Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur Advance to the Europa League Final
For Manchester United or Tottenham, a dismal season will conclude with the potential for UEFA Europa League triumph. Although both clubs are stuck in the lower half of the Premier League, they are just one match away from the UEFA Champions...
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For Manchester United or Tottenham, a dismal season will conclude with the potential for UEFA Europa League triumph.
Although both clubs are stuck in the lower half of the Premier League, they are just one match away from the UEFA Champions League.
This opportunity arose as the two struggling English teams reached the final of Europe’s secondary competition on Thursday.
United secured a 4-1 victory over Athletic Bilbao in the semifinal second leg at Old Trafford, clinching a 7-1 aggregate win. Meanwhile, Tottenham triumphed 2-0 against Bodo/Glimt away, achieving a 5-1 aggregate score.
This result sets the stage for an all-English Europa League final, reminiscent of the 2019 encounter when Chelsea defeated Arsenal for the trophy.
"If we don't win the final, it means nothing for us," United coach Ruben Amorim stated. "It's hard to describe what it's like to be manager of this club. You want to give them something, because we've been so disappointing in the Premier League."
United rallied from a 1-0 deficit at halftime against Bilbao, with Mason Mount coming off the bench to net two goals after the interval. Casemiro and Rasmus Hojlund also found the back of the net.
Dominic Solanke and Pedro Porro scored for Tottenham against Bodo/Glimt in Norway.
The final is set for May 21 in Bilbao.
"It's an unbelievable feeling," remarked Spurs' defender Micky van de Ven. "We've had a tough season, but we're one game away from winning silverware."
A major title would significantly uplift what has otherwise been a forgettable season for both United and Spurs. Additionally, the reward of a Champions League spot would restore the winner to Europe’s elite next term.
However, for most of the campaign, neither team seemed poised for such a reward as they struggled closer to the relegation zone than to the top five.
United currently sits 15th in the league after suffering a club record 16 losses in the Premier League, certain to finish with its lowest points total in the modern era.
Tottenham’s situation is even bleaker, as they are one spot lower than United, having matched a club record with 19 losses in the Premier League.
Now, one of these clubs has the opportunity to redeem their disappointing domestic performances with victory in what will be their fourth meeting of the season.
Spurs have prevailed in all three prior encounters—twice in the league and once in the English League Cup.
"We are struggling, both of us, so I don't know what is going to happen," Amorim commented. "That is a good thing and a bad thing with this team. I never know."
Debra A Smith contributed to this article for TROIB News
Although both clubs are stuck in the lower half of the Premier League, they are just one match away from the UEFA Champions League.
This opportunity arose as the two struggling English teams reached the final of Europe’s secondary competition on Thursday.
United secured a 4-1 victory over Athletic Bilbao in the semifinal second leg at Old Trafford, clinching a 7-1 aggregate win. Meanwhile, Tottenham triumphed 2-0 against Bodo/Glimt away, achieving a 5-1 aggregate score.
This result sets the stage for an all-English Europa League final, reminiscent of the 2019 encounter when Chelsea defeated Arsenal for the trophy.
"If we don't win the final, it means nothing for us," United coach Ruben Amorim stated. "It's hard to describe what it's like to be manager of this club. You want to give them something, because we've been so disappointing in the Premier League."
United rallied from a 1-0 deficit at halftime against Bilbao, with Mason Mount coming off the bench to net two goals after the interval. Casemiro and Rasmus Hojlund also found the back of the net.
Dominic Solanke and Pedro Porro scored for Tottenham against Bodo/Glimt in Norway.
The final is set for May 21 in Bilbao.
"It's an unbelievable feeling," remarked Spurs' defender Micky van de Ven. "We've had a tough season, but we're one game away from winning silverware."
A major title would significantly uplift what has otherwise been a forgettable season for both United and Spurs. Additionally, the reward of a Champions League spot would restore the winner to Europe’s elite next term.
However, for most of the campaign, neither team seemed poised for such a reward as they struggled closer to the relegation zone than to the top five.
United currently sits 15th in the league after suffering a club record 16 losses in the Premier League, certain to finish with its lowest points total in the modern era.
Tottenham’s situation is even bleaker, as they are one spot lower than United, having matched a club record with 19 losses in the Premier League.
Now, one of these clubs has the opportunity to redeem their disappointing domestic performances with victory in what will be their fourth meeting of the season.
Spurs have prevailed in all three prior encounters—twice in the league and once in the English League Cup.
"We are struggling, both of us, so I don't know what is going to happen," Amorim commented. "That is a good thing and a bad thing with this team. I never know."
Debra A Smith contributed to this article for TROIB News
