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Manchester United go into the Europa League final against Tottenham with a poor recent record against their Premier League rivals.

Through the 1990s and 2000s, the Red Devils were incredibly dominant over Tottenham, leading to Alex Ferguson’s famous team talk: ‘Lads, it’s Tottenham.’

However, Manchester United are not the force they were under the Scot and their fortunes against Tottenham have changed of late.

Spurs have won their last three meetings with the Red Devils and have not been beaten in six contests with the side from Old Trafford.

Given Tottenham have hardly been the epitome of consistency, it is a disappointing recent record for Manchester United against a club they used to handle with relative ease.

That recent record will be forgotten if Ruben Amorim’s side can beat Ange Postecoglou’s in Bilbao on Wednesday night.

Spurs will be hoping to draw on their impressive run of results, though, having to go back as far as October 2022 for the last time they lost to Manchester United.

When did Manchester United last beat Tottenham?

Manchester United’s last victory over Tottenham came on October 19 2022 in the form of a 2-0 Premier League win.

Erik ten Hag was in charge of the Red Devils and Antonio Conte was Spurs boss, with Fred and Bruno Fernandes scoring the goals.

Ten Hag deployed a front three of Marcus Rashford, Antony and Jadon Sancho, showing how much has changed since then as all three are now out on loan.

The Dutchman spoke optimisitcally after the win, saying: ‘This was the game from start to the end we were really good and I told the team it was very enjoyable to watch.

‘The plan was to get in those spaces, but you need switch of play, dynamic and get their backline back. You have to get the spaces for the shots and it was good to see the transfer of the gameplan.

‘The Spurs team is a great team so far, I have analysed them and it was difficult to play them. That is why I am so happy with the performance and it was good to see.’

Since that game the teams have played six times, resulting in four wins for Tottenham and two draws.

There have been three games this season alone, with Spurs winning all three, two in the Premier League and the other in the Carabao Cup.

Amorim has been in charge for the two most recent meetings, so is yet to avoid defeat to Postecoglou.

The last game in February was won 1-0 by Tottenham thanks to a James Maddison goal and it did not go down as a Premier League classic.

Speaking after the loss, Amorim said: ‘In the end, they scored, we didn’t. That was the big difference in the game. We had a lot of chances but in the end they scored one and we didn’t.

‘The first step is to create situations. We have had games where we are around the box and not created situations. This game, we create situations. But in this game with two teams not doing well, one goal was always going to make the difference.’

Manchester United and Tottenham have met in European competition before, way back in the 1963-64 Cup Winners’ Cup as the Red Devils progressed 4-3 on aggregate over two legs.

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Former Chelsea star Joe Cole has plumped for Tottenham to get the better of Manchester United in the Europa League final.

The stakes could not be higher ahead this year’s all-English affair, with Champions League qualification on the line for the two Premier League rivals in Bilbao.

Languishing down in 17th and 16th respectively in the English top flight, Wednesday night’s eagerly anticipated contest represents an opportunity for one of Spurs or United to save what has otherwise been a wretched campaign.

Ruben Amorim has been sweating over the fitness of several of his key men heading into the match, but Diogo Dalot, Leny Yoro and Joshua Zirkzee were all pictured in training on the eve of the clash.

Tottenham, meanwhile, are set to be without James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski and Lucas Bergvall through injury, leaving Ange Postecoglou with an almighty selection headache at the San Mames Stadium.

Both teams enter the game having suffered back-to-back defeats in the Premier League and Cole believes it is a ‘hard one to call’ between the two desperately out-of-form sides.

But the ex-England winger has backed Postecoglou’s men to edge out the Red Devils and get their hands on a first major trophy since the club’s League Cup triumph way back in 2008.

‘I always like both teams to score when Tottenham are playing so I’ll be going with that again here. Can you bet on both teams to lose? No? Are we sure? How do we go about this game?’ Cole said in his Paddy Power column.

