The culmination of the 2024-25 UEFA Europa League season arrives this Wednesday with the final at San Mames in Bilbao. This highly anticipated showdown features two prominent English clubs, Manchester United and Tottenham. Both teams have experienced challenging domestic campaigns, finishing 16th and 17th in the Premier League standings, respectively. The stakes are incredibly high, as the victor will not only claim continental silverware but also secure a coveted berth in next season`s Champions League, a significant prize for sides that struggled domestically. Furthermore, the match carries considerable weight for the managers of both clubs, with their positions potentially under scrutiny depending on the outcome in Bilbao.
Key Match Information
- Date: Wednesday, May 21
- Time: 3 p.m. ET
- Venue: San Mames, Bilbao, Spain
- TV Broadcast: CBS Sports Network
- Live Streaming: Paramount+
- Betting Odds: Tottenham +188; Draw +223; Manchester United +143
The Managerial Situation
The final is crucial for both coaching staff. While there are reports suggesting Tottenham`s head coach, Ange Postecoglou, might leave regardless of the result, the pressure is arguably more direct on Manchester United`s Ruben Amorim. Amorim, who took the reins in November 2024, replacing Erik ten Hag, is hoping a trophy could solidify his future at Old Trafford, a topic reportedly still under internal discussion. For both managers, achieving success in this final is paramount to restoring reputations after disappointing league finishes. Tottenham`s last major trophy success was the League Cup in 2008. Both clubs have lifted this European trophy before in its various iterations: Spurs won the UEFA Cup in 1972 and 1984, while Manchester United claimed the Europa League title in 2017 under Jose Mourinho.
Andre Onana`s Opportunity to Shine
Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana has endured a mixed tenure since his significant arrival from Inter in summer 2023 for approximately $50 million. Despite the considerable investment, he has faced criticism and inconsistency, occasionally showing vulnerability in his performances. The current 2024-25 season has included moments where his mistakes have put the team in difficult positions, notably during the Europa League quarter-finals against Lyon. The final against Tottenham offers Onana a prime stage to deliver a commanding performance, prove his quality, and demonstrate that he is the reliable number one goalkeeper Manchester United signed.
Tottenham`s Attacking Challenge
Tottenham Hotspur will rely heavily on their captain and key forward, Son Heung-min, for leadership and attacking threat. Son recently returned to the starting lineup after recovering from injury. However, Spurs` attack faces significant challenges due to a string of key absences, with Dejan Kulusevski, James Maddison, Lucas Bergvall, and Timo Werner all unavailable for the final in Bilbao. Overcoming a Manchester United side and ending Tottenham`s long trophy drought, which dates back to 2008, will require a massive effort from Son and the rest of the available attacking players to find the breakthrough.
