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Arsenal legend Martin Keown has made a shock prediction for the Europa League final, claiming one Manchester United star won’t “turn up” vs Tottenham.

Man Utd and Spurs have their biggest game of the 2024/25 season on Wednesday night as they meet in the Europa League final.

The two Big Six sides have been fully focused on the Europa League in recent months as they have taken their foot off the gas in the Premier League even more.

Their performances in the Premier League have been shambolic as they sit 16th and 17th in the table with one game remaining, but their respective runs in the Europa League have been a saving grace.

Wednesday’s game is huge for a couple of reasons, as a trophy, Champions League football and an increased budget are on offer.

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It has been suggested that Man Utd’s winning mentality will be an advantage over Spurs, with captain Bruno Fernandes expected to make a big difference.

Former Spurs and Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy reckons Fernandes is the “only player” on either side who “can create magic”.

“My Tottenham roots pull me towards them and I want them to win of course,” Murphy said on Match of the Day 2.

“But I think Manchester United have the only player in both the sides whose reliable in the big games and can create magic: Bruno Fernandes.

“I think he’s been a shining light and he’ll make the difference.”

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Keown disagrees with Murphy, though. He has backed Spurs to beat Man Utd as he cannot see Fernandes “turning up on the night” and named a surprise alternative to be the game’s “standout player”.

He said: “I think Spurs will win it, I honestly do.

“I know it could be a long night, maybe Manchester United will look for extra-time and penalties but I feel like Spurs can win this.”

On Fernandes, he said: “I don’t think he’ll turn up on the night.

“I actually think Dominic Solanke might be the standout player. £65million will be like a snip if they win it.”

Fernandes has been Man Utd’s only consistent performer this season and he has saved them on several occasions while his teammates have been below par.

So it is hard to see where Keown gets this verdict from, with his backing of Solanke also pretty wild considering the other players with experience of finals in Man Utd’s squad, particularly Fernandes and Casemiro.

Manchester United and Tottenham go to Bilbao for the Europa League final in worse form than Leicester…

Somehow, United or Spurs will play Champions League football next season despite both teams being record-breakingly bad in the Premier League.

A Europa League victory on Wednesday night will allow one of those banterific sides to sit at the top table of European football next season, despite neither deserving to be anywhere near.

Especially when you consider their recent form.

Yes, the Europa League became the priority for both clubs some weeks ago – but the extent to which they have tossed off their domestic duties has been shameful.

In their last 10 games, since the beginning of March and before the last-16 ties, United and Spurs have won one game each – both against sides now relegated.

United beat Leicester, but even the Foxes have been better than the Red Devils or Spurs since the beginning of March. In that time, Ruud van Nistelrooy’s side have set their own new records for wretchedness.

United haven’t beaten a team who will compete in the Premier League since the middle of December. In that time, Spurs have only won twice against those sides – one of them being United.

Here’s just how bad United and Tottenham have been in their last 10 games…

PL TABLE SINCE MARCH 1, 2025

Who will come out on top in the Bilbao battle of the banter clubs?

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If this table doesn’t highlight just how dire United have been, we have five more.

Tottenham have reportedly made an offer for Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze after his heroics at Wembley over the weekend.

Ange Postecoglou’s side are having a nightmare season in the Premier League with Spurs currently 17th in the table heading into the final two matches of the campaign.

Tottenham have lost 21 of their 36 games so far this season and it is only their run in the Europa League that has saved Postecoglou from being under even more pressure.

There are rumours that he could face the sack at the end of the season, regardless of their result on Wednesday in the Europa League final against Manchester United, but victory would give them a place in next season’s Champions League.

That would provide them with the funds to bring in top-quality players to boost their squad next season after a tough season for Tottenham supporters.

Crystal Palace attacker Eze is still one of the players they are interested in ahead of the summer after he scored a early goal in the FA Cup final on Saturday against Manchester City to give the Eagles their first major trophy in the club’s history.

