Tottenham’s boyhood Man United fan could become Europa League final villain after injury return
As Manchester United prepare for their most consequential match of the season, an unlikely antagonist has emerged from Tottenham’s ranks – their captain and lifelong United fan Son Heung-min.
The South Korean superstar’s timely return from injury sets up a fascinating subplot to the Europa League final, where his childhood allegiances will collide with his professional duty to break Red Devils hearts in Bilbao.
Son’s connection to United runs deeper than most realize. The Tottenham talisman grew up idolizing the Class of ’92 era, with Ruud van Nistelrooy occupying a particularly special place in his footballing education.
Their time together at Hamburg forged a mentor-protégé relationship that shaped Son’s career, while Park Ji-sung’s trailblazing success at Old Trafford made United the club of his childhood dreams.
Even Sir Alex Ferguson once wistfully remarked about never getting the chance to manage the prolific forward.
Now, these sentimental ties must be set aside as Son prepares to potentially derail United’s season. His return couldn’t be more perfectly – or painfully – timed for Ruben Amorim’s side.
After six matches sidelined with a foot injury, including both Europa League quarter-final and semi-final ties, the 32-year-old is racing to be fit for the May 21st showdown.
Ange Postecoglou’s revelation that he’s “half hopeful” Son could feature against Crystal Palace this weekend suggests the Spurs medical team are working miracles to get their captain ready.
The stakes could hardly be higher for either club. United’s disastrous Premier League campaign (15th place with -9 goal difference) means Europa League glory represents their only path to Champions League football and financial salvation.
For Tottenham, languishing one spot below their final opponents in 16th, this match offers redemption for a season that promised so much but delivered so little.
Son’s leadership and big-game pedigree – honed through years of delivering in North London derbies and Champions League nights – make him uniquely qualified to spearhead this last-ditch push for salvation.
Amorim will know better than most the danger Son poses. The South Korean’s movement in transition and lethal finishing could exploit United’s defensive frailties, particularly if Harry Maguire or Raphael Varane fail to recover from their own fitness battles.
Son’s potential partnership with Timo Werner or Richarlison gives Tottenham an unpredictability they’ve lacked during his absence, adding another layer of complexity to United’s defensive preparations.
Yet this is more than just a tactical challenge for United – it’s an emotional one. Facing a player who grew up worshipping their club, who still speaks glowingly about their legends, and who now holds their continental fate in his hands.
Son’s professionalism won’t allow for divided loyalties when the whistle blows, but the irony won’t be lost on anyone at Old Trafford should he become the architect of their European downfall.
For Postecoglou, Son’s return offers a glimmer of hope amid an injury crisis that has robbed him of James Maddison, Radu Dragusin, and Lucas Bergvall.
The Australian manager knows his captain possesses the rare quality to decide finals single-handedly – his composed finishing and relentless work rate making him the perfect candidate to exploit United’s vulnerabilities.
As Bilbao prepares to host this all-English showdown, the narrative possibilities are rich. Will Son’s childhood affection for United soften his killer instinct?
Or will his professional pride drive him to break Red Devils hearts? One thing is certain – in a match where both clubs’ seasons hang in the balance, the boyhood United fan could become the unlikeliest of villains, cementing his Tottenham legacy at the expense of the club he once adored.