Paul Merson chooses his Europa League winner between Tottenham and Man United

Paul Merson has weighed in on the debate over which Premier League club—Tottenham Hotspur or Manchester United—stands a better chance of lifting the Europa League trophy this season. His opinion has sparked considerable discussion among fans and pundits alike, as both clubs have shown glimpses of brilliance but also struggled with consistency throughout the campaign.
Both Spurs and the Red Devils secured their places in the prestigious European competition after strong performances in the group stage. They finished in the top eight of the League Phase, earning direct passage to the round of 16. The two sides boasted similar records, having both registered five victories. However, Manchester United managed to remain unbeaten, drawing three times, while Tottenham suffered a single defeat alongside two draws. This left United finishing just ahead of Spurs, one position higher in the overall standings. Despite this, their respective performances have been scrutinized, with Spurs showing a more dynamic and aggressive style under Ange Postecoglou.

Paul Merson Backs Spurs to Go the Distance

The Europa League round of 16 draw has now been completed, and it has presented intriguing challenges for both English clubs. Tottenham have been paired with Dutch outfit AZ Alkmaar, while Manchester United are set to face Spanish side Real Sociedad. Both opponents are formidable in their own right, boasting talented squads and European experience, making these matchups far from straightforward.
Following the draw, Paul Merson shared his thoughts on which team has the greater potential to go all the way. Writing for Sportskeeda, the former Arsenal midfielder made his stance clear:
“Tottenham should go all in on winning the Europa League. If Spurs win it, they will secure a place in next season’s Champions League, which would be a massive boost for the club.
“Fans need to realize that some sacrifices in the Premier League might be necessary for the team to truly compete for this European title. The way I see it, there aren’t many top-class teams left in the competition, and Tottenham have a serious shot at going all the way.
“On the other hand, I just can’t see how Manchester United will win it. Their performances haven’t been convincing enough. Spurs are in a much stronger position.”
Merson’s confidence in Spurs stems from their fluid attacking style, tactical flexibility, and the return of key players who had been sidelined due to injuries. While Manchester United boast a rich European history, their current form has been inconsistent, and defensive vulnerabilities have been exposed in crucial games.

Tottenham Hotspur’s Route to the Europa League Final

If Tottenham are to fulfill Merson’s prediction and go all the way in the competition, they will need to navigate a challenging path to the final. The first hurdle is AZ Alkmaar, a team known for their tactical discipline and ability to frustrate opponents. The Dutch side has developed a reputation for being giant-killers in Europe, and Spurs will need to be at their best to overcome them.
Should Spurs emerge victorious, they would then face a formidable quarter-final tie against either Eintracht Frankfurt or Ajax—both clubs with significant European pedigree. Frankfurt, the 2022 Europa League winners, have the experience to mount a serious challenge, while Ajax, with their rich history and attacking style, can never be underestimated. If they manage to get past that round, they will likely come up against Lazio in the semi-finals, a team that has proven difficult to break down in European competition. The Italian side boasts a strong defensive setup and tactical discipline under Maurizio Sarri, making them a formidable opponent.
While the road ahead is far from easy, Tottenham’s chances of success have been bolstered by the return of key players from injury. The likes of James Maddison, Micky van de Ven, and Rodrigo Bentancur are all expected to play crucial roles in the latter stages of the tournament. Additionally, with their Premier League campaign effectively settled and Champions League qualification unlikely through league positioning, manager Ange Postecoglou is expected to prioritize the Europa League as the club’s best shot at achieving something special this season.
Beyond their squad strength, another factor working in Spurs’ favor is Postecoglou’s aggressive tactical approach, which has injected new energy into the squad. His high-pressing philosophy and fluid attacking play have transformed Tottenham into an exciting, forward-thinking team. This style of play could be crucial in their Europa League campaign, as they look to outscore opponents and impose their dominance on the pitch.
As the competition heats up, Tottenham fans will be hopeful that their team can rise to the occasion and deliver silverware, marking a significant milestone under Postecoglou’s leadership. A Europa League triumph would not only end Spurs’ long wait for a major trophy but also signal their return to the Champions League, allowing them to compete against Europe’s elite next season. With the right balance of squad rotation, tactical discipline, and determination, Tottenham Hotspur could very well be lifting the Europa League trophy come the end of the season.