‘Both teams to score is the most likely thing to happen in this match but Spurs are missing possibly all of James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski and Lucas Bergvall as well which gives them a lack of creativity.

‘What does Ange Postecoglou do with that front three with Son Heung-min coming back in? Manchester United looked good at Chelsea for at least half of the game… it’s a hard one to call.

‘Two of my best bets for these teams this year have been both teams to score and for Bruno Fernandes to score or assist for United. I’m going to start with those two bets and then pick a winner and that’s a 50/50 for me.’

Cole continued: ‘I’m happy to go either way, but I’m going to put my neck on the line and go for Spurs in the 90 minutes – only because I’ve got some mates travelling all around the world in 80 days to get there so I want Spurs to win for them!

‘Masochism is real! Those first two are my bets and then whatever your hunch is for a result back that and just enjoy the game!’

In a separate interview with Mail Online, Cole said: ‘I fancy Spurs in the game.

‘I’ve got a few of my pals going out there and watching it and I don’t want to see them crying on my shoulder again.

‘I’ve had enough of them all getting sad so I want them to have a lovely day, and win a trophy so we can all get off their backs in the group chats.’

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Former England striker Alan Shearer has also backed Tottenham to end their long wait for silverware – but feels the match could be decided via a dreaded penalty shootout.

‘Who would you say are favourites? Tottenham because of their record against Man United this season?’ Shearer, the Premier League’s all-time record goalscorer, said on The Rest Is Football podcast.

‘They have both been rotten in the Premier League yet one of them is going to be playing Champions League football next season.

‘My prediction is 2-2 or 3-3 after extra-time and Tottenham to win on penalties.’

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Alan Shearer has backed Tottenham to beat Manchester United in a penalty shootout in the upcoming Europa League final.

The struggling Premier League clubs meet in Bilbao on Wednesday night with a major trophy and Champions League football on the line.

Spurs go into the game sitting 17th in the Premier League and without a Premier League win since early April.

Ange Postecoglou’s side have lost 21 of their 37 league games this season but have managed to put their dismal domestic form to one side in Europe.

In a favourable Europa League run, Tottenham beat AZ Alkmaar, Eintracht Frankfurt and Bodo-Glimt to reach the May 21 final.

It is a similar story for a Manchester United side who last tasted victory in the Premier League in mid-March.

Embarrassing results in the league have not stopped United from reaching another major final, with Ruben Amorim’s side beating Real Sociedad, Lyon and Athletic Bilbao on route to the showpiece event.

Revealing his prediction for the intriguing Europa League final, ex-England striker Alan Shearer said on The Rest is Football podcast: ‘Who would you say are favourites? Tottenham because of their record against Man United this season?

‘They have both been rotten in the Premier League yet one of them is going to be playing Champions League football next season.

‘My prediction is 2-2 or 3-3 after extra-time and Tottenham to win on penalties.’

As Shearer mentioned, Spurs have already beaten Manchester United three times this season and Gary Lineker believes it will be number four on Wednesday night.

‘Talk about a huge game for both clubs,’ the outgoing Match of the Day presenter said.

‘The winner gets Champions League and a trophy and the loser gets nothing.

‘Man United seem to win trophies even when they’re not very good. They’ve done that over the last few years, whether they can sustain it I don’t know.

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‘I think it’s really tight, it could be anything, but I’m going to go for Spurs. We’ve seen a lot of teams that haven’t won for ages win stuff this season so maybe that will work on their favour. But it could easily go to extra-time.’

In better news for Manchester United, Micah Richards believes it will be the men in red lifting the Europa League trophy and has backed Bruno Fernandes to ‘make the difference’.

‘I think in the Europa league, Bruno has been exceptional,’ he said. ‘I think it could come down to a big moment where he steps up so I’m going for United, just.

‘Bruno this season, amongst all the nonsense and bad performances, really has stepped up and I think he’s the man to make the difference on the final. I’m going for a 1-0 United win.’

