BILBAO — It’s a European final like no other. Not for its glory, but for its gloom.
On Wednesday night, Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United meet in the Europa League final in Bilbao. Two giants of English football. Two of the worst seasons in their histories. And now, one game to decide which of them can call this disaster of a year a success.
“This is as much about pride as it is about silverware,” said former Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Shay Given. “For either of these clubs, this could turn their season from shame to salvation.”
Out of Form, Out of Luck
The numbers are grim. Between them, Spurs and United have lost 39 league matches this season. Both are stuck near the foot of the Premier League table—United 16th, Spurs 17th—and neither has beaten a team not headed for relegation since February.
Their combined points tally wouldn’t have kept them up in several past seasons.
“This is unprecedented,” said Chris Sutton on BBC Radio 5 Live. “I can’t remember a final where both sides were in such awful form. It’s huge pressure.”
But pressure makes diamonds—or breaks managers.
Managers on the Brink
Neither Ange Postecoglou nor Ruben Amorim can afford to lose this one. And both might be out of a job regardless of the result.
Postecoglou’s debut season started with promise but quickly spiralled. Twenty-one Premier League defeats later, his future at Spurs hangs by a thread.
“Underperformed, underachieved, unacceptable,” said BBC Sport’s Sami Mokbel. “They spent big. They signed Dominic Solanke for £65 million. But it’s been one disaster after another.”
Injuries have played a part, sure. But not enough to explain how a team built for Europe is now one spot above the drop.
United’s chaos, on the other hand, has been largely self-inflicted. After backing Erik ten Hag with more spending last summer, the club sacked him after nine games. Amorim was rushed in. The results didn’t improve.
“They’re a mess,” said BBC’s Simon Stone. “Rasmus Højlund has been anonymous, and basic errors keep killing them. It’s their worst season since they were relegated in 1974.”
United’s financial health isn’t much better. Last autumn, they posted £113.2m in losses.
“This final is a £100 million game for them,” football finance expert Kieran Maguire said. “Champions League qualification is vital.”
A Trophy That Can Save Face
Neither side has lifted a European trophy in decades. For Spurs, not since 1984. For United, it’s been six years.
Wednesday offers a rare shot at redemption—and for the winner, an unlikely route into next season’s Champions League.
“Financially and emotionally, this game matters,” said Sutton. “It’s a get-out-of-jail-free card.”
Postecoglou, who has a history of second-season success, is hoping to go out with a bang—win or lose.
“Knowing Ange, he’ll say ‘told you so’ if he wins and then walk away smiling,” said Given. “But if they lose? I wouldn’t be shocked if he’s gone before Sunday.”
Amorim, meanwhile, is already thinking ahead.
“We’re expected to be in the Champions League,” he said in a press briefing. “This isn’t enough. The future starts now.”
A Game of Firsts and Lows
This will be the sixth all-English European final and the first involving two sides in such dire domestic straits.
The highest either can finish in the league is 14th—matching the lowest finish ever by a European trophy winner, set by West Ham in 2023.
Spurs have beaten United in all three of their meetings this season. They’ve led for 90% of match time across those games. And yet, neither side comes in with any real momentum.
In the Premier League, Tottenham’s shot conversion rate ranks sixth. United’s is second worst.
Three of the last four Europa League finals have gone to penalties. We may need them again.
The Bigger Picture
Both clubs are shadows of their former selves. But one will lift a trophy in Bilbao. One will earn a place at Europe’s top table next season. The other? They’ll be left with regret—and serious questions.
“It won’t be a great game,” Sutton predicted. “But it will be a fascinating one. Both teams are running on nerves.”
In a season full of lows, this final is a rare high-stakes moment. Not because of the quality on the pitch—but because of everything off it.
And that might be just enough to make it matter.
