Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur will face off in the Europa League final at San Mames Stadium in Bilbao, Spain. Both clubs vied for a European trophy and a lucrative Champions League berth. After dismal Premier League campaigns, United languishes in 16th place, and Spurs in 17th. The stakes are high, with a potential £100 million ($134 million) financial windfall at play.
The sixth all-English European final pits two struggling giants against each other. Manchester United, led by first-year manager Ruben Amorim, sits their second Europa League title since 2016/17, bolstered by recent domestic cup successes under Erik ten Hag. Amorim acknowledged the club’s deeper challenges but noted, “Winning a European title is important. People will look at our team differently.” Football finance expert Kieran Maguire called the match United’s “most important in history” for its financial boost, despite Amorim downplaying reliance on Champions League revenue.
Manchester United and Tottenham face off in the #EuropaLeagueFinal in Bilbao on Wednesday with both clubs eyeing a golden ticket into the Champions League after historically poor seasons ➡️ https://t.co/vKgbq8Naw7 #AFPSports #UEL pic.twitter.com/5pB0Rkx1eV
— AFP News Agency (@AFP) May 21, 2025Tottenham, under Ange Postecoglou in his second season, aim to end a 17-year trophy drought since the 2008 League Cup. Postecoglou, facing scrutiny over Spurs’ form, views the final as a “turning point,” saying, “You’ve got to take every opportunity.” However, injuries to key midfielders Lucas Bergvall, James Maddison, and Dejan Kulusevski could hamper their chances.
The final is a close call. Tottenham swept United in three encounters this season—twice in the Premier League and once in the League Cup—giving them a psychological edge. Yet United, unbeaten in Europe this season, boasts trophy-winning experience with players like captain Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro, a five-time Champions League winner. United’s 7-1 aggregate rout of Athletic Bilbao secured their final spot, while Spurs dispatched Bodo/Glimt 5-1.
Both teams have struggled in the league, with their only wins since February 2 against relegated sides or each other, making their Europa League resilience notable. United’s attacking flair, led by Fernandes, contrasts with Spurs’ dynamic but injury-hit squad, setting the stage for a tactical battle.
United, three-time European champions, and Spurs, two-time UEFA Cup winners (last in 1984), are no strangers to continental competition. The winner secures silverware and a Champions League spot, critical for United’s squad rebuild and Spurs’ financial stability amid their poor league form. The £100 million prize, from TV rights, sponsorships, and matchday revenue, could reshape either club’s transfer strategy.
The 2024/25 Europa League faced disruptions, including UEFA’s response to geopolitical tensions, but the final in Bilbao promises a thrilling climax. San Mames, denied a home final with Athletic Bilbao’s exit, will host a passionate crowd, amplifying the occasion’s intensity.
The Europa League final will be broadcast live on CBS Sports and UEFA’s platforms at 3:00 PM ET on May 21, 2025.
