Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur have booked their places in the 2025 UEFA Europa League final, setting the stage for an all-English clash at San Mamés Stadium in Bilbao on 21 May 2025.
Manchester United’s Road to the Final
Under the guidance of manager Rúben Amorim, Manchester United have been dominant throughout the Europa League campaign, remaining unbeaten en route to the final. Their semi-final performance against Athletic Bilbao was especially commanding.
United laid the groundwork for qualification with a 3–0 first-leg victory at San Mamés, followed by a resounding 4–1 win at Old Trafford, completing a 7–1 aggregate triumph. Mason Mount made headlines by scoring twice off the bench, becoming the first United substitute to net a brace in a European knockout tie since David Beckham in 2003. Casemiro and Rasmus Højlund also added their names to the scoresheet.
Earlier in the tournament, United overcame Real Sociedad with a 5–2 aggregate win in the Round of 16, led by a Bruno Fernandes hat-trick. In the quarter-finals, they edged out Lyon 7–6 on aggregate after a dramatic second leg that went into extra time.
Tottenham Hotspur’s Journey to Bilbao
Tottenham Hotspur, managed by Ange Postecoglou, have reached their first European final since 2019 after an impressive semi-final win over Bodø/Glimt. Following a 3–1 first-leg win in London, Spurs sealed their place in the final with a composed 2–0 away victory in the Arctic Circle, courtesy of goals from Dominic Solanke and Pedro Porro. The team showcased tactical discipline and adaptability in challenging conditions.
Tottenham advanced past AZ Alkmaar in the Round of 16 with a 3–2 aggregate victory, thanks to a crucial brace from Wilson Odobert in the second leg. In the quarter-finals, they dispatched Eintracht Frankfurt 4–2 on aggregate.
Final Preview: A Historic Clash
This will be the third all-English Europa League final in history. While both clubs have endured mixed domestic campaigns, their European form has been outstanding.
Tottenham enter the final with confidence, having defeated Manchester United in all three of their meetings this season — 3–0 at Old Trafford, 1–0 at home in the Premier League, and 4–3 in the EFL Cup quarter-finals.
The winner of the final will not only lift the Europa League trophy but also earn a place in the 2025–26 UEFA Champions League and a spot in the UEFA Super Cup.
Head-to-Head Insights
Despite Tottenham’s clean sweep over United this season, Manchester United’s historic pedigree in finals and their unbeaten European campaign give them a slight edge in the eyes of bookmakers.
⚽ Tactical Overview
Manchester United:
The Red Devils are anchored by a solid spine, with Bruno Fernandes orchestrating play in midfield, supported by the defensive experience of Raphael Varane and Harry Maguire. Casemiro remains a vital presence, bringing composure and leadership in key moments.
Tottenham Hotspur:
Spurs thrive on fast-paced, dynamic attacking football, driven by Dejan Kulusevski and Richarlison. However, their aggressive high defensive line has at times left them exposed to quick transitions.
📊 Betting Odds
Bookmakers currently have Manchester United as 4/6 favourites to lift the trophy, with Tottenham close behind at 11/10 — a reflection of United’s European consistency and Tottenham’s strong recent head-to-head record.
🔮 Prediction
With both sides boasting attacking firepower and showing moments of defensive fragility, a thrilling, high-scoring encounter is expected. A 3–2 victory for Manchester United is a likely outcome, though the final could go either way.
