Europa League Final: Tottenham vs Manchester United - Five key battles and score prediction

Wednesday night brings forth the conclusion of the 2024/25 Europa League when Premier League strugglers Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United clash in a season-salvaging final at the San Mamés Stadium in Bilbao.

The triumphant on the prestigious evening will earn a place in the Champions League for the 2025/26 season.

Sports News Blitz writer Liam Caffry shines a spotlight on the showpiece final.

Ange Postecoglou vs Ruben Amorim

Both managers have had a torrid time this season but have a chance to salvage something meaningful. 

Ange Postecoglou has faced notably more criticism from the media and fans, consistently becoming visibly frustrated with reporters and match-going fans.

However, the Australian has a chance to make history on Wednesday as he could lead Spurs to their first trophy since 2008.

“I always win things in my second year” - Postecoglou infamously said earlier this season in a presser.

Ruben Amorim contrastingly seems to have not found himself under the same level of scrutiny as Ange, with focus primarily aimed at the players and the board of directors.

However, more criticism has begun swirling, with much of Amorim’s support hinging on the Europa League final result.

Amorim will be very frustrated with what he’s seen from his side who are statistically the worst Red Devils side since 1974.

However, inspired performances in Europe and a handful of domestic games have given United fans sustained faith in the manager.

Both managers have very distinct styles of play, nothing will change there, therefore, it will come down to the players on the day.

Yves Bissouma vs Bruno Fernandes 

Yves Bissouma will likely be given the task of keeping United talisman Bruno Fernandes quiet.

The Malian midfielder has been a rare spark in the Spurs team this season, one of a few players showing consistency for his team in the Premier League.

Bissouma's defensive ability is very notable but has also come up with a couple of important goals for the North Londoners. 

Bruno Fernandes has been a vital cog for Manchester United this season.

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Delivering in key moments with massive performances in big games all campaign, Fernandes has scored crucial goals against Arsenal in the FA Cup, against rivals Man City in the league and scoring a brace in the semi-final against Athletic Club.

The United skipper understands that he will be marked-man on Wednesday

He will need to use his experience to his advantage, drawing players out of position and making the difference through set pieces and his individual quality if they are to be victorious in the final.

Destiny Udogie vs Amad Diallo 

Italian left back Destiny Udogie has had an unlucky season with Spurs this campaign, missing a lot of games due to injury.

The Lilywhites seem to struggle without the defender, only winning eight games in all competitions without him.

Amad Diallo has returned from injury recently and has shown how much the Red Devils have missed him.

Udogie will be tasked with the challenge of keeping Diallo at bay, with the Italians pace and defensive ability, he should put up a good fight.

However, Diallo is one of the hottest prospects in world football, continuously proving how much Manchester United need the young Ivorian.

Diallo is United’s best winger and could be the difference in the whole game, having already scored against spurs this season, he will look to do so again.

Dominic Solanke vs Harry Maguire   

This has the makings of the biggest battle on the pitch.

Two very physical players at two different stages in their careers but both coming out with their reputations intact.

Striker Dominic Solanke left Bournemouth in the summer trying to better his career, but the Cherries have ended up finishing above Spurs and took four points from them this season.

However, Solanke has made a very good impression, scoring 15 goals in all competitions including the winner in the Europa League quarter-final against Eintracht Frankfurt. 

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It will be up to England centre-back Harry Maguire to stop Solanke from hitting the onion bag.

The Englishman has somehow revived his career in Manchester United’s worst ever season.

The United faithful know him as ‘Slab Head’, with that very same head firing them into the Europa League Semi-Final in the 122nd minute. 

Maguires attacking ability will also be on Spurs’ mind as he is very hard to defend against in the box.

Rodrigo Bentancur vs Casemiro

In terms of quality, this should be a very entertaining battle.

Rodrigo Bentancur alongside Bissouma has been one of Spurs’ very few star players this season. Only missing games due to suspension and a couple of minor injuries.

The holding midfielder is very clever on the ball and defends his box well. He has the tendency to pick his battles during the game.

The Uruguayan will be aware of Casemiro’s weaknesses such as his pace and awareness relating to the amount of time he occasionally takes on the ball.

However, what Casemiro lacks in pace, he makes up for in experience. He has been on bigger stages than this one before.

The Brazilian has scored in a Champions League final and has won the competition five times.

He will use this experience to lead Manchester United in an attempt for European glory.

Analysis and Prediction 

This is arguably one of the worst quality Europa League finals ever, judging on their league finishes. 

However, both sides have been entirely different outfits in Europe, and that’s what matters in this matchup.

One last game for European glory and a spot in the Champions League next season.

Both teams have struggled defensively and for goalscoring across the season overall.

For neutrals, the goalscoring numbers in the Europa League will make for an intriguing encounter to witness.

Fans of both teams will find themselves notably anxious ahead of Wednesday night, as their teams’ erratic and unreliable nature puts the result of this fixture in a state of unpredictability.

Score prediction: Tottenham 2-2 Manchester United

Tottenham wins on penalties (40/1 with Bet365)

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