The 2024/25 UEFA Europa League final on May 21 in Bilbao will become a watershed moment for Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur since both clubs are in need to salvage what have been disastrous seasons. After their 16th and 17th place finishes in the Premier League, the only way left for both teams to get Champions League football next season is to win the Europa League title.
For England’s two biggest clubs, this final means more than just silverware. It is about relevance, revenue, and redemption. For Manchester United, the pressure continues to mount as they stand on the verge of going without a trophy for the second successive season. An embarrassing season on the domestic front has resulted in a lot of questioning about the direction of the club under new-manager Ruben Amorim. If they win in Bilbao, it will end the year on a strong note, and they will receive in excess of £100 million from the Champions League qualification boost.
Tottenham are in a similarly precarious position. The North Londoners have not won a major trophy since 2008 and view this final as a glimmer of hope to put an end to their 17-year drought. Though having struggled domestically, Ange Postecoglou’s men showed what they are about at the European level with a 5-1 aggregate win over Bodo/Glimt in the semifinal.
United come to this final after a 7-1 aggregate thumping of Athletic Club with special mention to the spectacular performances of Marcus Rashford…