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Rio Ferdinand has serious doubts that Manchester United will beat Tottenham in the Europa League final, saying his former club are physically inferior to other Premier League sides.

The fascinating clash in Bilbao on Wednesday night will see one of the sides lift the trophy and book themselves a place in next season’s Champions League.

It will be a stunning prize for one of two teams that have been woeful in the Premier League this season, with United 16th and Spurs one place below them.

Ferdinand feels one of the Red Devils’ big problems this season has been their physical inferiority, which is something they will struggle with again as they take on Premier League opposition in Europe.

‘The worrying thing for me from a Man United perspective is that physically we can’t keep up with any team in the Premier League,’ Ferdinand told talkSPORT.

‘If they go man-to-man and go toe-to-toe with us, we’re at a disadvantage because our profile of our players at Man United are not players that can run as hard and as fast, and as long, and they’re not as powerful as other teams.

‘That’s a big thing in the Premier League. In the Europa, we’re overpowering every team.

‘There’s only one team I’ve watched us play against in the Europa League that we struggled against and thought, “Ooh, that was a bit too close for comfort.” Rangers, who are more akin to a Premier League side, physically.

‘So that’s the concern for me in the final playing against a Premier League team, who have beaten us three times, that physically can, minimum, match us.’

The former England defender is not quite tipping a Manchester United defeat in Bilbao, but cannot be anything like confident that Ruben Amorim’s side will lift the trophy.

‘I have to be honest, I can’t call a Man United result. They’re so inconsistent, or they have consistently been bad in the Premier League,’ he told Optus Sport.

‘But the fact that they are playing against Spurs, another consistently bad team in the Premier League. But they have players who can win a match. It makes it such a hard game to call.’

Ferdinand has gone as far as saying only a ‘lunatic’ would be surprised if Spurs picked up a win in Spain, having won their last three meetings with United.

‘I don’t think the fans can be too surprised. They beat us three times already this season, so it’s not going to be a surprise if they beat us a fourth time,’ said Ferdinand.

‘I think it’s only going to be stupid people that are going, “Oh my god, I can’t believe this.”

‘We’re 16th because we’ve lost a lot of games. 18 Premier League games we’ve lost this season. Anyone who’s surprised if we don’t win this game against Spurs is a lunatic, in my eyes.’

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Both Manchester United and Tottenham will look to end their wretched seasons in style when they meet in the Europa League final on Wednesday.

The two English clubs have been woeful in the Premier League – currently sitting 16th and 17th in the table, respectively – but now have a chance to salvage their campaign and earn a crucial spot in next season’s Champions League.

Despite their poor league form, Ruben Amorim’s side have remained unbeaten throughout the entire Europa League campaign and eased past Athletic Bilbao in the semi-finals to reach the final.

The Red Devils could now lift the trophy for the second time after their triumph under Jose Mourinho back in 2017.

Tottenham, meanwhile, saw off the challenge of Norwegian underdogs Bodo/Glimt in the semis and could now win the club’s first trophy since the League Cup back in 2008.

Despite rotating their squad in recent matches to rest key players, both teams have several injury doubts ahead of Wednesday’s final in Bilbao.

United could be without central defensive duo Matthijs de Ligt and Leny Yoro as the pair recover from their respective injuries.

De Ligt has missed the last three games after picking up a fresh knock against Brentford at the start of May, while Yoro limped off during United’s defeat to West Ham two weekends ago.

The club will also wait to see if Diogo Dalot can be passed fit to play, with the Portuguese full-back hoping to prove his fitness after missing the last six games with a calf injury.

Ayden Heaven’s cameo appearance against Chelsea – his first minutes since March – provides a boost for Amorim, although it’s unclear if fellow centre-back Jonny Evans will be able to be feature after his similarly lengthy lay-off.

Toby Collyer could be called upon after making his long-awaited return to United’s matchday squad against Chelsea.

