.png%3Ftrim%3D0%2C0%2C0%2C0%26width%3D1200%26height%3D800%26crop%3D1200%3A800&w=3840&q=100)
Who will win the Europa League final? Have your say as Tottenham Hotspur face Manchester United
Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United meet in Bilbao tonight for a showdown that could salvage either side's season.
Spurs arrive at San Mamés for the Europa League final, desperate to end a 16-year trophy drought and 'change the narrative' of a faltering campaign.
Ange Postecoglou's men have impressed in Europe, overcoming Bodo/Glimt and Eintracht Frankfurt with resilience and tactical flexibility. 'We want to change something,' said captain Son Heung-min, echoing the mood within the Spurs camp.
United, by contrast, approach the final with colder conviction. Ruben Amorim's side dismantled Athletic Club 7-1 in the two-legged semi-final and are seeking a third trophy in two years.
But Amorim played down the stakes, saying, 'This final changes nothing,' in keeping with his blunt assessment of United's domestic struggles.
While Tottenham's players speak of dreams and redemption, United lean on history and habit. 'It's about winning, plain and simple,' Bruno Fernandes said ahead of kick-off.
Both sides are injury-hit: United miss key defenders, Spurs are without their midfield core. But both have inverted their Premier League form in Europe – Spurs becoming composed and clinical, United rediscovering belief.
It all comes down to this: a one-country final between two flawed teams chasing very different kinds of validation.
So who will rise in Bilbao – the team that dreams of winning, or the one that expects it?
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mail
25 minutes ago
- Daily Mail
Cristiano Ronaldo reveals stance on playing in the Club World Cup after 'receiving many invitations' to leave Al-Nassr
Cristiano Ronaldo has spoken out about potentially playing in this summer's Club World Cup. Ronaldo, 40, currently plays for Al-Nassr who have not qualified for the tournament, but he has been linked with a transfer away to join a club that is participating. FIFA president Gianni Infantino only fuelled speculation when he told YouTuber iShowSpeed last month that talks were ongoing about Ronaldo featuring in the newly-expanded competition. Ahead of playing in Sunday's Nations League final for Portugal against Spain, Ronaldo has now revealed that he does not expect to play at the Club World Cup. 'It's almost decided that I will not take part at the FIFA Club World Cup despite receiving many invitations and proposals,' Ronaldo told reporters. 'There have been talks, contacts… but you have to think about short, medium and long term.' More to follow...
The National
34 minutes ago
- The National
Son Heung-Min pens emotional farewell to Ange Postecoglou
The Australian was relieved of his duties on Friday afternoon, just over a fortnight after he led Spurs to Europa League glory against Manchester United in Bilbao. The club's captain, Son, has since reacted to the departure of Postecoglou. Read more: He took to Instagram after the news emerged: "You've changed the trajectory of this club," said the skipper. "You believed in yourself, and us, since day one and never wavered for a second. Even when others did. "You knew what we were capable of all along. You did it your way. And your way brought this club the best night it's had in decades. We will have those memories for life. "You trusted me with the captaincy. One of the highest honours of my career. It's been an incredible privilege to learn from your leadership up close, I am a better player and a better person because of you. "Ange Postecoglou, you are a Tottenham Hotspur legend forever. Thank you, mate." Postecoglou himself sent a parting message to Spurs after his exit. He said: "When I reflect on my time as Manager of Tottenham Hotspur, my overriding emotion is one of pride. "The opportunity to lead one of England's historic football clubs and bring back the glory it deserves will live with me for a lifetime. Sharing that experience with all those who truly love this club and seeing the impact it had on them is something I will never forget. "That night in Bilbao was the culmination of two years of hard work, dedication and unwavering belief in a dream. There were many challenges to overcome and plenty of noise that comes with trying to accomplish what many said was not possible. "We have also laid foundations that mean this club should not have to wait 17 more years for their next success. I have enormous faith in this group of players and know there is much more potential and growth in them. "I sincerely want to thank those who are the lifeblood of the club, the supporters. I know there were some difficult times, but I always felt that they wanted me to succeed, and that gave me all the motivation I needed to push on. It's important to acknowledge the hard-working people at Spurs who gave me encouragement on a daily basis. "And finally, I want to thank those who were with me every day for the last two years. A fantastic group of young men who are now legends of this football club, and the brilliant coaches who never once doubted we could do something special. "We are forever connected. Audere est Facere."
Daily Mail
40 minutes ago
- Daily Mail
Tottenham captain Son Heung-min breaks silence on Ange Postecoglou's brutal axeing after Europa League triumph
Son Heung-min heaped praise on Ange Postecoglou after the Australian was sacked as Tottenham manager. The football world was rocked on Friday as Tottenham announced they had parted ways with their head coach after two years. The decision came just 16 days after Postecoglou had led Spurs to glory in Bilbao, defeating Manchester United 1-0 at the San Mames to win the Europa League. Victory also marked the club's first silverware since a league cup triumph in 2008, and marked their first European trophy in over four decades. In a Instagram post on Saturday, Son hailed Postecoglou's influence in north London and claimed he is 'a better player and a better person' as a result of working under the former Celtic boss. 'Gaffer. You've changed the trajectory of this club,' the Spurs captain wrote. 'You believed in yourself, and us, since day one and never wavered for a second. Even when others did. 'You knew what we were capable of all along. You did it your way. And your way brought this club the best night it's had in decades. We will have those memories for life. 'You trusted me with the captaincy. One of the highest honours of my career. 'It's been an incredible privilege to learn from your leadership up close, I am a better player and a better person because of you. 'Ange Postecoglou, you are a Tottenham Hotspur legend forever. Thank you, mate.'
