It’s fair to say that Tottenham and Man United find themselves in a unique – and somewhat bizarre – situation as they head into Wednesday’s Europa League final.
Though they’ve both endured domestic campaigns to forget, sitting 17th and 16th respectively, there is still a chance of securing silverware and delivering success.
Ange Postecoglou has remained defiant that he can bring a trophy to north London but will have to get past Ruben Amorim’s United in order to do so – who are unbeaten in Europe.
With a golden ticket back to the Champions League dangling before both coaches, there is everything to play for when they meet at the Estadio de San Mames.
The two sides have already faced off on three occasions this season – with Tottenham winning all of them – however, will they be able to find victory once again?
Here, Mail Sport’s writers offer their predictions for Wednesday night’s clash.
Tottenham and Manchester United will meet in Wednesday night’s Europa League final
Both teams are looking to salvage their respective seasons with a piece of silverware
ISAAN KHAN
They are both unpredictable teams, but I can see Manchester United edging this — despite Tottenham having already overcome them three times this season.
Ruben Amorim’s men have game-changers like Bruno Fernandes who can pull out a magic moment from nowhere.
Spurs are also prone to occasional ‘Spursy’ moments where they capitulate when in sight of glory.
What is clear is that both teams badly need a win to somewhat salvage their dire seasons by securing Champions League football. It tips this game to being a hard-fought affair which could easily reach extra-time.
Verdict: Man United win
JAMES SHARPE
I do worry how big the impact of injuries to chief creators James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski will have on Ange Postecoglou’s side – and how much the burden of hope and history will weigh on their shoulders.
For however bad Manchester United have been, they still know what it feels like to play in major finals and, crucially, how to win them. Spurs don’t. That longing for silverware means it will be impossible to treat this as just another game.
Postecoglou, however, has found a way thus far of turning that into a focus and not a fear. Spurs have the better players, too, certainly in defence, up front… and definitely in goal! Even without Maddison and Kulusevski, their attacking full-backs Pedro Porro and Destiny Udogie can have some joy and will be key.
I think Spurs get it done… just.
Verdict: Tottenham win
Man United playmaker Bruno Fernandes has the ability to win the game single-handedly
Tottenham’s players will be confident heading into the tie having beaten United three times
MATT BARLOW
I’m backing Spurs with not a lot of confidence, on the basis of the three wins against Manchester United this season and the vital Romero and Van de Ven axis in central defence.
Those two have started together in the last five Europa League ties and Postecoglou’s team have won four and drawn one. Tottenham are a different proposition when they both play, and they have barely been together in the Premier League for weeks.
Although still not perfect, of course. And they lack midfield creativity without Maddison, Bergvall or Kulusevski so I don’t expect full throttle Ange Ball.
Maybe something of a hybrid tactical model with less risk in midfield and quick counterattacking… Spurs 3 Man United 1
Verdict: Tottenham win
LEWIS STEELE
Manchester United – because even at their worst, they always win stuff. And even when Spurs are at their best, they do not.
I can just see United turning up on the night and winning.
Verdict: Man United win
RIATH AL-SAMARRAI
Tottenham win. Beating United has been their single point of consistency this season and there the evidence trail goes cold for predictions around these sides.
It might also be a case of Tottenham’s need outweighing United’s want – for all Postecoglou’s shortcomings I’ve rarely noticed an obvious lack of desire but elements of United have been phoning it in.
Verdict: Tottenham win
NATHAN SALT
I am not expecting a thriller but I do just believe that finals often fall on the shoulders of the best players and United will have the two best on the pitch in Bruno Fernandes and Amad Diallo.
I’m also not going to downplay the amount of final experience in United’s ranks to drag them over the line. Casemiro has played in 19 career senior finals and won them all. That counts for something in games between sides as poor as these two are.
Narrow United win for me.
Verdict: Man United win
Spurs secured their place in the final after beating Norwegian minnows Bodo/Glimt
Man United beat Athletic Bilbao over two legs to reach the showpiece event in Bilbao
CRAIG HOPE
I fear this will be a game that both teams are scared to lose and not quite good enough to go and win.
That being the case, I wouldn’t be surprised if this went the distance after a goalless draw. I’m going for Spurs to win on penalties.
Verdict: Tottenham win
JOE BERNSTEIN
Given it’s impossible for both teams to lose, I take Spurs to maintain Ange’s second-season record.
There’s not much hard evidence admittedly but this is the year of ending trophy droughts (Newcastle, Crystal Palace) and the timing of Son Heung-Min’s return from injury has been timed perfectly for him to be the hero
Verdict: Tottenham win
CHRIS WHEELER
Who knows what to expect from these two teams this season? Spurs have already beaten United three times and could easily make it four at the San Mames.
But United seem to have a little more momentum going into the final, in terms of Amad Diallo and Mason Mount coming back into fitness and form compared to Tottenham losing two key players in James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski.
United have somehow managed to stay unbeaten in Europe and I think their record will stay intact.
Verdict: Man United win
IAN HERBERT
United have been a different side in Europe all season and in Bruno Fernandes they have a player who has been an inspiration these past nine months and who for me is on another level to anyone else from either of these sides.
I also have a sneaking suspicion that this could be Amad Diallo’s final. Amazingly, it’s his third Europa League final and he’s looking to make up for previous disappointments.
The mood around United simply seems more positive than around Spurs, despite their own league season having been just as much a disaster.
Verdict: Man United win
It will be the fourth meeting between the struggling Premier League sides in the campaign
MARTIN KEOWN
You can never write off Manchester United with their history, but I don’t see Lady Luck shining down upon them on this occasion, as Tottenham should have enough to win this tactical battle, even with their injuries.
Verdict: Tottenham win
CHRIS SUTTON
I’ve got a gut feeling that Manchester United sneak this, as much as I would prefer to see Ange Postecoglou get over the line and stick two fingers up to everyone who has been questioning him and his approach.
Verdict: Man United win
