A single match to determine the fate of the season: Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur prepare for a decisive clash in the UEFA Europa League final.

Postecoglou: Europa League win would be ‘enormous’ for ‘legend’ Son and Spurs as a whole

As the curtain falls on a tumultuous domestic season, the clash between Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur in the UEFA Europa League final takes on monumental significance. With both clubs languishing in the lower reaches of the Premier League, the stakes could not be higher. A win in Bilbao on Wednesday could transform their seasons, while a loss would leave a bitter taste, marking the lowest league finishes in their histories.

In a season that has seen both clubs struggle, the prospect of European glory offers a glimmer of hope. United and Spurs, currently sitting 16th and 17th respectively, have managed to secure their top-flight status thanks to an unusually poor bottom three. However, the memory of their lacklustre league campaigns will be overshadowed by the outcome of this all-or-nothing showdown.

Both teams have endured a Premier League horror show. Remove the bottom three from the equation, and United have scraped together just 23 points from 31 games, suffering nine defeats at Old Trafford. Spurs have fared even worse, with 21 league defeats, a tally that puts them perilously close to relegated Ipswich Town.

The last time either side triumphed in the league against a team not named Southampton, Leicester City, or Ipswich was back in February, when Tottenham managed to beat Manchester United. The statistics paint a grim picture for both clubs as they prepare for this crucial encounter.

Historically, only five clubs have reached a European final while finishing 15th or lower in their domestic league. That number could rise to seven by the end of the week unless one of the two clubs manages to sneak into 14th place on the final day of the season.

Glenn Hoddle, former Spurs manager and current pundit for TNT Sports, reflected on the struggles of both teams. “Both teams haven’t been at their best this season, let’s put it that way,” he said. “Spurs have got a bigger excuse than Manchester United, having had 10 or 11 players out at some stage. United, on the other hand, haven’t really settled into Ruben Amorim’s shape.” He added that Spurs have been too easy to play against, conceding far too many goals.

As the pressure mounts, the focus shifts to the two managers. While Postecoglou’s future remains uncertain, Amorim has expressed his disdain for the season’s outcome. Postecoglou faced criticism during a fiery press conference, where he defended his record and dismissed claims that he was “teetering between a hero and a clown.” He acknowledged the importance of the final, stating that the ongoing discussions about his future indicate that there is still a chance for success.

Amorim, while seemingly safer in his position, has not shied away from admitting the dire state of his squad. He previously described them as “maybe the worst team” in United’s history and has been reluctant to frame the Europa League final as a chance for redemption, despite acknowledging that he owes the fans a title after a dismal season.

Just 18 months ago, Spurs were riding high, with Postecoglou’s side topping the Premier League after a blistering start. However, a disastrous match against Chelsea marked the beginning of their decline. After a chaotic night that saw them lose 4-1, Spurs have struggled to regain their form, with only Wolves recording a worse points-per-game ratio since that fateful evening.

For Manchester United, the struggle continues. Since Sir Alex Ferguson’s departure in 2013, no manager has delivered a league title, and the current campaign has been particularly bleak. Despite Amorim’s poor league form, he has guided United on a remarkable European run, highlighted by a stunning comeback against Lyon in the quarter-finals.

As the final approaches, both clubs find themselves in desperate need of a lift. The outcome could either banish the memories of a dismal league campaign or cement an embarrassing season. Former United defender Rio Ferdinand summed it up succinctly: “Spurs haven’t won a trophy for many years, and for every fan that gets into an argument, their inability to win trophies is one of the first jabs that they get. For United, the Champions League and the boost it could provide after a shocking season is equally vital.”