Paul Merson names the team he just can’t see winning the Europa League final out of Man United and Tottenham
Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur are gearing up for what promises to be a tightly contested Europa League final, with both clubs desperate to salvage something from a lackluster campaign.
Neither side has impressed in the Premier League this season, as United and Spurs find themselves languishing in 16th and 17th place respectively.
Their struggles in the domestic competition highlight how far they’ve fallen from the standards expected of them, and this final in Bilbao offers a rare opportunity for redemption and silverware.
Despite their poor league positions, both teams have navigated their way to the final, displaying flashes of resilience and quality along the way. United’s manager Ruben Amorim has shown due respect to Tottenham, emphasizing the North London club’s aggressive style of play.
He singled out their intensity as a potential game-changer, acknowledging that any team capable of maintaining that kind of pressure throughout a match can prove difficult to overcome.
That level of urgency, he noted, could be what tips the balance in Spurs’ favor, especially in a high-stakes final.
Bruno Fernandes echoed those sentiments, noting that Tottenham cannot be underestimated. He spoke about the need for thorough preparation and a focused mentality, making it clear that Manchester United would not take this fixture lightly.
The Portuguese midfielder, a key figure in United’s midfield, knows the margins are fine in cup finals and stressed the importance of discipline, determination, and execution when the moment comes.
On the opposing bench, Ange Postecoglou will be equally meticulous in his approach. The Australian tactician has managed to beat Manchester United three times this season alone, a statistic that could instill confidence in his squad ahead of this crucial encounter.
Familiarity with their opponent’s system and previous success may give Tottenham a psychological edge, though football has often proven to be unpredictable, especially when a trophy is at stake.
In the buildup to the final, pundits have offered varying opinions on which side holds the advantage. Alan Shearer believes Tottenham will triumph, citing Manchester United’s inconsistent form as a major concern.
Rio Ferdinand, while admitting his emotional ties to United, found it difficult to choose between the two teams because of their erratic performances throughout the campaign.
Yet Paul Merson voiced strong support for Manchester United during an appearance on Sky Sports, basing his prediction on team news that could heavily influence the outcome.
Merson pointed to the absence of Dejan Kulusevski as a critical blow to Tottenham’s hopes. The Swedish winger has been a standout performer for Spurs, and his injury deprives Postecoglou of one of his most reliable creative outlets.
Merson remarked that if Kulusevski were available, he might lean towards Tottenham. However, in his absence, he feels United possess just enough attacking quality and depth to edge the match.
Historically, Manchester United has dominated this fixture. Across 199 encounters, the Red Devils have emerged victorious 96 times, while Tottenham have claimed 57 wins.
The remaining 51 matches have ended in draws. These numbers suggest a historical advantage for United, but they also highlight that Spurs are no strangers to getting results against their Manchester counterparts.
The weight of history may add pressure or inspire confidence, depending on how each squad channels it.
From Manchester United’s perspective, lifting the Europa League trophy could be more than just an end-of-season triumph—it could serve as a much-needed spark to reignite the project in a post-Ferguson era that has seen occasional highs overshadowed by frequent underachievement.
Even amid internal instability and underwhelming campaigns, the club has managed to collect silverware, offering hope that they still possess the mentality to deliver when it counts.
For Tottenham, this final represents an opportunity to make history. A victory in Bilbao would not only add a prestigious trophy to their cabinet but also provide a statement of intent under Postecoglou’s leadership.
The hunger to break their long-standing drought for major honors will undoubtedly drive the players to give their all in this decisive clash.
With both sides grappling with inconsistency and personnel concerns, predicting a clear favorite becomes nearly impossible. The final could well be determined by small details—one moment of brilliance, one defensive lapse, or one tactical adjustment.
Regardless of the outcome, this clash will likely be remembered as a test of character more than form. What’s certain is that both clubs are chasing more than a title; they’re pursuing validation, relevance, and a shot at rebuilding momentum heading into the future.