Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou has already fired a subtle warning shot at Manchester United as both Premier League giants prepare to battle it out in the Europa League final. The highly anticipated clash is scheduled to take place in Bilbao on May 21, with a coveted place in next season’s UEFA Champions League on the line.
Manchester United head into the final full of confidence after dismantling Athletic Bilbao 4-1 at Old Trafford in the second leg of their semi-final tie, sealing a dominant 7-1 aggregate victory. Mason Mount was the standout performer on the night, netting twice to score his first goals at Old Trafford since his move from Chelsea in the summer of 2023. Casemiro and Rasmus Højlund also found the back of the net, capping off a comprehensive performance from Erik ten Hag’s side.
Tottenham, meanwhile, booked their place in the final with a clinical 2-0 win over Norwegian outfit Bodo/Glimt in the second leg of their semi-final clash, sealing a 5-1 aggregate triumph. Goals from Dominic Solanke and Pedro Porro ensured the North London club would reach their first European final since the 2018/19 Champions League, when they were defeated 2-0 by Liverpool in Madrid under former boss Mauricio Pochettino.
This time, under the guidance of Ange Postecoglou, Spurs are aiming to end their long wait for a major trophy and cap off a season that has had its fair share of ups and downs. The Australian coach has guided Tottenham through a challenging European campaign, and the final in Bilbao represents a huge opportunity not only for silverware, but also for redemption after years of near misses and unfulfilled potential.
What makes the upcoming final even more intriguing is a comment Postecoglou made earlier in the season—one that now reads as a bold declaration of intent. Speaking after a narrow 1-0 loss to rivals Arsenal last September, the former Celtic boss hinted at his historical pattern of success. “I’ll correct myself – I don’t usually win things. I always win things in my second year,” he stated. “Nothing’s changed. I’ve said it now. I don’t say things unless I believe them.”
Those words may now serve as both a warning and a motivator as Tottenham prepare to face a rejuvenated Manchester United side. Postecoglou’s record of delivering trophies in his second season at previous clubs suggests he is building toward something significant in North London—and the Europa League final could be the moment it all comes together.
In his post-match press conference following the win in Norway, Postecoglou remained grounded but acknowledged the magnitude of the occasion. “It’s a great opportunity,” he said. “It’s my fourth year in European football. Plenty of people have been in European football longer than I have and haven’t reached a final. So you understand it’s something you need to appreciate, and I’ll certainly do that.”
He continued, “I haven’t really thought a lot about the final yet because tonight was the focus. But I’m really pleased for the players and the staff—and especially for our supporters. There were a few hundred here tonight who will never forget this. And thousands more back home who now have something to believe in.”
Postecoglou emphasized that both teams had earned their place in the final and didn’t shy away from underlining the strength of their respective journeys. “I couldn’t care less who’s been struggling or not. We’ve both beaten teams that are Champions League quality to get here. So we deserve to be in the final, and it should be a fantastic game.”
As the countdown to May 21 begins, Manchester United and Tottenham fans alike will be eager to see who rises to the occasion. For Postecoglou, the final is more than just a match—it’s a potential fulfillment of a prophecy and a chance to put Spurs back on the map as genuine contenders on the European stage. Whether that comes to pass will depend on whether his belief in second-season silverware holds true—or if United can spoil the party in Bilbao.
