The 2025 UEFA Europa League Final

The 2025 UEFA Europa League Final is poised to be a thrilling encounter, scheduled for Wednesday, May 21, 2025, at San Mamés Stadium in Bilbao, Spain.

Likely Finalists: Manchester United vs. Tottenham Hotspur.

Manchester United leads Athletic Club 3–0 after the first leg. That’s a significant margin in European knockout football, especially with the second leg still to be played. Given their quality and depth, it would take a major collapse for them to be eliminated now.

Tottenham Hotspur won 3–1 against Bodø/Glimt in their first leg. Although they conceded a late goal, they remain in control of the tie and are statistically favored (91.1% chance, according to Opta) to advance to the final.

These clear aggregate advantages, along with the stronger squads and European experience both English clubs have, make them the most probable finalists barring a big upset.

Here’s a projected tactical breakdown and possible starting lineups for a Manchester United vs. Tottenham Hotspur Europa League Final in 2025, based on recent performances and manager tendencies:

MANCHESTER UNITED

Manager: Rúben Amorim

Likely Formation: 3-4-3 (Amorim’s preferred system from Sporting CP)

Probable XI:

•GK: André Onana

•CBs:Diogo Dalot,Harry Maguire

•Wing-backs: Luke Shaw (LWB)

•CMs: Kobbie Mainoo, Bruno Fernandes

•FWs: Amad Diallo, Rasmus Højlund

Key Traits:

•Builds from the back with 3 CBs and wing-backs pushing high.

•Bruno Fernandes drops deep to orchestrate, while Diallo adds pace and creativity on the right.

•Amorim encourages pressing from the front and quick transitions.

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR

Manager: Ange Postecoglou

Likely Formation: 4-3-3 (his standard attacking setup)

Probable XI:

•GK: Guglielmo Vicario

•Defenders: Pedro Porro, Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven, Destiny Udogie

•Midfielders: Yves Bissouma, James Maddison, Rodrigo Bentancur

•Forwards: Brennan Johnson, Son Heung-min, Richarlison.

Key Traits:

•Aggressive high press, quick ball movement through the midfield.

•Maddison and Son are central to creativity and finishing.

•Fullbacks invert or overlap frequently to support attacks.

Tactical Comparison:

Feature Man Utd (Amorim)

Formation 3-4-3 / 3-4-2-1 4-3-3

Style:Controlled, vertical buildup

Strengths:Midfield balance

Weaknesses: Can be exposed on counters

Spurs (Postecoglou)

Formation 4-3-3

Style:High tempo, attacking

Strengths:Pressing, wing play

Weaknesses: Vulnerable to long balls

This matchup would pit Amorim’s tactical discipline against Postecoglou’s attacking boldness—a potential classic.

 If Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur meet in the 2025 Europa League Final, it could go either way—but Tottenham might have the slight edge based on current form and stability.

Here’s why:

Tottenham’s strengths:

Ange Postecoglou’s system is well-drilled and consistent. Spurs have played attractive, high-tempo football all season.

Son Heung-min and James Maddison are both in top form, consistently creating and converting chances.

The defense—led by Romero and van de Ven—has been solid, and Vicario is one of the league’s most reliable keepers.

Manchester United’s risks:

Despite their talent, United are in poor domestic form—currently 15th in the Premier League.

Rúben Amorim is still integrating his tactical ideas, and the team has been inconsistent.

A lot may depend on key players like Bruno Fernandes and Amad Diallo being fully fit and sharp.

My opinion regarding the result of this match:

If United ride the momentum of a dramatic semi-final win and Bruno/Diallo click, they could steal it. Amorim has a strong tactical pedigree. But Spurs seem more balanced and confident overall.

My prediction:

Tottenham Hotspur 2-1 Manchester United (after extra time)