Bilbao, Spain – May 21, 2025
In a dramatic all-English UEFA Europa League final, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur face off at the San Mamés Stadium in Bilbao, with both clubs desperate to salvage their dismal domestic seasons. The stakes couldn’t be higher: the winner secures not only a European trophy but also a coveted spot in the 2025-26 UEFA Champions League, worth up to €65 million ($73m) in revenue. For the loser, the prospect of European exile looms large.
A Historic Low for Two English Giants
This final marks a historic anomaly in UEFA competitions, as no two teams ranked as low in their domestic league have ever contested a European final. Manchester United, languishing in 16th in the Premier League, and Tottenham, one point worse off in 17th, have endured their worst seasons in the competition’s history. Only the relegation of Ipswich, Leicester, and Southampton spared both clubs from a relegation dogfight.
Despite their struggles, the Europa League has offered a lifeline. A victory in Bilbao would not only restore pride but also guarantee a place in next season’s Champions League, bypassing additional qualifiers, and a shot at the UEFA Super Cup on August 13, 2025, against the 2024-25 Champions League winners.
Manchester United Team News
Manchester United head into the final with a significant boost, as key players Diogo Dalot, Leny Yoro, and Joshua Zirkzee were spotted in training on Tuesday, per the club’s official website. Zirkzee, sidelined since April with a hamstring injury, could make a surprise return after missing United’s last eight matches. Centre-back Matthijs de Ligt remains a doubt but was seen in individual drills, raising hopes of his involvement.
Up front, Rasmus Hojlund is expected to lead the line for Ruben Amorim’s side, despite a challenging season in front of goal. United’s squad is buoyed by the return of key players, but their inconsistent form makes this final a high-stakes gamble.
Tottenham Hotspur Team News
Tottenham face injury woes in midfield, with James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski, and Lucas Bergvall ruled out. However, Maddison’s presence on the team bus to Bilbao has sparked speculation about a potential return, despite manager Ange Postecoglou’s insistence that he remains unavailable.
On a positive note, captain Son Heung-Min is set to start after recovering from a foot injury that sidelined him for seven matches. Defenders Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven are also fit, bolstering Spurs’ backline. Tottenham will rely on Son’s leadership and goal-scoring prowess to navigate United’s defense.
Key Talking Points
- Champions League Stakes: The winner secures direct entry into the 2025-26 Champions League, a financial windfall worth up to €65 million in prize money, TV revenue, and gate receipts. For clubs mired in mid-table obscurity, this is a game-changer.
- Domestic Redemption: Both teams have faced intense criticism for their bottom-five Premier League campaigns. A European trophy could shift the narrative and provide a springboard for next season.
- Tactical Battle: Amorim’s structured approach at United will clash with Postecoglou’s high-pressing, attacking philosophy. The midfield battle, particularly between United’s Bruno Fernandes and Tottenham’s Yves Bissouma, could prove decisive.
What’s at Stake?
For Manchester United and Tottenham, this final is about more than silverware. A Champions League berth offers financial stability and a chance to attract top talent, critical for rebuilding after a torrid season. For the loser, the road back to European football could be long, with no guarantee of continental competition until the 2026-27 season.
This all-English showdown is a tale of redemption, resilience, and high stakes. Manchester United and Tottenham have defied their domestic woes to reach this stage, and both will leave everything on the pitch in Bilbao. Will United’s returning stars tip the scales, or can Tottenham’s attacking flair, led by Son, secure the trophy? One thing is certain: this final will be a defining moment for two clubs desperate to end a forgettable season on a high.