Europa League: Which of the English Giants Will Rescue Their Season?
This season’s UEFA Europa League, featuring two of the Premier League’s biggest clubs, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur, presents an intriguing picture. Despite the tradition that suggests the superiority of the English league, the narrative prior to the match focuses on the poor performance of both teams at home this season. With one match remaining in the domestic league, both teams are in the lower part of the table, just above the relegation zone.
However, on Wednesday at the San Mamés stadium in Bilbao, whether it’s Rubén Amorim’s United or Ange Postecoglou’s Tottenham, with only one non-European victory between them since the beginning of April, one of them will be in the next edition of the UEFA Champions League, thanks to the conquest of the Europa League trophy.
Tottenham have already beaten United three times this season, both home and away in the league, as well as a thrilling seven-goal match in the Carabao Cup, but those results have had little relevance compared to what’s at stake in this European final.
The key question is: which team has had the worst season? Which club, coach, and players need this victory the most? And, finally, who will be victorious? We analyze the pre-match perspectives.
Which of the two teams has had the worst season?
Both have been terrible.
Statement
The final has been dubbed “El Crapico” on social media. Neither United nor Tottenham should be in the bottom half of the Premier League table, given the investment made. Tottenham’s fall has been more pronounced, while United’s investments contrast with their performance in the league.
United have been disappointing, but it could be argued that Tottenham’s season is worse, as there were high expectations surrounding their coach. Tottenham, under Postecoglou, were looking for a positive campaign, but injuries and the high-intensity style of play have affected the team. They have lost 21 league games, which could be unacceptable for a club of their stature.
Ultimately, whoever loses the final will have had the worst season. Both teams can claim that the campaign has been a success if they get a trophy.
The winning club will get a trophy and potentially over 100 million pounds from the next Champions League. Who needs it more?
Money is not the most important thing for Tottenham, as they have room within the Financial Sustainability Rules (PSR) to be active in the transfer market. This final is more about ending a 17-year wait for a trophy. Tottenham need the money more. They are in a more delicate financial situation and qualification for the Champions League is vital.
Winning the Europa League would allow Amorim to have more time to focus on the Premier League, but the loss of income could be catastrophic. For Tottenham, this final is more important on an existential level.
What would victory mean for the coaches?
Amorim needs the Europa League trophy to buy time and relieve pressure. For Postecoglou, it’s the only chance to save his job. Winning a trophy wouldn’t silence all doubts about Postecoglou, but it would make him more attractive to other clubs.
If they don’t qualify for the Champions League, Amorim’s position will be questioned. Winning a trophy would give him much-needed credit.
What will happen to the players?
At Tottenham, Romero could seek a transfer to Atlético de Madrid. Son Heung-Min could renew his contract if he performs well. Richarlison and Tel are also in the spotlight.
At United, the result could have significant consequences. Eriksen and Lindelöf will leave for free, and the club hopes to get rid of Rashford, Antony, and Sancho. Champions League qualification would give the club more power to retain Garnacho and Mainoo. Casemiro’s future could also depend on the result.
Who will win the final and why?
United, despite its bad season, has shown a good performance in important matches. Bruno Fernandes could be key to lead his team to victory. United could win with a score of 3-0 over Tottenham.
However, due to the inconsistency of both teams, it is difficult to predict the outcome. The absences of Maddison, Bergvall, and Kulusevski could affect Tottenham. Postecoglou’s attacking style of play could play in United’s favor. Son could also be struggling for his fitness, so United could have a slight advantage and win with a score of 2-1.
ESPNBET Odds
- Tottenham Hotspur: +175
- Manchester United: +150
- Draw: +230
To lift the trophy
- Tottenham Hotspur: -105
- Manchester United: -125
