Europa League Final Set to Feature 16th-Place Tottenham Hotspur vs. 14th-Place Manchester United, with a Spot in the UEFA Champions League on the Line
As the 2024–2025 football season approaches its climax, one of the most unexpected Europa League finals is about to unfold. Two of the Premier League’s biggest clubs—Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United—are set to battle it out for supremacy in Europe’s second-tier competition. But what makes this final particularly intriguing is not just the history of these two clubs or their long-standing rivalries, but the fact that both teams are currently in the midst of disappointing domestic campaigns.
With Tottenham Hotspur sitting in a lowly 16th place in the Premier League and Manchester United occupying 14th, this match has taken on an even greater significance. The winner will not only claim the Europa League title but will also earn a highly coveted spot in the prestigious UEFA Champions League next season, a qualification that both teams desperately need. In a season where both have struggled to live up to their expectations, the Europa League could serve as a lifeline for their European aspirations.
Tottenham Hotspur’s Struggles and the Road to the Final
Tottenham Hotspur, a club that has become synonymous with near-misses and frustration in recent years, has found itself in a situation few could have predicted. Despite having a squad brimming with talent and one of the most renowned attacking forces in the league, Spurs are currently languishing in 16th place in the Premier League table. Manager Ange Postecoglou was brought in to steady the ship after a turbulent 2023–2024 season, but it has become evident that his task is far from simple.
While Postecoglou has certainly made strides in terms of the team’s tactical approach, the reality is that Spurs have been inconsistent all season. The club has struggled defensively, with numerous errors leading to costly goals, and their attack, while capable of brilliance, has been largely ineffective against top-tier opposition. The loss of key players like Harry Kane, who departed for Bayern Munich, has left a significant hole in their attack. Despite the presence of promising talents like Son Heung-min and James Maddison, the team has found it hard to gel and deliver the results expected of a club with their resources.
However, Tottenham’s run in the Europa League has been a bright spot amid a season of struggle. They’ve battled through tough opposition and displayed a resilience that has been absent in their domestic games. In the knockout stages, they showed a newfound hunger, overcoming clubs with stronger reputations, including a dramatic win over Bayer Leverkusen in the semi-finals.
The Spurs faithful will no doubt hope that the European competition can serve as a springboard for a much-needed confidence boost heading into the final stages of the season. For Postecoglou, lifting the Europa League trophy would not only mark a major achievement but also potentially salvage what has otherwise been a difficult season. And of course, securing Champions League qualification would be a huge victory for a team that has so often fallen short on the big stage.
Manchester United’s Turmoil and Europa League Redemption
On the other side of the coin, Manchester United—a club steeped in European glory—has also found itself in the midst of a turbulent season. Currently sitting in 14th place in the Premier League, United’s domestic struggles have been well-documented. The once-dominant force in English football, under manager Erik ten Hag, has faltered in key moments, and the team’s inconsistency has been their Achilles’ heel.
United’s defense has been porous, while their attack has lacked the clinical edge needed to challenge for the top spots. The arrival of Rasmus Højlund was expected to bolster their attacking options, but injuries and the team’s inability to deliver cohesive attacking play have limited his impact. Meanwhile, the midfield, often a source of strength for United, has been underwhelming, with players like Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro failing to find their best form consistently.
Despite their domestic struggles, Manchester United has been impressive in Europe. Their run to the Europa League final has been a showcase of their potential, albeit with several moments of drama. From tight encounters to thrilling comebacks, they’ve scraped their way through to the final. In their semi-final, United managed to edge out Roma in a tense two-legged affair, with the decisive moments coming from veteran players like Marcus Rashford and Luke Shaw, who have provided leadership and inspiration in the European competition.
For ten Hag, a victory in the Europa League final would serve as a significant achievement in a season filled with disappointment. It would also be crucial for the club’s financial and competitive future, as Champions League qualification is vital to maintaining their place among Europe’s elite clubs.
A Battle for Champions League Qualification
The Europa League final between Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United is not just about silverware—it is a direct battle for one of the most valuable prizes in European football: a spot in the UEFA Champions League. The winner of this match will automatically secure a place in next season’s Champions League group stages, regardless of their league position.
For both clubs, Champions League football is essential for a variety of reasons. First and foremost, it provides an enormous financial boost, with qualification guaranteeing significant revenue from TV rights, sponsorships, and matchday earnings. Secondly, it allows the club to attract top-tier talent, as Champions League football is often a major draw for the best players in the world. Missing out on the competition for another season would be a devastating blow to either team, particularly after their underwhelming domestic campaigns.
For Tottenham, securing a Champions League spot would allow them to begin rebuilding and attracting the necessary reinforcements to improve their squad. With the likes of Son Heung-min still in their ranks, Spurs could present a more formidable challenge in future seasons. On the other hand, Manchester United, as one of the most commercially successful football clubs in the world, has the potential to strengthen their squad and remain competitive on both the domestic and European fronts.
Key Players to Watch
Given the importance of this final, all eyes will be on the key players from both sides.
For Tottenham Hotspur, Son Heung-min is undoubtedly the player to watch. The South Korean forward has been the team’s talisman for several years, and his leadership on and off the pitch will be crucial in this final. His pace, creativity, and clinical finishing make him a constant threat to any defense, and Manchester United’s defenders will need to be at their best to contain him. Another player to watch is James Maddison, whose vision and technical ability could be the difference-maker in midfield, providing the link between defense and attack.
For Manchester United, Marcus Rashford has been their most consistent attacking threat. His pace and direct running make him a constant danger to opposition defenses, and his ability to score goals in big matches could be key in deciding the outcome of this final. In midfield, Bruno Fernandes’s creativity and ability to dictate the tempo of the game will be essential. Meanwhile, United’s defense will rely on the leadership of Raphaël Varane, who will need to marshal the backline effectively against Spurs’ attacking threats.
The Tactical Battle
The tactical approach from both teams will be a key factor in determining the outcome of this final. Tottenham under Postecoglou has tended to favor a possession-based game, with an emphasis on pressing high up the pitch and dominating the ball. However, this approach has sometimes left them vulnerable at the back, and Manchester United could exploit this weakness with their counter-attacking style.
Erik ten Hag, on the other hand, has tried to implement a more structured and disciplined approach with Manchester United, but his side has been criticized for a lack of fluidity in attack. Given their struggles this season, United will likely look to exploit Tottenham’s defensive frailties, using the pace of Rashford and the creativity of Fernandes to unlock Spurs’ backline.
Conclusion: A High-Stakes Europa League Final
The Europa League final between Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United is shaping up to be one of the most exciting and unpredictable finals in recent years. With both teams currently far from their best in the Premier League, this final offers a chance for redemption and a pathway to the lucrative and prestigious UEFA Champions League.
For Spurs, lifting the Europa League trophy would not only provide a much-needed confidence boost but could also serve as a stepping stone for future success. For United, the stakes are equally high. The Europa League final represents their last chance to qualify for next season’s Champions League, and failing to secure that spot would have long-term consequences for the club.
Regardless of the outcome, this final will be a thrilling contest, showcasing the drama and unpredictability that European football is known for. Fans of both teams will be hoping that their side can deliver the performance of a lifetime and secure a crucial victory in what promises to be an unforgettable night of football.
