‘I fancy’: Harry Redknapp chooses winner between Tottenham and Man Utd in Europa League final

Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United have both endured difficult and disappointing campaigns in the Premier League this season. As the domestic season winds down, the league table paints a grim picture for two clubs that traditionally operate in the top half.

Tottenham currently sit in 17th place, just above the relegation zone, while Manchester United are only marginally better in 16th. This collapse in form has left both sides clinging to one last lifeline—the Europa League final.

Under the leadership of Ange Postecoglou, Tottenham have set an unwanted club record this year. With 21 league defeats, Postecoglou now holds the record for the most losses in a single Premier League season by a Spurs manager.

Manchester United haven’t fared much better, having lost 18 times—the most league defeats they’ve ever recorded in a single campaign. These numbers reflect the chaos that has engulfed both teams.

Defensive lapses, lack of consistency, and an inability to close out games have turned what began with high hopes into campaigns both clubs would rather forget.

Despite their abysmal domestic form, both teams have managed to find success in Europe. They’ve reached the final of the Europa League, a rare positive note in otherwise turbulent seasons.

This match, set to take place in Bilbao on May 21st, carries immense importance. A win would not only secure silverware but also offer the reward of automatic qualification to next season’s Champions League. For both Tottenham and United, the final represents more than just a trophy—it’s redemption.

Former Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp has weighed in on the upcoming showdown, offering a strong opinion in favor of his old club. According to Redknapp, Tottenham have the upper hand and are better equipped to win the final.

His belief isn’t just rooted in sentiment but in what he sees as superior squad depth and quality. Writing in his column for The Sun, Redknapp made his stance clear: “I fancy Tottenham to beat Manchester United in the Europa League final — because they have got a much better squad.”

This confidence may be grounded in recent results between the two sides. Spurs have already defeated United three times this season. They delivered a dominant 3-0 victory at Old Trafford early in the campaign, followed it up with a 1-0 win in North London in February, and eliminated them from the League Cup in a dramatic 4-3 thriller.

That track record suggests that Tottenham know how to navigate this matchup and will go into the final with a psychological edge.

Despite this, some pundits believe that predictability in Postecoglou’s tactics could work against Tottenham. Sporting analysts and even opposing coaches, like Ruben Amorim, suggest that Spurs’ unwavering commitment to their attacking philosophy makes them easier to prepare for. United may look to exploit that predictability in the final, even if recent head-to-head results favor Tottenham.

Meanwhile, uncertainty still looms over Postecoglou’s future at the club. After such a poor showing in the league, questions about whether he will remain in charge have intensified.

There are rumors that his fate could hinge entirely on the outcome of the Europa League final. If Tottenham fail to lift the trophy, a managerial change might be imminent.

However, should he guide the team to victory and end the club’s 17-year trophy drought, Daniel Levy and the Spurs board may reconsider and offer him a chance to rebuild.

Harry Redknapp has called on the club to back Postecoglou if he delivers European success and has urged the manager not to walk away even if speculation continues.

He pointed out that the pressure of constant defeats has taken a visible toll on Postecoglou, affecting his demeanor and public appearances. “You can see a difference in him,” Redknapp noted, referring to the manager’s recent media engagements.

“That comes with losing. When you’re winning, you can have a laugh and a joke. But now you can see an edge to him because he’s being asked questions about his future and he’s getting beat week in, week out.”

Statistically, the contrast between Tottenham’s performances in the Premier League and in Europe is striking. In the domestic league, the team has accumulated just 38 points from 37 matches, averaging a meager 1.03 points per game.

In Europe, however, they’ve been far more effective, winning 9 of 14 matches and averaging over 2 points per match. This dramatic difference raises questions about the psychological and tactical elements at play between the two competitions.

Redknapp remains optimistic. He believes that if Spurs can claim the Europa League title and make a few smart additions to the squad during the summer transfer window, they could turn things around quickly.

“If they won this competition, and could add a couple of good players, they could have a really good season,” he said. “Ange just needs to survive to have the chance to work with that team again. And I think he’d probably survive if he wins the final.”

With so much at stake, the Europa League final has become more than just a game—it’s a defining moment for both clubs, their managers, and their futures.

Tottenham and Manchester United will take to the pitch not just chasing glory, but fighting for redemption and relevance in a season that has tested their limits. For one, the match could mark a turning point. For the other, it may signal the end of an era.