Tottenham Hotspur’s battle against Manchester United is one of the strangest Europa League finals ever with both side desperate for a trophy to end their miserable campaigns.
Manchester United and Spurs sit 16th and 17th respectively in the Premier League table, picking up a combined 39 defeats in the league.
Yet both teams may be able to spare their blushes by winning the Europa League, guaranteeing qualification for the Champions League as the sixth English side for 2025-26.
Tottenham won their last trophy, the League Cup, 17 years ago, with their last European trophy coming 41 years ago, setting up a historic final for the Lilywhites.
For United, returning to the Champions League is a non-negotiable for a club of their stature.
The Red Devils are facing issues with defensive personnel as Matthijs de Ligt and Lisandro Martinez missing out on the all-important final.
Tottenham will face Manchester United in the Europa League final on Wednesday night
The two sides have had terrible Premier League campaigns but could end the season on a high
Conversely, the Lilywhites have suffered injuries to key midfielders, damaging their chances of European glory.
James Maddison and Lucas Bergvall will miss the rest of the season whilst Dejan Kulusevski has also been ruled out of the final.
Speaking on The Overlap Fan Debate, former Manchester United defender Gary Neville said: ‘I would choose every single player of Tottenham’s over Manchester United’s next Wednesday.
‘When you look at those players like for like with United, only Bruno [Fernandes] would get into the first XI of Spurs. I have got a sickly feeling about this game next Wednesday.’
But does Neville’s team correlate with Mail Sport’s combined XI for this season-defining Europa League final?
Goalkeeper: Guglielmo Vicario
It’s fair to say that both Vicario and United’s Andre Onana have been poor this season.
The Italian has conceded 33 goals in 23 starts in the Premier League for the Lilywhites equalling the same amount as Arsenal have conceded across the whole campaign!
Yet, Vicario is a bit more reliable than Onana who has made a comedy of errors in between the sticks this season, linking him with a move away from Old Trafford this summer.
Right back: Pedro Porro
The 25-year-old is the clear choice at right back in the team, given his outstanding attacking threat highlighted by his 13 goal involvements in all competitions.
Manchester United are susceptible to conceding goals from crosses and corners, so Spurs will need Porro’s expert deliveries to trouble the opponent’s shaky backline.
After a promising start to his United career, Noussair Mazraoui is nowhere near Porro’s attacking quality which could be pivotal to exploiting the Red Devils’ frailties.
Centre back: Cristian Romero
Despite facing criticism over his body language on and off the pitch, the Argentinian has put in some solid performances in the Europa League.
The 27-year-old World Cup and Copa America winner knows what it is like to taste success and will be eager to clinch the European title.
Linked with a possible move away to Atletico Madrid, Romero will be keen to deliver for his club of four years.
Although he’s faced criticism, an honourable mention must go to Harry Maguire who has been one of United’s best players in a shocking season.
Cristian Romero edges out Harry Maguire despite the United man’s turnaround in form
Centre back: Micky van de Ven
The Dutchman will partner Romero at the back, forming an athletic and pacey central-defensive duo.
Since his arrival to Spurs in 2023-24, the former Wolfsburg man has been one of Postecoglou’s best players when fit.
Capable of astonishing recovery runs and outstanding leadership, Van de Ven will be called upon to prevent Manchester United progressing into Spurs’ 18-yard box, despite Tottenham’s high line.
Left back: Destiny Udogie
Whilst his second season in north London has seen a decline in overall performances, the 22-year-old is the left back of choice for the side.
The Italian is a physical monster who is strong, quick and durable to keep going for the full 90 minutes.
His opposite number, 20-year-old Patrick Dorgu, has the makings of a superb left back, but his naivety and rashness lets him down, leading to problems for United down their left side.
Central midfielder: Manuel Ugarte
The Uruguayan is the first Red Devil to make the team after gradually improving following a shaky start to life in Manchester.
The former PSG and Sporting midfielder averages 3.6 tackles per 90 in all competitions this season, stopping threatening attacks.
Readers may be quick to point out the absence of Yves Bissouma who has been delivering some superb performances for Tottenham of late.
However, the Malian has been extremely inconsistent this season, often causing errors that lead to goals which has cost Spurs across the campaign.
Manuel Ugarte has continued to improve over the course of his debut campaign for the club
Central midfielder: Rodrigo Bentancur
One of Tottenham’s more consistent midfielders this season, the Uruguayan will sit next to his compatriot Ugarte in the midfield.
The ex-Juventus man has been tasked with covering every blade of grass in Postecoglou’s high pressing system, as shown by his 2.1 interceptions per 90 in all competitions.
The absence of Bergvall means Bentancur will need to step up in order to control the middle of the park.
Central midfielder: Bruno Fernandes
Manchester United’s talisman and captain, the Portuguese has been the one shining light in a grim season for the Red Devils.
Nineteen goals and 17 assists in all competitions, Fernandes will be at the heart of United’s attacking play.
His leadership and work rate sets him above the rest and Amorim will be relying on his captain to carry Manchester United to European glory.
Bruno Fernandes has been the one shining light in what has been a dark season for United
Right wing: Amad Diallo
Having been unfortunate with injuries this campaign, the Ivorian has enjoyed a sensational breakout season being one of the few dependable players.
Diallo has 10 goals and eight assists in all competitions this season with his pace and agility terrorising the opposition.
Left wing: Heung-min Son
Not a huge fan of this selection, but the South Korean gets the nod over the patchy Alejandro Garnacho on the left flank.
Son has registered 22 goal involvements this season, seeing a drop off in form as he leaves his prime years.
Although he is not the player of yesteryear, Spurs’ No 7 wants to lift a trophy and give the fans something to celebrate and his voice will be key on and off the pitch.
The 32-year-old touched on his desire to deliver silverware at Tottenham, he said: ‘The biggest reason I stayed at Tottenham was to do something others couldn’t achieve.
‘It feels different this time. I really want to win, more than anyone else.
‘So many people are supporting us with the same desperate passion I feel. If we prepare well, I believe we can achieve it.’
Heung-min Son may not be the player he was but he still remains a serious threat in attack
Striker: Dominic Solanke
Off the back of a 21 goal 2023-24 season with Bournemouth, Solanke hasn’t been able to match last season’s heights in North London.
It has been a transitionary season for the former Liverpool man, but 15 goals and 8 assists in all competitions is promising for his long-term future.
Conversely, Manchester United have struggled in the No 9 position, with Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee failing to impress.
