Manchester United and Tottenham will contest an all-English Europa League final in Bilbao on May 21 after dominant semi-final displays.
Ruben Amorim’s United brushed past Athletic Bilbao 7-1 on aggregate, while Spurs dispatched Bodo/Glimt 5-1, setting up a titanic clash between two clubs desperate to salvage poor domestic seasons with European silverware.
For Tottenham, the stakes are monumental. They haven’t lifted a trophy since 2008 and haven’t tasted European glory in over four decades.
Yet confidence is high after beating United three times this season, including a 3-0 thumping at Old Trafford.
“It’s hard to lose four times to the same team,” Amorim said, clinging to hope. Even former Spurs great Glenn Hoddle admitted a fourth straight win won’t be easy.
“It will be a titanic battle,” he said. “United will be looking for revenge.”
United last won the Europa League under Jose Mourinho in 2017 and despite languishing in 15th in the Premier League, belief remains.
Paul Scholes compared their pedigree to Real Madrid’s: “They know how to win trophies, Tottenham don’t.”
With both sides sitting in the bottom half of the Premier League, Postecoglou dismissed concerns over league form. “Who cares if we’re struggling? We’ve earned the right to be there.”
