Alan Shearer and Gary Lineker say whether they think Tottenham or Man United will win the Europa League final
Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United Face Season-Defining Europa League Final
Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United find themselves in remarkably similar predicaments as their entire 2024/25 campaign now hinges on a single, high-stakes match. Despite their stature and expectations at the beginning of the season, both clubs have endured a disappointing domestic campaign, with Spurs languishing in 17th place and United just one spot above them in 16th in the Premier League table.
The situation has become so dire that, in a season where the relegation battle featured stronger competition, both Ange Postecoglou and Ruben Amorim could have found themselves desperately fighting to avoid the drop on the final day. The fact that such storied clubs are even being mentioned in the same breath as relegation speaks volumes about the chaos and underperformance that has plagued both camps.
Much of the late-season slump can be attributed to a conscious decision by both managers to field weakened lineups in the Premier League in favor of preserving their top players for the Europa League. However, this gamble hasn’t necessarily paid off in the short term, as both sides have continued to suffer losses regardless of who’s on the pitch. Yet, the long-term reward could be substantial: the Europa League final in Bilbao now offers a golden chance to salvage a disastrous domestic season with qualification to next season’s Champions League.
Wednesday night’s showdown between Spurs and United isn’t just about silverware — it’s a potential lifeline. The winner won’t just lift a trophy; they’ll secure a place among Europe’s elite, unlocking financial rewards and elevating morale ahead of the summer transfer window.
Bruno Fernandes Weighs In as Pundits Make Predictions
In the lead-up to the final, Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has shared his thoughts on Tottenham’s threat, though it remains a mystery which version of Postecoglou’s team will show up on the night. Spurs have been unpredictable throughout the campaign, capable of moments of brilliance but often undone by poor defending and lack of consistency.
Meanwhile, legendary football figures Alan Shearer, Gary Lineker, and Micah Richards weighed in with their predictions on the popular podcast The Rest Is Football. There was optimism for Tottenham from both Shearer and Lineker, who believe this could be the moment the North London side finally ends their long trophy drought.
Shearer predicted an epic encounter, suggesting a high-scoring draw — possibly 2-2 or 3-3 — after extra time, with Spurs eventually triumphing on penalties. “My prediction is going to be 2-2 or 3-3 after extra time and Spurs to win on penalties,” Shearer stated confidently.
Lineker backed him up, albeit with less drama. “I’m going to have to go for Spurs, I couldn’t not,” he admitted. “It just feels like one of those seasons where the teams who haven’t won for ages finally break through.”
However, Micah Richards took a different stance. He backed experience to shine through, tipping Manchester United’s seasoned Brazilian midfielder Casemiro to make the decisive impact. “I think a lot of people have been laughing at Casemiro recently, but these big games often come down to set pieces,” said Richards. “So I’m calling it — Bruno Fernandes to deliver an assist, and Casemiro to head home the winner. One-nil United.”
Postecoglou’s Future in the Balance
While Wednesday’s clash represents a pivotal opportunity for both teams, it could carry even more weight for Ange Postecoglou personally. The Australian coach’s future at Tottenham is uncertain, and a loss in the final may mark his second-to-last game at the helm — or perhaps even his final one if the board decides to act quickly.
Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy initially showed support for Postecoglou, especially during the club’s prolonged injury crisis, publicly acknowledging the manager’s efforts under challenging circumstances. But that patience appears to be wearing thin. With the return of key players to fitness, the expectation was that results would improve — yet Tottenham’s league form has remained dismal. The lack of progress has reportedly reignited discussions behind the scenes about Postecoglou’s job security.
Even a Europa League triumph might not be enough to guarantee his survival, though it would certainly bolster his case to stay. Meanwhile, Ruben Amorim, despite enduring a similarly tough domestic campaign, seems to have the backing of Manchester United’s board. The Portuguese manager is seen as a long-term project and is expected to be given more time to implement his philosophy, regardless of the outcome in Bilbao.
A Defining Moment Awaits
As the countdown to Wednesday night continues, anticipation is reaching fever pitch. For both clubs, players, and fans, this Europa League final represents more than just another game — it’s a defining moment. A victory could shift the narrative from a season of failure to one of redemption. A loss, however, might plunge either club further into turmoil, with managerial changes and summer overhauls potentially on the horizon.
Only one side will emerge victorious. For the other, it may be a long and painful summer of soul-searching.