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After dismal Premier League seasons, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur eye silverware and a Champions League spot in all-English Europa League final
Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur have had tough seasons in the Premier League, but both now have the chance to turn things around by winning the Europa League. Despite struggling in the league and sitting in the bottom half of the table, one of them will end the season with a major trophy—and a spot in next year’s Champions League.
On Thursday, both clubs won their Europa League semifinals to set up an all-English final, which will be held in Bilbao on May 21.
United Crush Bilbao
Manchester United defeated Spanish team Athletic Bilbao 4-1 at Old Trafford in the second leg, after already winning the first leg 3-0. That gave them a 7-1 win on aggregate.
United were 1-0 down at halftime, but the game changed when Mason Mount came off the bench in the 62nd minute. He scored twice—once with a low shot and later with a stunning goal from near the halfway line. Casemiro and Rasmus Hojlund also added goals in the second half.
It’s been a poor season for United in the Premier League. They are currently 15th, have lost a record 16 games, and are on track for their worst finish ever in the modern era. Coach Erik ten Hag was fired earlier in the season, and his replacement, Ruben Amorim, has struggled too. However, this Europa League run has given fans hope.
“If we don’t win the final, it means nothing for us,” Amorim said. “We’ve been disappointing in the league, and we want to give something back to the fans.”
Spurs End Norwegian Dream
Tottenham beat Bodø/Glimt 2-0 in Norway to finish with a 5-1 win on aggregate. Goals from Dominic Solanke and Pedro Porro in the second half ended the Norwegian side’s impressive run.
Spurs have also had a terrible season in the league. They sit just below United in 16th place, having lost 19 games. Despite this, manager Ange Postecoglou now has the chance to win a trophy in his first season—a tradition he has followed at all his previous clubs.
“It’s an unbelievable feeling,” said Spurs defender Micky van de Ven. “It’s been a tough season, but we’re one game away from silverware.”
All to Play for in Bilbao
This will be the fourth meeting between United and Spurs this season. Spurs have won all three of the previous matches—in the league and in the League Cup.
The final offers both clubs the chance to end the season on a high. Not only is a trophy at stake, but also a place in the Champions League next season. That would be a big achievement, considering how far both teams have fallen in the Premier League.
For United, this is their third Europa League final in eight years. They won the competition in 2017, the FA Cup in 2024, and the League Cup in 2023. Another trophy would make it three straight seasons with silverware and Amorim’s first with the club.
For Spurs, this is a chance to end a long trophy drought. Their last major title came in 2008 when they won the League Cup.
Now, both teams will look to put their domestic struggles behind them and focus on one last game that could change the story of their season.