Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur Set For Europa League Final

Since the onset of the 2024/2025 football season, the UEFA Europa League has delivered nothing short of premium entertainment. Featuring strong teams like Roma, Lazio, Ajax, and Eintracht Frankfurt, one would have expected nothing less than a superb performance and even expected one of them to go on to win the competition. However, as in life, football is full of surprises. The seemingly strong teams were knocked out at various stages, leaving us with the two most unexpected finalists: Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur.

There’s a popular saying that "charity begins at home," but these two teams have been offered little comfort on their turf. In the 2024/2025 English Premier League season, both have endured a poor domestic run—United managed just 10 wins and 9 draws in 36 games, while Spur suffered a staggering 20 losses, only slightly better than the three relegated teams. They currently sit 16th and 17th on the table respectively.

Despite their domestic struggles at home, both teams have been exceptional in the Europa League, progressing and defying the odds to reach the finals. Notably, Manchester United has delivered a record performance, becoming the only unbeaten team across all European competitions this season. Based on past fixtures, Tottenham has had the upper hand as United's last win over Spur dates back to 2021. Still, this is football, anything can happen.

The final is scheduled for May 21 at the San Mames Stadium in Bilbao, expectations are high. Whoever emerges the winner secures an automatic spot in next season’s UEFA Champions League—a prize both clubs will be desperate to claim. 

Shittu, Opeyemi Habeeb.