“It’s Crystal clear”- Jamie Carragher predicts Europa League winner if Tottenham face Man United
Jamie Carragher has made it abundantly clear where his loyalties lie when it comes to predicting a potential Europa League final clash between Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United.
Both Premier League giants have endured torrid domestic campaigns, with Tottenham currently languishing in 16th place, a far cry from the standards expected at the North London club. Manchester United, on the other hand, haven’t fared much better. The Red Devils find themselves only marginally above Spurs, with just a solitary point separating the two struggling sides.
Yet, while their league form has been disappointing, both clubs have found European competition to be a welcome escape. Now, with the Europa League reaching its business end, Tottenham and Manchester United each stand just three matches away from potentially lifting a piece of major silverware — a trophy that would offer some redemption for their underwhelming seasons.
Carragher Doubts Tottenham’s Chances Against United
Speaking on The Overlap, Carragher didn’t hesitate when asked who he believed would emerge victorious should the two sides meet in the final. Despite Spurs having gotten the better of United on three separate occasions this season, the former Liverpool defender remains unconvinced that Tottenham have the winning mentality required to claim a European title — especially against a club of United’s pedigree.
Carragher explained that while he believes Ange Postecoglou’s men have what it takes to reach the final, he struggles to see them lifting the trophy. He pointed out that even if Tottenham were able to overcome their semi-final opponents, Bodo/Glimt, the real challenge would lie in facing Athletic Club in Bilbao — particularly with the Spanish side enjoying home advantage. And if it were Manchester United waiting for Spurs in the final, Carragher is even more pessimistic about Tottenham’s chances.
“I just can’t see Tottenham winning the Europa League,” Carragher said. “I actually think they’ll make the final, but beating Athletic Club in their own stadium would be a monumental task for anyone. And when it comes to a potential final against Manchester United, I simply can’t back Spurs. There’s no way they beat United in a European final. History, mentality — it all leans United’s way. They just have a knack for winning games they probably shouldn’t even win.”
Supercomputer Favors Spurs Despite Carragher’s Verdict
While Carragher’s opinion carries significant weight given his experience and understanding of the game, statistical models tell a slightly different story. A supercomputer that simulated the remainder of the Europa League tournament 10,000 times has predicted Tottenham Hotspur as the most likely winners.
According to the supercomputer’s projections, Spurs have a 66.6% chance of reaching the final and a strong 34.9% probability of lifting the trophy. Athletic Club are considered the next most likely winners, boasting a 28.5% chance of success — buoyed, of course, by the possibility of playing the final on their own turf. Manchester United’s prospects, meanwhile, are pegged slightly lower at 24.2%, while Bodo/Glimt, Tottenham’s semi-final opponents, are seen as significant underdogs with only a 12.4% likelihood of causing an upset.
With the semi-finals fast approaching, all eyes will be on whether Spurs can defy Carragher’s scepticism — or whether the history and European experience of Manchester United will ultimately prevail. One thing is for certain: regardless of what the pundits or computers predict, the final outcome remains tantalizingly unpredictable.
Both clubs are desperate for silverware to salvage what has been a difficult season, and should they meet in the final, it promises to be a fiercely contested battle — one that could swing either way depending on form, injuries, and perhaps a little bit of luck.
For now, fans of both Tottenham and Manchester United can only hope their sides successfully navigate the semi-finals to set up what would be a thrilling all-English showdown in the Europa League’s grand finale.