Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United Set for Europa League Final Showdown – O’Hara and Pennant Weigh In on Who Will Triumph
The stage is set for a thrilling all-English final in the UEFA Europa League as Tottenham Hotspur prepare to face Manchester United in what promises to be a high-stakes encounter later this month in Bilbao.
Both sides endured turbulent domestic campaigns, languishing in the lower half of the Premier League table. Tottenham sit in 16th while Manchester United occupy 15th—an alarming sight considering the financial muscle both clubs have flexed in recent years. Despite underwhelming league form, a European trophy would be a major silver lining for either club and could redeem what has otherwise been a forgettable season.
Path to the Final
Manchester United stormed into the final with a ruthless display over two legs against Spanish side Athletic Bilbao. The Red Devils smashed seven goals past their opponents, comfortably advancing and showcasing signs of growing momentum.
Tottenham, meanwhile, were similarly composed in their semi-final clash with Norwegian side Bodo/Glimt. Ange Postecoglou’s side secured a 3-1 win at home before travelling to Norway and sealing the deal with a professional 2-0 victory. The aggregate score of 5-1 underlined Spurs’ dominance and their hunger for continental glory.
O’Hara and Pennant Debate the Final’s Outcome
With the final looming, former professionals Jamie O’Hara and Jermaine Pennant shared their contrasting views on who will emerge victorious.
Speaking on talkSPORT, O’Hara—who once donned the Spurs shirt—was bullish about Tottenham’s chances, referencing their perfect record against Manchester United this season.
“I think we’re going to give you a whupping,” he told a Manchester United supporter. “We’ve pumped you three times this season, let’s just put it out there. I know a final is different, but we’ve destroyed you every time.”
O’Hara believes Tottenham have a mental edge over United, and if they play to their strengths, they could secure the club’s first European trophy since their UEFA Cup win in 1984.
Jermaine Pennant, however, took a different stance. While acknowledging Tottenham’s past victories, he suggested Manchester United have grown stronger under Amorim’s guidance.
“In all fairness, I think Man United will topple Spurs,” Pennant said. “I think United now are a lot better than when Spurs played them. This is a different team.”
The former Liverpool and Arsenal winger pointed to United’s dominant performance against Athletic Club as evidence of their resurgence, highlighting how their midfield and attack seemed sharper, more fluid, and more dangerous than in their earlier defeats to Spurs.
Later in the segment, O’Hara admitted he does feel a little uneasy about facing United in a final: “Yeah, we’ve got their number, but I do worry about Man United in a final. There’s just something about them on the big stage.”
Pennant echoed that sentiment, noting the strength of English football in Europe: “That just goes to show how strong the Premier League is—15th and 16th place teams are beating clubs from the top five in other leagues. But I still think Man United are going to do Spurs. I just can’t see anything else, unfortunately.”
O’Hara, clearly unimpressed, fired back jokingly: “You’re an idiot.”
Tactics: How United Can Stop Spurs
Tottenham may enter the final as slight favourites, given their track record against United this season. However, if Manchester United want to overturn that narrative, they’ll need to play smart.
Spurs thrive when given time and space to build attacks. Under Postecoglou, they commit players forward with pace and aggression, which can overwhelm unprepared defences. But that offensive risk often leaves them vulnerable at the back, especially when caught in transition.
United’s best chance may come by staying compact defensively and capitalising on the counter-attack. Their speed on the break—with players like Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho—could pose problems for Tottenham’s backline, which has shown moments of fragility throughout the season.
Trying to go toe-to-toe in a high-tempo battle could backfire. If United open up too much, they risk being punished by Tottenham’s pressing game and quick ball movement.
A Final Worth Watching
Both sides enter the final with everything to gain and nothing to lose. For Tottenham, it could mark a new chapter under Ange Postecoglou and give fans a glimmer of hope for the future. For United, it would be a sign of life after a chaotic season and a statement of intent under Ruben Amorim.
One thing is for sure—the Europa League final is shaping up to be a fierce battle between two wounded giants eager to restore their pride. Only one can leave Bilbao with a trophy and a shot at redemption. But who will it be?
