2025 UEFA Europa League Finals Preview: Manchester United vs. Tottenham 

Two of the Premier League’s most underwhelming sides in 2024-25 have a golden opportunity to rewrite their seasons on the grand European stage. Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United meet at San Mames in Bilbao for the UEFA Europa League final – a historic all-English showdown that marks just the sixth of its kind in European competition history. 

This list includes Tottenham’s 3-2 aggregate win over Wolves in the 1972 UEFA Cup final (the first All-English European final) as well as Manchester United’s penalty shootout success over Chelsea in the 2008 Champions League final. 

Manchester United will be determined to end a dismal run of results against Tottenham, having lost four of their last five encounters, including all three meetings across the 2024–25 campaign. All in all, Spurs are currently enjoying a six-game unbeaten streak against the Red Devils, winning four of those matchups – a run that includes a dramatic 4-3 League Cup triumph in December and a historic Premier League double over United for the first time in the competition’s history.

Manchester United Seeking Europa League Glory but also Redemption Against Dominant Spurs

Despite their struggles against Spurs, United will take heart from their recent visit to San Mames, where they produced a dominant 3-0 win over Athletic Bilbao earlier this month. That performance rekindled hope within Ruben Amorim’s squad, who now stand just one game away from lifting their first trophy under the Portuguese manager – a silver lining in what has otherwise been an embarrassing domestic campaign.

After finishing a disappointing 8th in the Premier League last season, their worst-ever in the modern era, United’s decline has continued in 2024-25 (sitting 16th before the final round), raising the stakes for Wednesday night’s final.

Manchester United head into Wednesday’s Europa League final against Tottenham with a mixture of confirmed absences and hopeful returns. The only guaranteed absentee is Argentine defender Lisandro Martínez, who is still recovering after a serious knee injury suffered in February. 

Teenage striker Chido Obi is also unavailable, not due to fitness issues, but because he was not included in United’s Europa League squad for the second half of the campaign.

Meanwhile, several first-team regulars are battling to be fit for the showpiece event at San Mames. Dutch striker Joshua Zirkzee, who was expected to miss the rest of the season after picking up a hamstring injury against Newcastle, is working hard behind the scenes in hopes of making the matchday squad.

Young centre-back Leny Yoro, who was forced off during the recent defeat to West Ham, is another pushing to return in time for the final. Matthijs de Ligt, back from a long-term absence, lasted just 35 minutes in the clash with Brentford and remains touch and go for midweek.

Veteran defender Jonny Evans, who last played in December’s dramatic 4-3 defeat to Spurs – a game in which he scored – is facing a race against time to return to action for what could be a fitting stage for a comeback.

There’s also cautious optimism around Diogo Dalot, who has missed nearly a month with a calf injury. The ever-reliable full-back is doing everything possible to be available for selection.

Postecoglou’s Moment: Tottenham Target Europa League Breakthrough

Spurs are set to contest their second European final in the past six years, aiming to finally bring an end to a prolonged trophy drought (looking to claim their first major silverware in 17 years). However, recent history has not been kind to Spurs in decisive games – they’ve failed to find the back of the net in each of their last four major cup finals, underlining the mental hurdle they must overcome in Bilbao.

Ange Postecoglou is under immense pressure heading into the final, but the Australian tactician is on the brink of making history. Not only is he the first manager from Australia to lead a team in a major European final, but he also has the chance to maintain his personal record of winning silverware in his second season at every club he’s coached. 

Postecoglou brings a squad with limited experience on the biggest European stage. Of the current selection, only Son Heung-min started in the 2019 Champions League final under Mauricio Pochettino, while Ben Davies featured on the bench. Still, under Ange Postecoglou’s leadership, Spurs appear revitalized and ready to end their own silverware drought.

Captain Son Heung-Min made his return from injury in the recent 2-0 defeats to Crystal Palace and Aston Villa, playing from the start in the latter. With valuable minutes under his belt, it would be a surprise if the South Korean star isn’t named in the starting XI for the final in Bilbao.

Pape Matar Sarr remains a doubt after sustaining a back injury during the Villa Park clash. Although manager Ange Postecoglou has downplayed concerns, the Senegalese midfielder’s availability will be assessed closer to kickoff.

Young talent Lucas Bergvall has been sidelined since suffering an ankle injury before the first-leg win over Bodo/Glimt. Although initially ruled out for the rest of the season, the Swedish midfielder is reportedly pushing to be fit for the final. A bench appearance is possible, though a start is unlikely.

In terms of confirmed absentees, James Maddison is out with a season-ending knee injury picked up during the win over Bodo/Glimt. The England international had shown glimpses of top form, making his absence a big blow for Spurs’ creativity.

Similarly, Dejan Kulusevski misses the final after undergoing patella surgery following an injury sustained in the defeat to Crystal Palace. The Swede would have been a likely starter in Maddison’s absence.

Defensive option Radu Dragusșin remains unavailable, having not featured since an ACL injury against Elfsborg in January. Though unlikely to start if fit, the Romanian will play no part in Wednesday’s clash.

Young forward Dane Scarlett, who made an impact off the bench against Elfsborg earlier this season, is sidelined after undergoing groin surgery earlier this month.

Meanwhile, Timo Werner has seen his short stint at Spurs come to a premature end. The German forward has been out with a hamstring injury since February’s defeat to Manchester City and was not registered for Tottenham’s Europa League squad in the second half of the season.

Possible Starting Lineups of Manchester United and Tottenham 

Manchester United: Andre Onana – Victor Lindelof, Harry Maguire, Leny Yoro – Noussair Mazraoui, Manuel Ugarte, Casemiro, Patrick Dorgu – Amad Diallo, Bruno Fernandes – Rasmus Hojlund. (3-4-2-1) 

Tottenham Hotspur: Guglielmo Vicario – Pedro Porro, Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven, Destiny Udogie – Pape Matar Sarr, Yves Bissouma, Rodrigo Bentancur – Brennan Johnson, Dominic Solanke, Son Heung-Min. (4-3-3) 

Spooky Express Betting Prediction 

According to the latest matchday odds from EveryGame, Ruben Amorim’s side enter the Europa League final as slight favorites at +125, while Tottenham are priced at +225 and a draw after 90 minutes sits at +230. 

Given the momentum and experience of Manchester United in European competition over the years, backing the Red Devils to lift the trophy looks like a solid play. 

Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou, known for his impressive track record in finals and for delivering silverware in his second season with clubs, will be eager to continue that trend. Yet, the absence of key creative forces like James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski could tilt the balance in favor of Manchester United, whose greater pedigree in finals may ultimately give them the edge in this high-stakes showdown.

For those seeking extra value, anchorman Casemiro offers an intriguing anytime goalscorer option at +800. The veteran Brazilian, known for rising to the occasion in big matches, could make a decisive impact both defensively and going forward, particularly from set pieces.

Spooky Express Free Play: Manchester United +125 at EveryGame for 5/10 Units

Spooky Express Free Play 2: Casemiro Anytime Goalscorer +800 at EveryGame for 1/0 Units