s a chance at redemption, a ticket to the Champions League, and a potential turning point for their respective futures. Let’s break down the form, the stakes, and the likelihood of Spurs ending their 41-year wait for European glory.
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Tottenham’s Recent Form: A Glimmer of Hope in Europe
Tottenham Hotspur, under the stewardship of Ange Postecoglou, have had a rollercoaster season. Their domestic form has been nothing short of disastrous, with Spurs sitting in 17th place in the Premier League table as the season nears its close.
A 5-1 thrashing by Liverpool at Anfield in April epitomized their struggles, with defensive lapses and a lack of midfield creativity exposed against top-tier opposition. Losses have piled up, Spurs have recorded more defeats this season than in any other Premier League campaign since the competition’s inception in 1992. Yet, in Europe, it’s been a different story.
Spurs have been a revelation in the Europa League, remaining unbeaten in the league phase with a record of five wins, three draws, and no losses, scoring 16 goals while conceding nine. Their journey to the final included a 7-1 aggregate demolition of Athletic Club in the semi-finals and a thrilling 7-6 extra-time victory over Lyon in the quarter-finals. Dominic Solanke has been a focal point up top, with his energy and pressing setting the tone, while Pedro Porro’s dynamism from the right has been crucial.
However, injuries to key midfielders Lucas Bergvall, James Maddison, and Dejan Kulusevski have forced Postecoglou to rely on squad depth, with Richarlison likely to start on the left flank tonight. Tottenham’s high-press, front-foot style has clicked in Europe, and their three victories over Manchester United this season, twice in the league and once in the Carabao Cup give them a psychological edge.
Manchester United’s Recent Form: Resilience Amid Chaos
Manchester United’s season mirrors Tottenham’s in its domestic despair. Sitting 16th in the Premier League, United have endured a campaign of unprecedented lows, with their points total set to be their worst in the competition’s history.
A 3-2 defeat to Nottingham Forest in early December highlighted their inconsistency, with defensive frailties and a lack of clinical finishing undermining their efforts. The sacking of Erik ten Hag after a poor start paved the way for Ruben Amorim, but the Portuguese manager has struggled to instill his philosophy, with United’s league form remaining patchy.
In Europe, however, United have found solace. Like Spurs, they are unbeaten in the Europa League, showcasing a grit that’s been absent domestically. Their semi-final triumph over Athletic Club saw Mason Mount score twice off the bench, with Casemiro and Rasmus Højlund also contributing to a 7-1 aggregate rout. United’s ability to grind out results in Europe, despite their domestic woes, has been remarkable. Højlund’s physicality and Mount’s knack for big moments could trouble Spurs’ high defensive line, but United’s lack of cohesion under Amorim remains a concern.
Comparing Form with the Premier League Table
The Premier League table tells a grim story for both clubs. As of May 21, 2025, Liverpool have clinched the title with 20 English top-flight championships, equalling United’s record. Arsenal, Manchester City, Newcastle, Chelsea, Aston Villa, and Nottingham Forest are battling for the remaining top-five spots, which guarantee Champions League football. Meanwhile, Tottenham (17th) and Manchester United (16th) are mired in the bottom half, with neither able to finish higher than 13th.
This context underscores the stark contrast between their domestic and European performances. Both teams have been exposed in the Premier League, where tactical naivety and injury crises have cost them dearly. Tottenham’s high defensive line, reliant on Micky van de Ven’s pace, has been punished by quicker, more clinical sides. United, meanwhile, have struggled to adapt to Amorim’s system, with their midfield often overrun.
Yet, in the Europa League, the absence of Champions League drop-down teams has leveled the playing field, allowing both clubs to capitalize on a weaker field. Spurs’ three wins over United this season suggest they’ve found a formula to exploit their rivals’ weaknesses, but United’s resilience in Europe makes this final a coin toss.
Who Is Likely to Win?
Predicting the outcome of this final is no easy task. Tottenham’s attacking fluidity and pressing intensity give them an edge, especially given their dominance over United this season. Solanke’s work rate and Porro’s overlapping runs could stretch United’s backline, particularly if Van de Ven neutralizes Højlund’s physical threat.
However, United’s knack for producing moments of magic Mount’s brace in the semi-final being a prime example means they can never be counted out. The absence of Spurs’ creative midfield trio (Bergvall, Maddison, Kulusevski) tilts the balance slightly toward United, who have more depth in the middle of the park with Casemiro and Mount.
Tactically, Postecoglou’s unwavering commitment to attacking football could either unlock United’s shaky defense or leave Spurs vulnerable to counter-attacks. Amorim’s more pragmatic approach might see United sit deeper and look to exploit transitions, but their lack of cohesion could be their undoing. Given Spurs’ head-to-head record and their slightly more consistent European form, they might just shade it, perhaps a 2-1 victory in normal time. But finals are decided by fine margins, and United’s experience in high-stakes matches could tip the scales.
Will Tottenham Win Their European Trophy Tonight?
Tottenham are likely to win their European trophy tonight, ending a 41-year drought since their 1984 UEFA Cup triumph.
Reasons Why This Match Is Crucial for Spurs: For Tottenham, this final is a chance to rewrite their narrative. The club hasn’t lifted a trophy since the 2008 League Cup, and their last European success feels like ancient history. Postecoglou, who boldly claimed in September that he always wins silverware in his second season, faces immense pressure to deliver.
A victory would not only validate his high-risk, high-reward philosophy but also secure Champions League football, a financial and recruitment lifeline for a club in desperate need of a rebuild. With key players like Son Heung-min nearing the twilight of their careers, this could be Spurs’ best shot at glory for years to come. A loss, however, could spell the end for Postecoglou, with reports suggesting his job hangs in the balance.
Why the Win Matters for Both Teams
For both Tottenham and Manchester United, the Europa League final is a golden ticket to the 2025/26 Champions League, a prize that neither can secure through their league position. The winner will join the top five Premier League teams in Europe’s elite competition, bringing financial rewards and the ability to attract top talent.
For Spurs, Champions League qualification would be a game-changer, offering a platform to rebuild a squad hampered by injuries and inconsistency. For United, it’s a chance to salvage Amorim’s rocky start and restore some pride to a club that expects to compete at the highest level.
Their dismal league positions 16th and 17th make this final a lifeline. Without it, both face the prospect of another season in the Europa League or, worse, the Conference League, which would dent their prestige and finances. For United, a trophy would provide a foundation for Amorim to build on, signaling a return to relevance post-Ferguson. For Spurs, it’s about breaking a cycle of near-misses and proving they belong among the elite.
Conclusion
Tonight’s Europa League final is more than a match, it’s a shot at salvation for two clubs drowning in domestic disappointment. Tottenham, with their attacking verve and recent dominance over United, have a slight edge, but the Red Devils’ knack for defying the odds in Europe makes this a tantalizingly unpredictable contest. For Spurs, lifting the trophy would end decades of European heartbreak and secure a Champions League berth, offering a springboard for a brighter future.
For United, it’s about reclaiming a sliver of their former glory. As the football world watches, one thing is certain: this final will define the trajectory of both clubs for years to come. Come on, Spurs tonight might just be your night.
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