Europa League

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Europa League | Final

May 21, 2025 at 8pm UK

San Mames Barria

Spurs
vs.
Man Utd

Tottenham vs. Man United predictions: "Superior squad" vs. "game-deciding qualities" in Europa League final

By Ben Knapton, Senior Reporter

Published: May 20 2025 | 17:49

Last updated: May 20 2025 | 21:14

Ahead of Wednesday's Europa League final between Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United, the Sports Mole team picks their winner.

Debates will rage over whether the trophy or the spot in the Champions League is more important, but the only fact that matters is that Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United want both.

One of the Premier League's two major under-achievers this season will be crowned Europa League champions at the San Mames Stadium on Wednesday evening, as this year's second-tier continental competition concludes with the sixth all-English men's UEFA final.

The significance of success for both Ruben Amorim and Ange Postecoglou cannot be overstated after disastrous Premier League campaigns, but as the old cliche goes, form flies out of the window in cup finals.

Here, the Sports Mole team predicts who they think will come out on top in Wednesday's Bilbao blockbuster.

Barney Corkhill, Editor - Manchester United

Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim on April 30, 2025 © Imago

Whoever wins on Wednesday, a lot of rival fans are going to lose a lot of comedy value after utterly dreadful seasons for both could somehow end in a major European trophy and a spot in next season's Champions League.

Ange Postecoglou would relish in fulfilling his second-season trophy promise and if you're asking me who I'd prefer to win, then it'd have to be Spurs.

However, it would be a very Man United thing to go and win this final after such a terrible campaign, and it would be a very Tottenham thing to lose it.

Ruben Amorim's side have proven that they can raise their game for the big occasion and they have generally been quite good in Europe this season, although facing a Premier League side in the final does negate that latter point to a certain extent.

It's a monumental game for both clubs, but I feel Man United might just about have the edge.

Matt Law, Football Editor - Manchester United

Bruno Fernandes celebrates with Mason Mount for Manchester United on May 8, 2025 © Imago

It's a flip of a coin in truth.

Both have had utterly disastrous Premier League campaigns, and there is simply no downplaying the importance of this match to the two teams.

There is just so much on the line in Bilbao, but Tottenham's injuries, especially to Dejan Kulusevski, James Maddison and Lucas Bergvall, will harm them.

Man United have defensive concerns heading into the final, but the Red Devils know what it takes to win major trophies, and players such as Casemiro and Fernandes will be crucial for the 20-time English champions in this match.

As a Man United fan, I can't really go the other way here, and I do have confidence that Amorim will be able to deliver the trophy. It'll be tight, but the team in red should triumph.

Oliver Thomas, Senior Reporter - Tottenham Hotspur

Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou pictured on March 6, 2025 © Imago

Everything is now riding on Europa League success for both clubs who have endured bitterly disappointing domestic campaigns. The magnitude of Wednesday's final is undeniable, with both silverware and Champions League qualification on the line, but predicting whether Man United or Spurs prevail is not so straightforward.

Man United are yet to lose in Europe this season and their history in finals must also be taken into consideration. Influential captain Bruno Fernandes has dragged his team to Bilbao and he has the ability to produce a moment of magic on the biggest stage.

The Red Devils continue to look vulnerable at the back, though, and the lack of a prolific centre-forward remains a concern. Spurs are not so watertight in defence either, but they have scored 21 more Premier League goals than Man United this term and have had the measure of Ruben Amorim's men this season, winning home and away in the top flight and also in the EFL Cup, scoring eight goals and conceding only three.

Dejan Kulusevski's injury is a huge blow for Spurs, but Ange Postecoglou's side still have several players who can cause Man United problems on their day.

Whether Spurs turn up for the occasion remains to be seen, but they will arguably have the stronger lineup, on paper, and will feel that United are there for the taking as they endeavour to win their first major trophy in 17 years.

Goals at both ends should be expected, but Spurs might just have enough to come out on top.

Ben Knapton, Senior Reporter - Man United

Manchester United's Bruno Fernandes on May 1, 2025 © Imago

As an Arsenal fan, can I say neither?

As an 'impartial' reporter, I will side with the team that have not suffered an injury crisis to their creative options. With no Kulusevski, no Maddison and no Bergvall, Tottenham will likely be reliant on Pedro Porro's pinpoint crosses or Son Heung-min to work some magic, unlikely so soon after his recent foot injury.

Postecoglou's attack is arguably still more lethal when the chances come, but whether the chances will actually come is another matter. However, Bruno Fernandes has consistently excelled for the worst Man United side in recent memory and can fashion something out of nothing.

One golden opportunity may be all that it takes to separate Wednesday's competitors, and as Man United are more likely to fashion it, they are more likely to conquer the continent - in the secondary term - in my eyes.

Joel Lefevre, Reporter - Tottenham Hotspur

Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou pictured on May 1, 2025 © Iconsport

While both have suffered through disastrous Premier League campaigns, Tottenham, and Man United had convincing semi-final triumphs in this tournament, and both have a decent shot to lift this trophy.

While Bruno Fernandes is easily the best individual player on either side and the most likely to influence a match, as a team Spurs are the superior squad.

As correct as Ruben Amorim is in his assessment of his club's domestic performances this season, it can hardly be a comforting thought for his players to have a boss so brutally honest.

Ange Postecoglou's messages at Tottenham haven't been well received either, but his group don't seem quite as tired physically and emotionally from what's been a rough campaign.

Spurs have been the better side overall in this competition and have many more contributors to call upon, so I believe they will break their long trophy drought and give their supporters something to smile about at long last.

Anthony Brown, Reporter - Manchester United

Manchester United trio Casemiro, Alejandro Garnacho, Bruno Fernandes on August 10, 2024 © Imago

Neither Tottenham Hotspur nor Manchester United have pulled up trees this season, but that is not new information.

The Red Devils have lost three consecutive games against Spurs this season, with two losses following Ruben Amorim's arrival; however, the absence of James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski, who have contributed six and four goals during the London club's run to the continental decider, could hinder Ange Postecoglou's team.

United's losing streak against Spurs cannot continue in perpetuity, and the game-deciding qualities of Bruno Fernandes, combined with the Londoners losing two capable attackers, could see Amorim's men edge the final in Bilbao.

Lewis Nolan, Reporter - Tottenham Hotspur

Tottenham Hotspur's Brennan Johnson celebrates scoring on December 1, 2024 © Imago

With the stakes unbearably high for both teams, Wednesday's Europa League final clash is sure to be a tense affair, though, Tottenham Hotspur have already beaten Manchester United three times this season.

Spurs are dealing with a number of injuries to key stars and it is difficult to see them keeping a clean sheet, but Ange Postecoglou could lead the Londoners to glory.

Jonathan O'Shea, Reporter - Manchester United

Given both coaches' approach, there is the potential for chaos in this season's final, where league form will go out of the window.

In fact, it might take several goals and extra time to separate two clubs in crisis, as neither side is defensively sound.

They both have so much riding on the outcome, but United - who took a tougher route to Bilbao - are unbeaten in Europe so far and must be slight favourites. Spurs are even more fragile, so their long wait for silverware will go on.

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