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Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano revealed in March that Tottenham want to sign Eze but said that a summer deal could be difficult for two reasons.

Romano said: “He’s on Spurs list since 2023, he’s always been highly rated at the club. But the release clause is very expensive and the payment for the clause is not allowed in 3/4 years as usually happens, so that’s what makes the deal difficult – and there are more clubs also keen.”

When asked in April if Eze could be leaving Crystal Palace in the summer, Romano added: “Yes it’s a possibility. But nothing has been decided yet, in terms of clubs or negotiations. The situation will be one to assess in the summer.”

And now Spanish publication Fichajes insist that Tottenham have made an ‘offer’ of £68m for Eze ahead of the summer transfer window.

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It is claimed that Crystal Palace have ‘made it clear they are willing to consider offers for their star player’ as long as clubs meet his £68m release clause.

Tottenham ‘have been closely monitoring the player for some time and are willing to put the money on the table’ with Spurs seeing him as a ‘perfect fit’ for their project.

Spurs reckon the England international ‘could be the ideal partner for the forwards’ in Postecoglou’s current squad and that his ‘versatility in moving across different areas of attack makes him a very attractive option’.

It is understood that ‘everything indicates’ that ‘barring any surprises’ Tottenham could soon ‘sign the player’ as part of their summer planning.

But former Tottenham goalkeeper Paul Robinson is unconvinced that Spurs can sign a player of Eze’s calibre, especially if they don’t qualify for the Champions League.

Robinson told Football Insider: “On the Eze question, there’s absolutely no chance.

“Absolutely no chance whatsoever of them even [being] in the conversation for a player like Eze without Champions League football, without a Champions League budget.

“If Tottenham don’t win that Europa League, they’re back to square one without a manager again, and [signing] Eze is not even in the conversation.”

Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer have revealed their predictions for Wednesday’s Europa League final between Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur.

Man Utd and Tottenham’s seasons are riding on Wednesday’s Europa League final as they look to salvage something from their disastrous domestic campaigns.

The struggling Big Six pair sit 16th and 17th in the Premier League table with one game remaining, while they have also failed in the FA Cup and Carabao Cup.

Despite this, their runs in the Europa League have been a saving grace and a spot in next season’s Champions League – plus a huge budget increase – is up for grabs on Wednesday night.

Lineker, Shearer and Micah Richards discussed the final on the Rest is Football, with two of them picking Spurs to beat Man Utd.

“My prediction is going to be 2-2 or 3-3 after extra time and Spurs to win on penalties,” Shearer said on the latest episode of The Rest is Football.

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Lineker replied: “Oh, he’s gone full on there, sounds like a World Cup final. I’m going to have to go for Spurs, I couldn’t not.

Shearer then asked whether Lineker thinks Spurs will win in normal time or “after 90 minutes”.

To which, the presenter replied: “Well, I’ve got this feeling that it’s the teams that have not won for ages this year.

“And I think they’re going to, I don’t know about 90 minutes or, I think it could easily go to extra time.”

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Richards disagreed with his colleagues, though. He backed two Man Utd players to make a decisive difference in the final.

“I’m going to say, I think a lot of people have laughed off Casemiro or laughed at him for a while now,” Richards said.

“But I think in these competitions, sometimes it goes down to set pieces. So I’m going to say Bruno assist for a Casemiro goal, one nil.”

Richards has followed Man Utd legend Roy Keane in backing Amorim’s side to beat Spurs.

Keane claimed one factor “might edge” the final.

“You still have to fancy United, someone like Bruno can produce, the history of Manchester United still carries a little bit of weight,” Keane told Sky Sports.

“There’s not much between them [in the league] but come the crunch, come the final, United’s history in finals, them winning cups the last few years, you’d like to think they would have a bit more knowledge around the game than Spurs.

“That might edge it for them, and I think Bruno can produce that bit of magic.”

