‘I have to be honest’- United Legend, Rio Ferdinand gives his verdict on who will win between Tottenham vs Man United in the Europa League final
This season has been nothing short of disastrous for both Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur, with each club experiencing unprecedented struggles in the Premier League. For Manchester United, the campaign has been one to forget—they have suffered a staggering 18 defeats, the most they’ve ever recorded in a single Premier League season. Their inconsistency and poor form have left them languishing in 16th place, a position that has sparked frustration among fans and raised serious questions about the club’s direction.
Tottenham, meanwhile, have fared no better. In fact, some would argue they’ve endured an even more dismal season under Ange Postecoglou. Spurs sit one spot below United in 17th place, having suffered a woeful 21 defeats in the league—a new club record for losses in a Premier League campaign. The lofty hopes that once surrounded Postecoglou’s appointment have rapidly given way to doubt and disappointment.
With both clubs effectively out of contention for a respectable league finish, the upcoming Europa League final has taken on monumental importance. It represents a final opportunity for either side to salvage something from an otherwise bleak season. More than just a shot at silverware, the winner of the Europa League will also secure a coveted place in next season’s UEFA Champions League—a prize that offers both financial and sporting benefits.
Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has weighed in on the showdown, offering his candid thoughts on what is expected to be a closely contested battle. Speaking on Optus Sport, Ferdinand admitted he’s finding it almost impossible to predict the outcome due to the inconsistency both teams have displayed.
“To be honest, I can’t confidently predict a Manchester United result anymore,” said Ferdinand. “They’ve been so unpredictable—or consistently underwhelming—throughout the Premier League season. But then again, Tottenham haven’t been any better. They’ve also been poor, but they do have individual players who can change the game in a moment.”
He added, “It’s a real toss-up. I can’t say I’ve ever looked at United this season and thought ‘yes, they’re definitely going to win this one,’ aside from maybe the Leicester match. This final is a huge opportunity for both clubs, but particularly for United, whose manager has made it clear he’s prioritising this competition above everything else.”
Despite the struggles in domestic competition, both sides deserve credit for their European campaigns. Under Ruben Amorim, Manchester United have remained unbeaten throughout the tournament—an impressive run of 8 wins and 2 draws. Meanwhile, Spurs, led by Postecoglou, have been formidable on home soil, going unbeaten in every home fixture of the competition.
Some believe Tottenham could enter the final as slight favourites, not necessarily because of their overall form, but due to their record against United this season. The two sides have already faced each other three times in all competitions, and Tottenham have emerged victorious in each encounter. They claimed a commanding 3-0 win at Old Trafford early in the season, followed by a 1-0 win at home, and then knocked United out of the League Cup in an exciting 4-3 thriller.
Interestingly, Ruben Amorim believes Spurs’ tactical approach may work against them in the final. According to reports, he expects Tottenham to stick to their usual style of play, which he sees as somewhat predictable—something he believes United can exploit.
Yet, Spurs have reasons to feel optimistic. This season has been one of unexpected triumphs for several underdogs. Crystal Palace shocked Manchester City to win the FA Cup—marking the first major trophy in their history—while Newcastle United ended a 70-year wait for silverware by defeating Liverpool in the League Cup final.
Tottenham, too, are desperate to end their long trophy drought, which dates back to 2008. After years of falling short, the Europa League final presents a golden opportunity to finally put that narrative to rest and lift a major trophy once again. Should they succeed, it would not only bring joy to a frustrated fanbase but also provide a springboard for a much-needed rebuild.
For both clubs, this isn’t just another final—it’s a potential turning point. A night that could either paper over the cracks of a forgettable season or deepen the wounds of failure. One way or another, the Europa League final promises to be a dramatic and defining moment for Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur alike.