‘Fascinating’: Owen Hargreaves predicts who’s likeliest to win between Man United and Tottenham in Europa League final
The stage is set for an electrifying all-English Europa League final as Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur booked their places with commanding semi-final victories. United comfortably dispatched Athletic Bilbao at Old Trafford, while Spurs showcased their resilience by overcoming Bodo/Glimt in challenging conditions on an artificial pitch.
With both clubs now preparing to face off in Bilbao later this month, former England midfielder Owen Hargreaves has shared his thoughts on which side holds the edge in what promises to be a captivating encounter.
Hargreaves, analyzing the matchup on TNT Sports, described the final as “fascinating,” highlighting the intriguing narratives surrounding both teams.
While Manchester United and Tottenham are undeniably among England’s most storied clubs, their domestic campaigns have fallen short of expectations this season. Yet, European success could salvage what has otherwise been a disappointing year for both.
When pressed for a prediction, Hargreaves leaned toward Manchester United as the more likely victors. He pointed to the growing momentum at Old Trafford, emphasizing how lifting a trophy in what has been considered a “down season” would epitomize the club’s enduring pedigree.
“If United can win a trophy in a difficult year, it speaks volumes about what this club represents,” Hargreaves remarked. He also noted the positive energy currently surrounding Erik ten Hag’s side, suggesting that their recent performances have instilled a belief that they can finish the campaign on a high.
For Tottenham, the stakes are equally monumental. A European trophy would not only mark a triumphant debut season for manager Ange Postecoglou but also secure Champions League qualification—a crucial objective given their struggles in the Premier League.
However, Hargreaves implied that United’s experience in high-pressure finals, combined with their recent resurgence, might give them the psychological edge when the two sides meet.
This final adds another chapter to the growing list of all-English European showdowns. The first such encounter dates back to 1972, when Tottenham defeated Wolves in the UEFA Cup.
More recently, English clubs have dominated continental competitions, with the 2008 Champions League final between Manchester United and Chelsea serving as a historic example.
The 2018-19 season saw both major European finals contested by Premier League teams—Liverpool overcoming Spurs in Madrid, while Chelsea bested Arsenal in Baku. The trend continued in 2021 when Chelsea edged past Manchester City in Porto.
With this being the sixth all-English final in UEFA’s top two competitions, the clash between United and Spurs promises to be another memorable installment.
Both teams will be desperate to claim silverware, not just for the prestige but also to validate their respective projects.
For United, it would reinforce Ten Hag’s rebuilding efforts, while for Tottenham, it could signal the dawn of a new era under Postecoglou.
As the football world turns its attention to Bilbao, the debate over which side will emerge victorious intensifies.
Will Manchester United’s pedigree and momentum prove decisive, or can Tottenham defy expectations and cap off their European journey with glory? One thing is certain—this final will be a spectacle no football fan will want to miss.