Manchester United legend Roy Keane has revealed his prediction for the Europa League final as his former side prepares to face Tottenham Hotspur.

Man Utd and Spurs are enduring a disastrous season as they have stooped to an embarrassing new low in the Premier League, sitting 16th and 17th in the table.

Luckily for them, they could still salvage something from this season as they meet in the Europa League final next Wednesday.

This is a massive game as a trophy and a spot in next season’s Champions League is at stake, with the loser facing a severe financial blow ahead of a season without European football.

Man Utd and Spurs are yet to reach 40 points in the Premier League as each team lost their respective games against Chelsea and Aston Villa on Friday night, with it clear that they have taken their foot off the gas in the league as they focus on the Europa League.

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Keane has revealed his prediction for the Europa League final, claiming one factor could “edge it” for Man Utd.

“You still have to fancy United, someone like Bruno can produce, the history of Manchester United still carries a little bit of weight,” Keane told Sky Sports.

“There’s not much between them [in the league] but come the crunch, come the final, United’s history in finals, them winning cups the last few years, you’d like to think they would have a bit more knowledge around the game than Spurs.

“That might edge it for them, and I think Bruno can produce that bit of magic.”

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Jamie Redknapp added: “[Dejan] Kulusevski’s injury is a massive blow for Spurs, it feels like a 50/50 game for me. For Tottenham, it is an opportunity to change the narrative and history of the club.

“If they win a cup, their league position will be irrelevant … if they win a cup, then the players will have hero status.”

When pushed for a verdict on who he thinks will win, Redknapp admitted: “I haven’t got a clue!”

After his side’s 1-0 loss to Chelsea, head coach Ruben Amorim confirmed he doesn’t have any more injuries to deal with ahead of the final.

“I felt that, in the end, we will get all the players,” Amorim revealed after the final whistle at Stamford Bridge.

“I think they are okay. In every game, you can understand it helps me a lot to choose the starting XI for the final. So we will see.

“Yes, there’s nothing. Of course, Luke [Shaw] and Mason [Mount] were guys we need to take care of. The other guys are fine.”

A pundit has predicted the winner of the Europa League final between Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur, with one reason given as the deciding factor.

Man Utd and Spurs have their biggest game of the 2024/25 campaign next Wednesday as they face each other in the Europa League final.

This campaign has been disastrous for the two clubs as they sit 16th and 17th in the Premier League table with two games remaining.

The Big Six duo have also failed in domestic cup competitions, but they could salvage something from a poor season by winning the Europa League and sneaking into next season’s Champions League.

Earlier this week, Man Utd legend Paul Scholes made an “illogical” prediction for the final.

“I have no logical reason why United should win it, other than recent experience and history,” Scholes claimed.

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“Look at Real Madrid in the last five years. They’ve not been a great team at time but that history just takes them to it.

“Realistically they should win it, they’ve beaten us the last three games. I think you’ll probably be the best team on the night, play really well but we’ll win.

“We seem to find 10 or 15 minute spells where we win games. I think that’s what’ll happen.”

Former Premier League forward Stan Collymore disagrees with Scholes’ call, though. He has backed Spurs to beat Man Utd amid one vital factor.

“I can see both finals going to extra time,” Collymore said in his Caught Offside column.

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“In the Europa League, I could very easily see it ending 2-2 or 3-3 after 90 minutes because there is so much uncertainty surrounding how Tottenham and Man United will perform in Bilbao.

“Both teams have injuries, and because those that are available will be desperate not to sustain knocks in the build-up, they could be caught cold.

“It could very much be a toss of a coin for who win – but if I stick my neck out, I think Tottenham will take it because they have got the better of Man United in the previous three meetings this season.

“The Chelsea-Betis final in the UEFA Conference League will be much closer than people think.

“I can see the difference being the odd goal, but although Betis have players like Antony and Isco in top form, I can see Enzo Maresca’s side taking the win due to their attacking talent.”

