Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United are set to clash in an all-English final of the 2024-25 Europa League at San Mames Stadium in Bilbao, Spain on Wednesday (May 21).
In their domestic campaigns, both sides suffered disappointing seasons, experiencing one of their worst runs in recent history. After 37 matches, United and Spurs are placed 16th and 17th, respectively, hovering just above relegation. This final stands as their sole chance to win a trophy this season and earn a place in the next UEFA Champions League.

Nonetheless, beyond poor form, injuries have also plagued both teams. Particularly for Spurs, injuries have significantly impacted their midfield and defence. Conversely, several crucial players have resumed training for United.
Tottenham Hotspur
In the midfield, James Madison, Dejan Kulusevski, and Lucas Bergvall will be absent. At the back, Radu Dragusin and Sergio Reguilon are ruled out. Up front, Spurs will be without Dane Scarlett and Timo Werner. Nevertheless, the return of Heung-min Son and Pape Matar Sarr from injuries will strengthen the North London side’s attack.
Manchester United
Meanwhile, United boss Ruben Amorim will be glad to have key players like Leny Yoro, Joshua Zirkzee, and Diogo Dalot back in the squad. Still, Lisandro Martinez is ruled out due to injury, and Dutch defender Matthijs de Ligt may also miss the match.
Tottenham’s defence, consisting of Pedro Porro, Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven and Destiny Udogie, has shown strong performances in the Europa League knockouts. Goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario has also delivered consistently.
In midfield, following the loss of key players, Ange Postecoglou may opt for a practical trio comprising Sarr, Bentancur, and Bissouma. The inclusion of Sarr will be a positive, potentially anchoring the midfield beside Rodrigo Bentancur and Yves Bissouma. Given the midfield setbacks, Son and Solanke will face tremendous pressure to perform.
On the other side, Amorim will likely deploy a near-complete lineup. In defence, Leny Yoro could start instead of Luke Shaw, alongside Harry Maguire and Noussair Mazraoui. The midfield is expected to feature Patrick Dorgu, Casemiro, Manuel Ugarte, and Amad Diallo. The attacking front will see Rasmus Hojlund supported by Bruno Fernandes and Alejandro Garnacho.
Tottenham Hotspur Predicted Playing XI (4-3-3): Pedro Porro, Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven, Destiny Udogie; Pape Matar Sarr, Yves Bissouma, Rodrigo Bentancur; Brennan Johnson, Dominic Solanke, Heung-min Son
Manchester United Predicted Playing XI (3-4-2-1): Andre Onana; Noussair Mazraoui, Harry Maguire, Leny Yoro; Amad Diallo, Manuel Ugarte, Casemiro, Patrick Dorgu; Bruno Fernandes, Alejandro Garnacho; Rasmus Hojlund
United’s forward line looks strong for this clash. Postecoglou’s commitment to his high-pressing, attacking style despite the injuries will be a major factor. A makeshift midfield might offer structure for Spurs but could lack the creativity to break down United’s backline. Their depleted midfield may struggle to cope with United’s attacking depth, especially with Fernandes, Hojlund, Mount, and Diallo in the mix.
Amorim, meanwhile, is expected to rely on United’s rich attacking resources, led by Bruno Fernandes, this Europa League’s top scorer and Rasmus Hojlund. Mason Mount, who netted twice off the bench in the semifinal against Athletic Club, and Amad Diallo, who provided an assist in that game, are also in good form and could make meaningful impacts. The return of Joshua Zirkzee further bolsters their attack. However, the absence of Martinez and doubt over De Ligt may create defensive gaps that Son and Solanke could exploit.
However, Spurs’ strong record against United this season, having won all three previous meetings, will boost their confidence. United, however, have excelled in the Europa League, staying unbeaten and netting 12 goals in their last three matches in the competition.
Despite Spurs’ success against the Red Devils earlier this season, considering current form and other variables, United are predicted to win the contest.
Tottenham Hotspur 1:2 Manchester United