Europa League final: Ange’s last chance to bury Tottenham’s embarrassing campaign

Despite both teams’ embarrassing campaigns, the pressure is mounting on Ange Postecoglou - who is facing an uncertain future - to bury Tottenham’s track record. ROBBIE SLATER breaks down this year’s Europa League final.

There is no picking a favourite to win this year’s Europa League final – both Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur’s form is so erratic and unpredictable that you just never know what they will deliver on the day.

Neutral fans will argue that neither side deserves the chance to fight for a spot in the Champions League given their dismal form in the Premier League ... but this is just the way it works.

This game will give Ange Postecoglou’s Tottenham and Ruben Amorim’s United a final chance to bury their embarrassing performances, the worst for either club in Premier League history.

Manchester United sit 16th on the ladder, Tottenham 17th. The lowest placed teams outside the three clubs relegated to the lower division.

But while Tottenham had a slightly worse track record in the league, they have beaten United three times this season.

The Tottenham Hotspurs have been unpredictable. Picture: Michael Steele/Getty Images

Going for a fourth win in a season can boost you with a lot of confidence but on the flip side beating a team four times in a row in the same season is some feat.

It would be huge for Postecoglou if he can pull this off.

He has been on one giant roller coaster ride this year, with more downhills than ups.

But he came out with some very memorable statements.

After the Carabao Cup clash against United, in which Tottenham had a 3-0 lead and only narrowly won 4-3, Postecoglou asked a journalist post match “were you not entertained?”.

And then in another interview when a journalist asked about his record of “often” winning in his second season, the Australian coach replied “no I always win trophies in my second season”.

And now he has a big chance of doing that again.

Postecoglou certainly has more riding on this given rumours he is on the out at Tottenham. Amoran’s contract is locked in for next season so he isn’t fighting for his life.

Both managers have approached this final differently.

The pressure is on Ange Postecoglou. Picture: Justin Setterfield/Getty Images

Postecoglou has opted to rest most of his squad in the league games while Amoran has still been putting his full strength team on the pitch.

Son Heung-min started against Aston Villa at the weekend for Tottenham. He has been a loyal servant to Tottenham and deserves a medal or trophy of some sort after spending the best years of his career at the club. He is looking sharp.

Postecoglou will no doubt stick with Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven as his centre half pairing. Pape Sarr was taken off in the Aston Villa game, if he is given the all clear and is fit he will play.

For United a lot of it will come down to Bruno Fernandes. When he is in good form United are in good form, which hasn’t been very often this season.

A first trophy for their club awaits for one of these managers... ⌛#UELfinalpic.twitter.com/EQkNgfdUtV

— UEFA Europa League (@EuropaLeague) May 19, 2025

Harry Maguire brings in a lot of experience to the backline. And Mason Mount has struggled with injury and criticism since his move to the club from Chelsea but he won man of the match in the semi final against Bilbao.

Regardless of who is on the pitch it is going to be an interesting final.

Both team’s form in the Europa League has been a huge contrast to their efforts in the Premier League.

The teams have been so inconsistent, I wouldn’t be surprised by any result.

If Postecoglou does pull off the win it would be an amazing feat – an Australian lifting a major European football trophy. It would be historic.

Tottenham and Manchester United will go head to head in the Europa League final at 5am Thursday (AEST).