Manchester United and Tottenham Set for Historic Europa League Final Showdown — Premier League Could Break New Ground
In a dramatic turn of events, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur have officially booked their spots in this season’s UEFA Europa League final, setting the stage for an all-English clash that could reshape the Premier League’s representation in Europe next season. The final is scheduled to take place in Bilbao on Wednesday, 21 May.
United stormed into the final with an emphatic 7-1 aggregate victory over Athletic Club, showcasing their European pedigree despite a lackluster domestic campaign. Tottenham, under Ange Postecoglou’s guidance, dismantled Norwegian outfit Bodo/Glimt 5-1 over two legs, capping off an impressive knockout run of their own.
Although both sides have struggled for consistency in the Premier League this season, the Europa League final presents a golden opportunity—not just for silverware, but for redemption. More importantly, the winner will automatically qualify for next season’s UEFA Champions League, regardless of where they finish in the league table.
A Record-Breaking Opportunity for the Premier League
This year, England has already secured a minimum of five spots in the Champions League thanks to a European Performance Spot (EPS), a reward based on overall success of English clubs in continental competitions. Arsenal’s quarter-final victory over Real Madrid in the Champions League played a pivotal role in securing that bonus place.
With the top four effectively expanded into a top five, teams like Liverpool, Arsenal, Manchester City, Newcastle United, and Chelsea are already on course to secure Champions League football next season. But the presence of both Manchester United and Spurs in the Europa League final introduces a fascinating new twist.
Whichever club lifts the Europa League trophy in Bilbao will claim an additional Champions League slot, meaning the Premier League is now set to have six teams in Europe’s top competition for the first time in history. This unprecedented scenario highlights the growing dominance and depth of English football on the European stage.
European Qualification: The Bigger Picture
Currently, Nottingham Forest sit sixth in the Premier League table and are in line for a Europa League spot. However, that too could shift depending on the outcome of the FA Cup final between Manchester City and Crystal Palace.
The FA Cup winner is also awarded a place in the Europa League. If Crystal Palace, the underdogs, win the final, they’ll take the Europa League spot. But if Manchester City emerge victorious, and considering they’re already in the Champions League, that place will instead go to the team finishing seventh in the league.
Meanwhile, Newcastle United, who already clinched the Carabao Cup by beating Liverpool, have locked in a spot in the Europa Conference League. Should both Newcastle and Manchester City finish within the top seven—as expected—the team finishing eighth, currently Bournemouth, could find themselves rewarded with a place in Europe’s third-tier competition.
Could We See Nine or Even Ten English Clubs in Europe?
At the very least, eight Premier League clubs will play European football next season. However, that number could rise to nine or even ten depending on how final matches and results play out. For instance, Chelsea remain in contention for the Europa Conference League and could potentially qualify by winning the Europa League final on 28 May—should they drop out of the European qualification spots in the league standings.
Preparation and Prize Money
Both Manchester United and Spurs will be given equal preparation time ahead of the final. United are set to face Chelsea on the same evening that Spurs host Aston Villa—Friday, 16 May—giving both clubs a level playing field heading into the final clash.
There’s also a significant financial incentive at stake. The Europa League champion will receive approximately £10.95 million in prize money, while the runner-up will pocket £5.90 million—a substantial sum for clubs looking to bolster their squads in the upcoming transfer window.
