As Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur prepare to clash in the Europa League final at Estadio de San Mames early on Thursday morning (5am AEST), the stakes couldn’t be higher for both clubs. The match offers not just a trophy but a vital opportunity for the victor to secure a place in the Champions League. Conversely, the losing side faces a disheartening absence of European football for the upcoming season, alongside the shame of setting unwelcome records.
Both teams have faced tumultuous seasons. Manchester United, traditionally a powerhouse in English football, sits dangerously low in the Premier League table, currently 16th. This season has marked a nadir, with a record 18 defeats and an impending worst-ever points total. Manager Ruben Amorim acknowledges that while winning the final could help reshape perceptions of the club, it cannot erase the grim realities of the current season.
Tottenham, just a spot below United, has suffered even greater indignity with 21 league losses, also a club record. Manager Ange Postecoglou has been attempting to instil a winning mentality while also rejuvenating the squad. Spurs, who finished as Champions League runners-up in 2019, are on the hunt for their first major trophy since winning the English League Cup in 2008.
This final is atypical as it carries enormous implications beyond mere silverware. Neither club appears poised to secure Champions League qualification via league standings, making this Europa League final a lifeline. The prestige and financial rewards of the Champions League can significantly impact both clubs, with previous winners enjoying substantial revenues.
For United, recovering from recent financial turmoil under new co-owner Jim Ratcliffe is critical, while Amorim looks to rebuild in the off-season. Spurs, too, are eager to end their lengthy trophy drought, which has persisted even through the tenures of renowned managers like Mauricio Pochettino and Jose Mourinho.
Amorim, appointed as United’s manager in November, has struggled to improve results, raising questions about his future amidst a disappointing campaign. Meanwhile, Postecoglou, in his second season, has experienced a dramatic fall from the previous year’s fifth-place finish and understands the weight of expectations resting on this final.
Both managers find themselves under pressure, caught between the distractions of league struggles and the excitement of a European run. A victory on Thursday could significantly alter perceptions and fortunes for either club, making this final not just a battle for a title but a critical juncture in their respective journeys.