Paul Scholes has backed Manchester United to beat Tottenham Hotspur in the Europa League final, but even he admits Ange Postecoglou’s side are favourites going into the clash in Bilbao.
Tottenham Hotspur will fancy their chances in the Europa League final when they take on Manchester United at San Mames in Spain.
The Lilywhites have already beaten the Red Devils three times this season, and although Glenn Hoddle has warned that beating a Premier League side four times in one campaign is no easy feat, that is exactly what Postecoglou’s team must do to lift the trophy.
Now, Manchester United legend Paul Scholes has weighed in with his take on how he sees the contest playing out between his old club and Postecoglou’s side.
Paul Scholes backs Manchester United but admits Tottenham are Europa League favourites
Writing for TNT Sports, Scholes acknowledged that Spurs are the in-form team heading into the final, but he still tipped Manchester United to emerge victorious because of their historic success in Europe.
“When you look at the recent matches between the two teams, then you will probably have to make Tottenham the slight favourites,” he wrote.
“But Manchester United are used to being in finals. Even in recent bad periods, they are still reaching finals and winning trophies and I think that experience is big. Tottenham will probably be the best team on the night, but I just think United will have enough to win.”
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Indeed, a lot has been made of Tottenham’s lack of European pedigree, with pundits like Jamie Carragher also tipping Manchester United to beat Spurs purely on the strength of their European experience.
However, it is worth noting that Tottenham Hotspur have not lost any of their last six matches against Manchester United in all competitions.
While they have not lifted a European trophy in recent years, the club have previously won this title in 1971/72 and 1983/84.
Postecoglou and his players will undoubtedly have to produce a near-perfect display to get the better of Manchester United, but based on recent meetings and their overall form this season, Tottenham can go into the final on Wednesday 21 May with quiet confidence.