Paul Merson chooses his Europa League winner between Tottenham and Man United
Paul Merson has weighed in on the Europa League chances of Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United, offering his prediction on which team has a better shot at lifting the trophy.
Both Premier League sides secured their spots in the tournament after solid campaigns, finishing in the top eight of the League Phase and earning direct qualification to the round of 16.
Their performances in the group stage were similar, with each side securing five wins. However, Manchester United remained unbeaten with three draws, while Tottenham suffered one defeat alongside two draws, ultimately finishing fourth in the standings, just one position below the Red Devils.
As the Europa League knockout stage begins, Tottenham has been drawn against AZ Alkmaar, while Manchester United faces Real Sociedad. Following the draw, Merson shared his thoughts on which club stands the best chance of going all the way.
Writing for Sportskeeda, he suggested that Tottenham should prioritize winning the competition, emphasizing that securing the Europa League title would grant them entry into next season’s Champions League.
He highlighted the importance of fans understanding that success in Europe might require sacrificing certain league games. With a lack of truly dominant teams remaining in the tournament, Merson believes Tottenham has a genuine opportunity to claim the title, stating that he does not see Manchester United as a realistic contender.
The path to the final will not be easy for Spurs, but the return of key players from injury boosts their chances significantly. After facing AZ Alkmaar in the round of 16, they will likely encounter either Frankfurt or Ajax in the quarter-finals, both of whom pose significant challenges.
If they progress past that stage, Lazio appears to be the most probable opponent in the semi-finals, a matchup that would test Postecoglou’s side to the limit.
With the Premier League title race seemingly out of reach and a top-four finish unlikely, shifting focus to the Europa League makes strategic sense for Tottenham. The competition presents their best opportunity to secure Champions League football for next season, making it imperative that Postecoglou prioritizes European success over domestic fixtures.
Given the strength of their squad when fully fit, Tottenham’s chances of lifting the trophy look promising, and if they can maintain their form, they have every reason to believe they can go all the way.