- Tottenham have forced Manchester United into a major kit change
- The two English sides will play in Bilbao for a spot in the Champions League
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Tottenham have forced Manchester United into a major kit change ahead of the Europa League final because of a tradition that dates back 64 years.
The two English sides will battle it out in Bilbao for a spot in next season’s Champions League which can only be claimed by the winner.
As both sides will finish outside of the European places in the Premier League – with Man United in 16th and Spurs in 17th – the final at San Mames has an added element of importance for two sides who would otherwise expect to be in Europe.
However, disappointing domestic campaigns for Ange Postecoglou and Ruben Amorim mean the two finalists will finish the 2024-25 season in their lowest-ever Premier League positions.
United have also been dealt a further setback as they must wear a slightly-altered kit for the showpiece event in the Basque Country.
This is because Tottenham’s home kit takes precedence as they were drawn as the ‘home’ team for the contest.
Tottenham have forced Manchester United into a major kit change ahead of the Europa League final
United have been dealt a setback as they must wear a slightly-altered kit for the contest
While the Lilywhites have worn white shirts with navy shorts and white socks while in action in the Premier League this season, that differs in European competition.
Owing to a tradition that dates back to 1961, Spurs wear all-white in Europe.
This means United must black shorts and black socks in the final to go with their famous red shirts.
They previously wore the combination during their away trip to Real Sociedad back in March, which ended as a 1-1 draw.
Meanwhile, Andre Onana will wear green in goal for the Red Devils while Guglielmo Vicario sports a yellow jersey.
The tradition of Spurs wearing all-white was introduced by their then-manager Bill Nicholson after they reached Europe for the first time that year.
Having won the league and cup double the previous season, Nicholson reasoned that the kit would be easier to distinguish on poorly-lit pitches.
Since then, the north London side have won two UEFA Cups and a UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup – and they will hope to add the Europa League to their cabinet on Wednesday night as they chase a first trophy since 2008.