Paul Scholes admits there is no logic to his Europa League final prediction while Gary Neville agrees “club mentality” could be key despite his “sickly feeling”.

Manchester United face Tottenham in the Europa League final next week in a battle between the 16th and 17th best teams in the Premier League.

Ahead of the clash, on The Overlap Fan Debate, Neville revealed his “sickly feeling about the game”.

“I’ve genuinely got a sickly feeling about this game next Wednesday,” Neville said on The Overlap Fan Debate.

“The biggest reason is when I look at every single player in the Tottenham team, when you look at (Dejan) Kulusevski, Son (Heung-min), Brennan Johnson, (Dominic) Solanke, if (James) Maddison was there, (Yves) Bissouma and (Pape Matar) Sarr, (Cristian) Romero and (Micky) Van de Ven, (Pedro) Porro and (Destiny) Udogie, when you look at those players, like-for-like with United’s, only Bruno (Fernandes) would get into the first 11 of Spurs.

“I would select every single Tottenham player. The goalkeeper is a 50-50 split because I don’t like (Guglielmo) Vicario and I’m not a fan of (Andre) Onana.

“Honestly, Udogie, Porro, Van de Ven, Romero, Bissouma, Sarr, Johnson, Maddison, Solanke, Kulusevski, Son, I would choose every single player of Tottenham’s over Manchester United’s next Wednesday. That’s my worry.”

He continued: “The one thing that keeps me alive – the likes of a Casemiro, a Bruno, they’ve got something in them that will step up for a one-off game, that means I think that we’ll win.

“But if the players play as they should do, pound-for-pound, Tottenham should win that game.”

Scholes reckons United’s recent history of finding a way to get over the line will prove decisive despite his former side losing to Spurs three times already this season, claiming the Red Devils are similar to Real Madrid in that regard.

He said: “I have no logical reason why United should win it, other than recent experience and history.

“Look at Real Madrid in the last five years. They’ve not been a great team at time but that history just takes them to it.

“Realistically they should win it, they’ve beaten us the last three games. I think you’ll probably be the best team on the night, play really well but we’ll win.

“We seem to find 10 or 15 minute spells where we win games. I think that’s what’ll happen.”

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Neville agreed, adding: “It’s not about history really, it’s about a club mentality because history sounds like it’s sort of nostalgic, it’s not.

“It’s a mentality of a fanbase and club that think we’re going there and not coming out of this city until we’ve won. We know that can change, that could look stupid next Wednesday.

“You should with talent on the pitch, you’ve got better forwards, better centre halves, you’ve got better midfield players, other than Bruno, you should win that game.

“You’ve beaten us the last three times because you’re a better team than us. The big surprise you should look at most is what Newcastle did against Liverpool because that was a big shock.

“I was amazed about how Newcastle did they beat Liverpool really well on the day.”

Manchester United legend Gary Neville has revealed his “sickly feeling” about Tottenham Hotspur as he’s predicted the outcome of the Europa League final.

Man Utd have their biggest game of the season next Wednesday as they face Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur in the Europa League final.

This has been an embarrassing season for the Red Devils as they could finish 17th in the Premier League, while they have fallen short in the FA Cup and Carabao Cup.

United’s run in the Europa League has been their only saving grace as they would sneak into next season’s Champions League if they beat Spurs in next week’s final.

Neville has revealed his prediction for the Europa League final, admitting he has a “sickly feeling about the game” for one main reason.

“I’ve genuinely got a sickly feeling about this game next Wednesday,” Neville said on The Overlap Fan Debate.

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“The biggest reason is when I look at every single player in the Tottenham team, when you look at (Dejan) Kulusevski, Son (Heung-min), Brennan Johnson, (Dominic) Solanke, if (James) Maddison was there, (Yves) Bissouma and (Pape Matar) Sarr, (Cristian) Romero and (Micky) Van de Ven, (Pedro) Porro and (Destiny) Udogie, when you look at those players, like-for-like with United’s, only Bruno (Fernandes) would get into the first 11 of Spurs.