But the Red Devils will certainly be without Joshua Zirkzee and Lisandro Martinez who are unavailable due to long-term injuries.

Tottenham, meanwhile, find themselves short of options in central midfield after James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski and Lucas Bergvall were all ruled out of Wednesday’s final.

There were additional concerns for Pape Matar Sarr after he limped off during Friday’s defeat to Aston Villa, but Ange Postecoglou was quick to suggest that the withdrawal was a ‘precaution’.

Postecoglou rested several key players on Friday, but captain Heung-Min Son did play from the start, managing 74 minutes as he continued his comeback from a foot injury.

Predicted Tottenham XI to face Man Utd

Vicario, Porro, Romero, van de Ven, Udogie, Bentancur, Bissouma, Odobert, Johnson, Solanke, Son.

Predicted Man utd XI to face Tottenham

Onana, Mazraoui, Maguire, Shaw, Amad, Casemiro, Ugarte, Dorgu, Fernandes, Garnacho, Hojlund.

Where to watch Tottenham vs Man Utd? TV channel and kick-off time

The Europa League final between Tottenham and Manchester United will kick off at 8pm on Wednesday, 21 May 2025.

Viewers can tune into the action via TNT Sports 1, with coverage starting at 6pm.

The final will also be able to watch for free, with fans simply needing to create a discovery+ account to stream the game at no extra cost.

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Manchester United will lose the Europa League final against Tottenham as their star player ‘won’t turn up on the night’.

That is Martin Keown’s prediction ahead of the all-important clash in Bilbao on Wednesday night.

Both United and Spurs have endured terrible Premier League campaigns, sitting 16th and 17th in the table ahead of the final weekend of the season.

Yet, both clubs have performed well in Europe and are desperate to win the Europa League, as it will give them not only a trophy but qualification for the Champions League.

The two sides have already met three times this season, twice in the Premier League and in the Carabao Cup quarter-final, with Tottenham winning each time.

But this final is a match that could go either way with Spurs under extreme pressure to end their 17-year wait for silverware, while manager Ange Postecoglou knows that defeat will surely cost him his job.

‘My Tottenham roots pull me towards them and I want them to win of course,’ former Spurs and Liverpool midfielder Danny 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.’

In spite of United’s awful form, Fernandes has been fantastic, recording 38 goal contributions in 55 appearances, including seven goals and five assists in the Europa League.

The Red Devils captain already has plenty of experience in major finals, leading his side to FA Cup and Carabao Cup glory in the past two years.

Yet, Murphy’s co-pundit Keown isn’t convinced the attacking midfielder will be able to repeat the trick in Bilbao, instead predicting: ‘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.’

Asked if Fernandes could make the difference for United, the Arsenal legend replied: ‘I don’t think he’ll turn up on the night.

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

Solanke has endured a difficult and injury-ridden first season in north London following his big money move from Bournemouth.

The England striker has managed 15 goals and eight assists in 45 appearances, but appears to be finding form at the right time, scoring in each of the last three Europa League matches.

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Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner has become the new favourite to replace Ange Postecoglou at Tottenham, according to Betfair.

Spurs have endured a miserable Premier League season under head coach Postecoglou, with the north Londoners one spot above the relegation zone.

There is only one top-flight fixture remaining and it is now mathematically impossible for the so-called ‘Big Six’ club to finish any higher than 14th.

Spurs could save their season if they get their hands on the Europa League trophy, with Postecoglou’s side facing a final against Manchester United.

If Spurs lose the Europa League final on Wednesday, though, it is thought that the club may decide to make a managerial change in the summer.

Burnley head coach Scott Parker was the previous favourite but Glasner has now become a 3-1 shot after guiding Palace to FA Cup glory this term.

Betfair spokesperson Sam Rosbottom said: ‘Oliver Glasner is the new 3/1 favourite to be the next Tottenham manager after leading Crystal Palace to a historic FA Cup win on Saturday.

