Bilbao hosts an all-Premier League showdown of huge importance for both clubs
Tottenham and Manchester United will do battle for the Europa League trophy
AFP via Getty Images
Tottenham vs Manchester United LIVE!
This season's Europa League winners will be crowned tonight in an all-English final between Tottenham and Manchester United. Whilst it has been a Premier League campaign to forget for both sides, they have impressed on the European stage and are in the final on merit.
Spurs have, arguably, saved their best performances of the season for the Europa League knockout phase after beating Eintracht Frankfurt away from home and then getting the better of Bodo/Glimt in the semi-final. Man United, meanwhile, are still the only unbeaten side in European competition. Their route to Bilbao has already seen them record a win in Bilbao, whilst the dramatic comeback quarter-final second leg win over Lyon will go down in history as one of Old Trafford's special nights.
A massive game for both teams and not only will the winners get their hands on European silverware, but qualification for next season's Champions League is the additional reward. Follow the Europa League final LIVE below with Standard Sport’s dedicated match blog, with expert insight and analysis from Dan Kilpatrick at San Mames!
Tottenham vs Manchester United latest news
Tottenham's route to the Europa League final
After sealing a top-eight finish in the league phase of the Europa League this season, Spurs received a bye into the last-16.
They had to overturn a first-leg deficit against AZ to progress, beating Eintracht Frankfurt and then Bodo/Glimt in the quarter-final and semi-final respectively.
AFP via Getty Images
AP
Getty Images
Will Tottenham or Man United have to qualify for Champions League?
The winner of the final will become the latest Premier League side to book their place in next season’s Champions League.
Liverpool and Arsenal have already done so after wrapping up a top-five finish, and they will be joined by three of Newcastle, Chelsea, Aston Villa, Manchester City and Nottingham Forest.
There will therefore be six Premier League clubs in the competition next season, as a result of the rule that the Europa League winners earn a place in the top tier of European competition.
Full story here!
Getty Images
Tottenham to 'overwhelm' Bruno Fernandes in Europa League final
Ange Postecoglou urged his Tottenham players to “overwhelm” Bruno Fernandes in the Europa League final.
Spurs take on Manchester United on a huge night in Bilbao, as they go in search of a first piece of silverware since 2008 and a first European trophy in 41 years.
In a largely miserable season for Ruben Amorim’s side, Fernandes has been the standout player and Postecoglou made it clear Spurs must pay him particularly attention.
Read more here!
Manchester United via Getty Imag
Ange speaks pre-match
Ange Postecoglou has mentioned "running power" will be key tonight.
How many Europa League final tickets were Tottenham and Manchester United given?
The San Mames holds a capacity of just over 53,000, but as ever that has not just been split equally between the two clubs in the final.
The ticket allocation for Tottenham and Man United is 14,770, all of which were quickly snapped up.
UEFA’s website states that 41,000 tickets have been made available to "fans and the general public", suggesting just over 10,000 have been handed out in the ballot to neutrals.
The remaining 12,000 or so will be given out as UEFA see fit, largely to sponsors.
Read more here!
Getty Images
Dan Kilpatrick at San Mames
Not starting Son, his captain and talisman, is a huge call from Postecoglou and contrasts with Mauricio Pochettino's decision to start Harry Kane after injury in the 2019 Champions League Final.
Richarlison has earned a spot with disciplined displays in both legs against Bodo/Glimt, while Son's legs could be decisive from the bench.
But the Korean is a difference-maker on his day, and that could be decisive in a cagey game.
Sir Alex Ferguson is here!
Royalty has arrived in Bilbao as Sir Alex Ferguson, arguably, the greatest ever manager, is here for the Europa League final!
Getty Images
Man United changes
Just the one change to the Manchester United team that started against Chelsea last time out as Leny Yoro is passed fit and he replaces Victor Lindelof in central defence.
Elsewhere, Joshua Zirkzee is named on the bench after making a quicker than expected recovery from a hamstring injury.
Manchester United via Getty Imag
Tottenham changes
It is 10 changes from the Tottenham side that started the 2-0 loss at Aston Villa last Friday.
However, it’s a team that reflects how Spurs usually set up in the Europa League.
The big news is captain Heung-min Son is only on the bench, whilst Pape Matar Sarr is fit enough to start in midfield.
Manchester United team in full
Manchester United XI: Onana; Yoro, Maguire, Shaw; Mazraoui, Casemiro, Fernandes (c), Dorgu; Amad, Mount; Hojlund
Subs: Bayindir, Amass, Dalot, Evans, Heaven, Lindelof, Collyer, Eriksen, Mainoo, Ugarte, Garnacho, Zirkzee.
Latest updatesOlder updates
MORE ABOUT