“I would select every single Tottenham player. The goalkeeper is a 50-50 split because I don’t like (Guglielmo) Vicario and I’m not a fan of (Andre) Onana.

“Honestly, Udogie, Porro, Van de Ven, Romero, Bissouma, Sarr, Johnson, Maddison, Solanke, Kulusevski, Son, I would choose every single player of Tottenham’s over Manchester United’s next Wednesday. That’s my worry.”

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He continued: “The one thing that keeps me alive – the likes of a Casemiro, a Bruno, they’ve got something in them that will step up for a one-off game, that means I think that we’ll win.

“But if the players play as they should do, pound-for-pound, Tottenham should win that game.”

Neville has also pointed out why the Red Devils face a “really worrying” situation if they don’t win the Europa League.

“When I look now at what’s going on, it’s really worrying,” Neville added.

“If they don’t win the Europa League, that means they won’t have the players they want next season which means they might not get the Champions League again, which means they literally kick it on for another two or three years.”

Manchester United players are reportedly ‘unhappy’ with Sir Jim Ratcliffe for only offering two tickets per player for the Europa League final against Tottenham Hotspur.

United have been horrendous in the Premier League this season but are the only side unbeaten in Europe, deservedly reaching the Europa League final after a 7–1 aggregate win over Athletic Bilbao in the semi-finals.

They will face Ange Postecoglou’s Tottenham in Bilbao, with a place in next season’s Champions League and £100 million on the line.

Spurs have been equally dismal domestically, sitting 17th in the Premier League with a staggering 20 losses in 36 matches.

Like United, they’ve saved their best performances for Thursday nights, and will feel confident ahead of the final, having already beaten the Red Devils three times this season with an aggregate score of 8–3.

United co-owner Ratcliffe has upset both players and supporters with several controversial decisions during his time at the club, and he’s reportedly angered the squad by limiting each player to just two tickets for family and friends.

A BBC report on Monday confirmed the news, stating that players will be restricted to two free tickets each for next week’s final, while first-team staff have also been told they won’t receive complimentary tickets.

United’s logic is that they are “committed to ensuring as many tickets as possible from the club’s official 15,000 allocation go to supporters” — and definitely not because they don’t want to foot the bill for players’ families.

On the bright side? They’ve been promised a barbecue if they beat Spurs. Whoop. Whoop.

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Now, the Daily Mail reports that players are ‘unhappy’ as Ratcliffe and his INEOS team remain ‘determined to keep costs to a minimum.’

Those lucky enough to be invited will land 60 miles away from the final location in Bilbao on the morning of the match and ‘won’t have the chance to celebrate with the players if they beat Spurs’, as the return flight from Santander departs at 2:15am — more than an hour’s drive from San Mames.

Players can buy up to ten more tickets at face value (£55 to £200), but must also pay for additional flights and hotel rooms. Meanwhile, a package through the club’s official travel partner reportedly costs around £900.

The report adds that even players looking to charter their own private jets might struggle to find a landing slot in the Basque Country at such short notice.

To rub salt in the wounds, travelling staff haven’t been granted complimentary tickets, while other full-time colleagues can only attend via a ballot.

Those not travelling to Bilbao have been invited to a screening at Diecast in Manchester, where they’ll receive two free drinks — though their plus-ones will have to pay for themselves.

In contrast, it’s been revealed that Spurs are offering a free ticket to every full-time employee.

We’ve picked out our best betting tips as Champions League hopefuls Aston Villa host Europa League finalists Tottenham Hotspur at Villa Park on Friday night.

For Villa, this one is huge. Win it, and they could leap into the top five, at least temporarily, while piling the pressure on Chelsea and Manchester United heading into the final weekend.

For Tottenham? Not so much. With their Premier League season long dead and the Europa League final against Manchester United looming large next week, this fixture is more about resting legs than chasing points.

