Graham Ruthven | Five things that will decide Europa League final between Manchester United and Spurs

Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur’s respective seasons will be on the line when they meet in Wednesday’s Europa League final. With both teams suffering a dreadful domestic campaign, this is a shot at salvation.

This is a match that could swing either way. Spurs have won all three meetings with United so far this season, but Ruben Amorim’s side showed their potential by seeing off Athletic Club in the semi-finals. Here are five key things that will decide this season’s Europa League final.

 

Final stop: Bilbao 📍

🎨 @MarkJohnson_ #UELfinal pic.twitter.com/bRdGNoUnP9

— UEFA Europa League (@EuropaLeague) May 20, 2025

Will Ange-ball make a return for the final?

What was most notable about Tottenham Hotspur’s successful passage through the latter rounds of the Europa League to make the final was how little ‘Ange-ball’ they played. Indeed, Spurs were remarkably pragmatic in their approach, particularly in the away games against Eintracht Frankfurt and Bodo/Glimt.

Ange Postecoglou has asked his team to play a high-energy, high-risk brand of football over the last two seasons. However, with European glory on the line it’s possible Tottenham could recycle the approach that has worked for them away from home in recent Europa League matches. They could invite Manchester United to break them down before countering.

Can Man Utd overwhelm Spurs in midfield?

Tactically, it seems likely Manchester United will have a man advantage in the centre of the pitch. Amorim is expected to set up with a box midfield, possibly consisting of Casemiro, Manuel Ugarte, Bruno Fernandes and Alejandro Garnacho with the latter two positioned closer to the centre forward.

Tottenham, on the other hand, will have a double pivot with Wilson Odobert potentially in line for a start as a floating number 10. Manchester United could overwhelm Spurs in central midfield and gain a foothold in possession as a result. This, however, could suit Postecoglou’s plan to attack into open space at speed.

Fernandes to score or assist: 7/5

Where will Tottenham’s creativity come from?

A knee injury has ruled James Maddison out of Wednesday’s match, meaning Postecoglou will have to look elsewhere for creativity in and around the final third. This lack of invention has been further exacerbated by the injury absence of Dejan Kulusevski who will similarly play no part in the final.

Odobert has looked bright in recent matches for Tottenham and could start in a floating number 10 role ahead of the midfield double pivot of Rodrigo Bentancur and Yves Bissouma. The young French winger is more of a dribbler than a creative force on the ball, but could still be a threat for Spurs.

Will Son Heung-min be fit enough to start?

While the 2-0 defeat to Aston Villa on Friday was a largely lifeless performance from a Tottenham point of view, Son Heung-min offered one positive. The South Korean made his first start in a move and was a threat down the left side, suggesting he could be fit enough to start Wednesday’s Europa League final.

Son has struggled for consistent form this season, but is still Tottenham’s most experienced attacker. The 32-year-old has played in the biggest matches, including a Champions League final, over the course of his career and is a potential match-winner for the North London outfit. Having him fit again is a boost.

Son 1.5 shots on target: 1/3

Can error-prone Andre Onana stay solid?

Had it not been for a remarkable extra time comeback against Lyon, Andre Onana’s blunders would have sent Manchester United out of the Europa League in the quarter-finals. The Cameroonian goalkeeper has been a liability at the back for the Old Trafford outfit this season which is a concern ahead of Wednesday’s season-defining match.

It’s not just Onana who has been a defensive liability for United this season. Indeed, their entire backline has been a problem. If, however, Onana can maintain his concentration and make the saves he’s expected to make, this could give his team the solidity required to lift the Europa League.

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