Mason Mount celebrates after scoring against Athletic Club 
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Manchester United and Tottenham set to face each other in the final of the Europa League

Both clubs, despite their struggles in the Premier League this season — Tottenham currently sit 16th and United 15th — have defied the odds with remarkable Europa League performances

Alwin Benjamin Soji

In a thrilling culmination to their European campaigns, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur have booked their spots in the 2025 UEFA Europa League final, setting up an all-English clash at the San Mamés Stadium in Bilbao, Spain, on May 21.

Both clubs, despite their struggles in the Premier League this season — Tottenham currently sit 16th and United 15th — have defied the odds with remarkable Europa League performances. The final now presents an opportunity for redemption, a trophy, and a coveted place in next season’s UEFA Champions League.

Manchester United secured their place in the final with a dominant 7–1 aggregate victory over Athletic Bilbao. Having won the first leg 3–0, they completed the job at Old Trafford with a 4–1 win, thanks to goals from Mason Mount (2), Casemiro and Rasmus Højlund. It was a clinical performance that reflected manager Rúben Amorim’s growing influence at the club. Describing the upcoming final as 'all or nothing,' Rúben stressed the significance of the match in reviving United’s season.

Dominic Solanke after scoring in the second leg of the sem-final

Tottenham Hotspur’s journey to the final included a composed 5–1 aggregate win over Norwegian side FK Bodø/Glimt. Ange Postecoglou’s side secured a 3–1 win at home before sealing the tie with a 2–0 victory in Norway, with goals from Dominic Solanke and Pedro Porro. Despite criticism of the team’s league form, Ang' remained unfazed, saying, “They’ll say we’re not worthy — who cares? We’re in the final.”

The winner will not only lift the Europa League trophy but also earn a place in the UEFA Super Cup, where they’ll face the Champions League winners.

Tottenham go into the clash with a psychological edge, having beaten United in all three encounters this season, including a 3–0 victory at Old Trafford and a 1–0 win at home.

With both sides desperate for silverware and European qualification, the stage is set for an intense showdown. As England’s two struggling giants find themselves on the brink of continental glory, fans can expect fireworks in Bilbao.

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