Ange Postecoglou’s side arrive in dire domestic form, winless in five and battered 2-0 by Crystal Palace last time out. That match saw more injury concerns emerge and a clear sign of minds drifting toward Europe.

Villa, meanwhile, ground out a 1-0 win over Fulham to keep their European chase alive and are now unbeaten in four at home, winning their last three by an aggregate score of 8-2.

Unai Emery’s men were battered 4-1 by Spurs back in November, but this is a very different context. Revenge, motivation, and momentum are all on Villa’s side.

Aston Villa vs Tottenham prediction

This game matters a great deal more to Aston Villa, so their team selection, performance, and mindset should reflect that.

Spurs have lost 19 league games this season, more than any other top-half side, and are likely to rotate heavily. Expect fringe players, youngsters, and a general lack of intensity from a side with bigger fish to fry.

On the other hand, Villa haven’t lost a Premier League home match since Matchday 2 and have won seven of their last eight at Villa Park. They’ve also scored in 17 of 18 at home this season, while Spurs have conceded 12 in their last four away.

We’re expecting Villa to dominate. While a clean sheet may be too much to ask, given Spurs have scored in nine of their last 10, a high-scoring win for the home side feels very much on the cards.

Ollie Watkins has two games left to match last season’s tally of 19 goals. He’s sat on 16 for the campaign, but surely he’ll recognise an opportunity to add to that tally on Friday.

Don’t be surprised if Villa win by a healthy margin against a distracted and disinterested Tottenham side.

And if you fancy any of our predictions below to come true, you can back them here.

Aston Villa team news

Jacob Ramsey misses out through suspension after picking up a red card last time out, while Marcus Rashford is almost certain to remain sidelined with a hamstring issue.

Youri Tielemans faces a late fitness test but could make the bench. Other than that, Unai Emery has a strong squad available and plenty of reasons to go full strength.

Emi Martnez, Matty Cash, Ezri Konsa, and Pau Torres should retain their places, while Ian Maatsen could replace Lucas Digne.

With Ramsey and Rashford absent, John McGinn may start on the left side.

Marco Asensio has reclaimed a starting role behind Watkins in recent weeks.

Aston Villa expected line-up

Martinez – Cash, Konsa, Torres, Maatsen – Kamara, Onana, Tielemans – Rogers, Asensio, McGinn – Watkins

Tottenham team news

It’s likely to be another patched-up XI for Ange Postecoglou as he juggles injuries and the Europa League final.

James Maddison and Radu Dragusin are both out for the season, Lucas Bergvall won’t be back in time, and Son Heung-min is unlikely to be risked with the Europa League final just days away.

Expect sweeping changes here. Dejan Kulusevski, Richarlison and others may be given cameos, but it’ll be a rotated XI with an eye firmly on next week.

Djed Spence, Kevin Danso, Ben Davies and Archie Gray could comprise a new-look defence.

There may also be starts for Yves Bissouma, Wilson Odobert and Mathys Tel.

Tottenham expected line-up

Vicario – Spence, Danso, Davies, Gray – Bissouma, Sarr – Odobert, Kulusevski, Tel – Richarlison

Aston Villa vs Tottenham: How to watch and listen

Aston Villa vs Tottenham will be shown live on Sky Sports Premier League and Sky Sports UHDR at 7:30pm on Friday, May 16. Commentary is also available on talkSPORT 2.

Aston Villa vs Tottenham stats

– Villa have won seven of their last eight home games in all competitions.

– Spurs have just one point from their last five league games.

– Tottenham have conceded 2+ goals in four straight away matches.

– Ollie Watkins has scored nine Premier League goals at Villa Park this season.

– Spurs have lost 19 Premier League games this campaign – their most in a decade.

– Villa have scored in 17 of their 18 home league games this season.

– None of the last 19 Premier League meetings between these two sides have ended in a draw.