‘Glasner, who was 5/1 prior to lifting the trophy, is followed by Thomas Frank and Scott Parker at 6/1, with Simone Inzaghi 13/2 to replace Ange Postecoglou.

‘Andoni Iraola joins former favourite Mauricio Pochettino at 9/1 to become Spurs’ next manager, with Roberto De Zerbi 11/1 to return to the Premier League.

‘Meanwhile, Kieran McKenna is amongst the outsiders at 12/1 to move to north London.’

Sam Boswell, spokesperson for BetVictor Casino, added: ‘Crystal Palace will still be riding the high of Saturday’s FA Cup win, but manager Oliver Glasner may have his sights set on bringing silverware to another part of London.

‘The Austrian boss has seen his odds to replace Ange Postecoglou at Spurs slashed.

‘Should Spurs lose the Europa League final, those odds may shorten further as they look for the right man to bring silverware back to north London.’

Glasner only arrived at Selhurst Park in February 2024 – replacing Roy Hodgson – and has already become a Palace legend by leading the south London club to their first ever major trophy.

The 50-year-old Austrian previously managed German side Eintracht Frankfurt from 2021 to 2023, winning them the Europa League title.

His trophy record appears to have impressed the Spurs hierarchy, who are desperate to bring silverware to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Spurs haven’t landed a major trophy since the League Cup in 2008 when they beat Chelsea in the final.

Football pundit Roy Keane, a United legend who supported Spurs as a boy, is backing the Red Devils to win this week’s Europa League final in Bilbao.

‘You still have to fancy United, someone like Bruno [Fernandes] 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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As Arsenal confirmed another second-place finish, manager Mikel Arteta pointed out that some teams have struggled so badly this season that they are down in 16th and 17th position in the table – where Manchester United and Tottenham are residing.

The Gunners beat Newcastle 1-0 at the Emirates on Sunday, confirming that they will finish second for the third straight season.

It is another season without silverware and there is an air of disappointment around the club as a result, despite an impressive run to the semi-finals of the Champions League and another runner-up spot in the Premier League.

Arteta admitted he is disappointed, but is proud of his players for how they dealt with injuries in the squad, reminding onlookers that other clubs have not handled injuries so well.

While Arsenal are finishing second, Manchester United and Spurs are sitting just above the relegation zone with just one game to play.

It is unlikely the Spaniard picked 16th and 17th place at random when he noted how badly a season can go for big clubs.

‘We are clearly very disappointed because we wanted to be here with the Premier League or the Champions League and it’s not the case,’ Arteta told Sky Sports after the win over the Magpies.

‘But chasing a dream has it’s ups and downs. Make sure that doesn’t get blurry and it does get recognised what we’ve done.

‘Any other team, and I’ve seen it, with one injury to finish eighth to 16th, 17th.

‘What the team has done, in my opinion, to sustain the level throughout the season, with everything that has happened, is incredible.

‘We don’t want anybody to value [it] but me as a manager has to value what these guys have done.’

Arteta added: ‘We have to start creating our own history here in this stadium and we started this season. There is much more to come and it won’t be easy. These players have the talent.

‘We need to rest and finish at Southampton and then go on holiday. Any other club in this position would finish in a position that we cannot even dream of.’

Arteta’s only major trophy as Arsenal manager remains the 2020 FA Cup and the message is clear that the club must end their silverware drought next season.

Captain Martin Odegaard said: ‘We can be proud of what we’ve done, especially in the Champions League, we had a great run there and some great experiences. We have to accept we haven’t been good enough in the league, but we have to take all experiences, good and bad, take them into next season and be better.

‘Unbelievable [Champions League], those are the nights we live for. To play here at home with that support. Great game and hopefully we can have many moments like that next season. Unbelievable to feel that and the love from the fans.

‘We want to thank the fans. We always feel the love, the support we have is amazing so thank you.

‘We have to use all experiences from this season, to feel that pain of not winning and take it to next season and come back stronger and bring the club some trophies next season.’

