Tottenham vs Manchester United prediction, probable lineups and H2H - May 21, 2025
On May 21, 2025, the San Mamés Stadium in Bilbao will host the UEFA Europa League final between Tottenham and Manchester United. Here’s my pick with a handicap bet on one of the sides.
Preview
The final in Bilbao is the last chance to salvage the season for two giants enduring tough times. Both Tottenham and Manchester United have endured disappointing Premier League campaigns, but a trophy and a Champions League berth could change everything.
This will be only the second all-English Europa League final in the last six years. The previous occasion was the 2018/19 season, when Chelsea and Arsenal battled for the trophy. That night at the Olympic Stadium in Baku, the Blues cruised to a convincing 4-1 victory.
Since the end of the Sir Alex Ferguson era, Manchester United have experienced their share of hardships, but this season has been the worst in the past decade. Sixteenth place in the table with one match to go is a result nobody saw coming. By comparison, the 2013/14 campaign under David Moyes, with a 7th-place finish and 64 points, no longer looks so disastrous. Ruben Amorim has yet to fully instill his philosophy, but the club is showing him trust. The Portuguese manager will remain at United regardless of the final’s outcome—he’s seen as a long-term project.
Tottenham’s situation is no better. The club risks finishing 17th and missing out on European football altogether. If they fail to win the final, the 2024/25 campaign will go down as the worst in the club’s modern history. The last time Spurs finished this low was back in 1976/77, when they were relegated to the second division. Change is already in the air: Ange Postecoglou is almost certain to depart, and the search for a new manager is in full swing.
Both teams arrive at the season’s decisive match in poor form. United have lost their last two Premier League games, failing to score in either—0-2 to West Ham and 0-1 to Chelsea. Tottenham followed a similar path, losing 0-2 to Aston Villa and Crystal Palace. However, both clubs have clearly been saving their strength, prioritizing the final over the league.
When it comes to the road to the final, Manchester United’s opponents have arguably been of higher caliber. Ruben Amorim’s side knocked out Real Sociedad, Lyon, and Athletic Bilbao—clubs with serious European pedigree. Tottenham faced AZ Alkmaar, Eintracht, and Bodo/Glimt—dangerous teams, but not as consistent on the continental stage.
Probable lineups
Tottenham: Vicario, Porro, Romero, van de Ven, Udogie, Bissouma, Bentancur, Sarr, Johnson, Solanke, Son Heung-min
Manchester United: Onana, Lindelöf, Maguire, Shaw, Mazraoui, Casemiro, Ugarte, Dorgu, Fernandes, Garnacho, Højlund
Match facts and H2H
- The teams have already faced each other three times this season: twice in the Premier League and once in the League Cup quarter-finals—all three matches were won by Tottenham.
- Moreover, Manchester United are winless in their last six meetings with Spurs—four defeats and two draws.
- Despite a disappointing Premier League campaign and low position in the table, Tottenham have maintained their attacking threat: 63 goals in 37 matches—21 more than United.
- However, it’s worth noting that in the last four matches involving the London club, the "under 2.5 goals" bet has consistently come through.
Prediction
Defeat in this final is simply not an option for either side—the stakes are just too high. Victory would not only provide some consolation for a failed season but also serve as a symbol of hope for a fresh start and a better future. Manchester United approach this decisive match unbeaten in the Europa League this campaign, having overcome formidable opposition and shown real character. That’s why I see the Red Devils as slight favorites. The optimal bet is Manchester United to win with a (0) handicap at odds of 1.75.