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Roy Keane has made his prediction for the all-English Europa League final between Manchester United and Tottenham on Wednesday.

The clash in Bilbao looks set to be a mouth-watering showdown with Ruben Amorim and Ange Postecoglou both in desperate need of a trophy.

Tottenham have beaten United twice in the top-flight this term and also eliminated the Red Devils in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals in December.

Keane is a United legend but supported Spurs as a boy growing up in Ireland and says there’s ‘not much’ to seperate the Premier League teams.

Ultimately, though, Keane feels United will come out on top because of their better history in major finals and Bruno Fernandes’ individual quality.

‘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.’

United’s last major trophy came last season when they beat Manchester City in the 2024 FA Cup final.

Tottenham, meanwhile, haven’t registered any major silverware since 2008 when they defeated Chelsea in the League Cup final.

United and Spurs have both massively struggled in the Premier League this term, sitting 16th and 17th in the top-flight table with just one game left each.

Spurs have suffered a significant blow ahead of the Europa League final after news emerged that Dejan Kulusevski would miss out due to injury.

Fellow football pundit Jamie Redknapp believes Kulusevski’s absence could be costly but is also adamant that the final is a ’50/50 game’.

‘Kulusevski’s injury is a massive blow for Spurs,’ Redknapp said. ‘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.’

United cruised past Athletic Bilbao 7-1 on aggregate in the last four to reach this season’s Europa League final.

Tottenham knocked out Bodo/Glimt in the other Europa League semi-final showdown, winning 5-1 on aggregate.

Whoever comes out on top in the Europa League final will qualify for next season’s Champions League.

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Tottenham have a ‘strong advantage’ over Arsenal in the transfer race to sign Crystal Palace’s FA Cup hero Eberechi Eze, according to reports.

Eze scored the only goal of the FA Cup final on Saturday as Palace landed their first major trophy with a 1-0 win over Manchester City at Wembley.

The 26-year-old has shined for the south London club this season, conjuring up 24 goal involvements in 41 games across all competitions.

Eze, capped 10 times by England to date, is now being linked to three other Premier League teams with Spurs, Arsenal and City all interested in a deal.

Spurs are the favourites to land Eze, The Sun have reported, with Ange Postecoglou’s side having a significant edge over both Arsenal and City.

Eze is thought to be determined to play Champions League football – which Spurs will qualify for if they win their Europa League final on Wednesday.

Arsenal have not been ‘as aggressive in their pursuit’ to sign Eze, although Mikel Arteta’s side are still believed to be keeping an eye on his situation.

City cannot be ruled out either, with Pep Guardiola seeking a replacement for Kevin De Bruyne in the upcoming summer transfer window.

Palace don’t want to lose Eze – who is under contract at Selhurst Park until 2027 – and it would likely take a huge fee to sign the attacking midfielder.

If Eze refuses to sign a new deal at Palace, though, he will enter the final 12 months of his contract in the summer of 2026, which could leave the Eagles in a more vulnerable transfer position.

It is reported that Eze, who joined Palace from fellow London club Queens Park Rangers five years ago, will take his time in deciding his next move.

Eze previously spent some time in Arsenal’s youth academy but his spell with the Gunners didn’t last long and he was released at the age of 13.

Speaking to The Independent in 2020, Eze opened up about being axed by Arsenal as a youngster and how it left him absolutely devastated.

‘I remember crying in my room for a solid week, my mum telling me that it’s going to be OK but not being able to get over it,’ the Englishman said.

‘Then I went to Fulham and I was finally starting to enjoy my football again.

‘We played Arsenal a few months later but, when I went over to shake the academy manager’s hand, I started welling up. All the feelings came back.’

Eze has played a total of 165 games for Palace to date, registering 39 goals and 28 assists since his arrival at the club from QPR in 2020.

He scored his first international goal for England earlier this year in a 3-0 World Cup qualifying win over Latvia.

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