Tottenham Hotspur face Manchester United in the Europa League final tonight in Bilbao in a game that will elevate or condemn what have been, until this point, dismal campaigns for both clubs.
Both sides have been poor in the Premier League, combining for a staggering 39 defeats to sit 16th and 17th in the table, but both sets of supporters have overcome limited travel options to arrive in the Basque Country ready for their date with destiny.
Ange Postecoglou claimed he “always wins” a trophy in his second year in charge of clubs and has created waves of headlines in the build-up by taking a swipe at a journalist for writing that he was “teetering between hero and clown”. United arrive at the final unbeaten in Europe this term and looking to repeat the glory of 2017 in this competition over the heartache in 2021 when theu fell to Villarreal on penalties in the final.
And United have not beaten Spurs in their last six matches, with three successive losses, but Ruben Amorim’s side can boost hopes of a successful summer transfer window with victory here.
Follow all the latest team news and updates from chief football writer Miguel Delaney in Bilbao for tonight’s Europa League final:
Read More
Europa League final: Spurs v Man United
- Kick-off at San Mames, Bilbao at 20:00 BST
- How fans can watch Europa League final for free
- Man United sweating on fitness of Leny Yoro and Mathijs De Ligt
- Tottenham suffer injury blow on eve of Europa League final
- Ange Postecoglou’s ‘clown’ rant was petty - and Tottenham deserve better
- Why ‘shambolic’ Tottenham v Manchester United final is entirely by Uefa’s design
'Nothing is going to change our season' says Ruben Amorim
16:30
,
Mike Jones
Asked about the importance of this game in relation to the rest of their season and whether it could give United “a new future,” Ruben Amorim said:
“A new future for me I think is not the case, but it's going to help us to finish the season and many people will look at our team in a different way because winning a European title is really important.
“But, again, nothing is going to change our season, everybody knows winning a European title can help us have the feeling that can help us to build a future.”
'You can be an amazing player and the following week the villain'
16:20
,
Mike Jones
Harry Maguire had an interesting response when asked in the pre-match press conference about his revival at the club and fighting back into the squad.
“It's amazing to be back in the team and playing regularly. This season I have played a lot of football. I don't take too much notice of the plaudits from the media and things like that.
“When you play for this club you can be an amazing player and the following week you can be the villain. That's part and parcel of playing for this club.
“I don't read too much into it. I try and stay as level as I can. Every game I go into it and try my best, and that's all you can do.”
Major injury boost for Man United for Europa League final
16:10
,
Mike Jones
Ruben Amorim has delivered a triple injury boost for Man United with Leny Yoro, Joshua Zirkzee, and Diogo Dalot all poised to make the Europa League final squad.
Both Yoro and Dalot made the training session on the San Mames pitch.
But it is Zirkzee that is the major shock, with his season thought to be over after a hamstring injury suffered at St James’ Park in April, with Amorim even declaring: “He will not play again this season, let's prepare him for the next one.”
Speaking before the game on Wednesday, Amorim added: “They are limited for their minutes in the game but they can help us to win the game.
“They recover quite well, they push. We respect the feelings of the players but push a little bit because they want to be a part of the team.”
'Hojlund wears defenders down and chases everything'
16:00
,
Mike Jones
Peter Schmeichel also spoke about struggling striker Rasmus Hojlund and explained how the Manchester United forward can hurt Tottenham tonight.
He said: “Rasmus Hojlund has been stuck in his development with the way his team plays.
“They never cross the ball to him and as a number nine you need to have that. He wears defenders down - the ball might not stick with him, but he chases everything.
“With Rasmus, I still think he can be the guy. I think there's certain things that need to happen, the team needs to play in a different way, but I think he has got the potential.”
The sinister side of Man United after 20 years of decay from the Glazers
15:50
,
Mike Jones
It is rare that a final arrives with such a sense of trepidation, but that is the case as Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur fight for the Europa League trophy this week in Bilbao.
Both sides arrive in the Basque Country needing a win just as much for financial and squad-building reasons as they do for morale, and for Manchester United especially it is a stark illustration of how far the club has fallen since the days of regularly challenging for the top honours.
While fans navigate testing travel conditions to even arrive at the San Mames on Wednesday, United are preparing for a ninth major European final while sitting 16th in the league. But the current situation has become a fitting illustration of the decay that began 20 years ago this month, when two decades of neglect, mismanagement and contempt started as the Glazer family took control of the club.
Who will win the Europa League final?
15:40
,
Mike Jones
Have your say as Tottenham Hotspur face Manchester United:
'This is why Solanke was bought'
15:30
,
Mike Jones
Ex-Spurs star Andros Townsend says that Dominic Solanke can have a big impact tonight and that big games like this one are the reason why Tottenham signed the striker.
“Games like today are why Dominic Solanke was bought,” Townsend claimed.
“Tottenham paid big money for him to produce in big moments. He has scored a lot of goals, and out of possession he is so aggressive.
“He has been a great signing for Spurs.”
'They have players who can win them the game'
15:20
,
Mike Jones
Rio Ferdinand gave his thoughts on the game when speaking to BBC Radio 4 earlier today.
The former Man Utd captain said: “None of those players have really won a trophy for United or a European trophy at least, so it’s difficult to see how much influence history has.
“It’s all in how the manager positions it. I think if he gives it a little bit of that nostalgia in the team talk and the expectations of the fans, and balances it in the right way, then they will have a good chance.
“They have players who can win them a game, and talented attacking players who can hopefully be game winners.”
'Maguire is the best defender in the squad'
15:10
,
Mike Jones
Former Manchester United goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel has praised Harry Maguire in the build-up to tonight’s final and labelled him the best defender in Ruben Amorim’s squad.
“A bit more than a year ago Harry Maguire was told by the then coach [Erik ten Hag] that he was in the firing line,” Schmeichel said.
“For me, he's been the best defender in the squad. He might not be the quickest player on the planet, but he's clever.
“When you're a goalkeeper playing behind him it makes your job easier because you don't have to worry about what he is doing.”
Man United fans gather in Bilbao ahead of Europa League final
15:00
,
Jack Rathborn
Amorim on the pressure of Man United and Tottenham jobs
14:50
,
Jack Rathborn
"I know that in this kind of club, also in Tottenham, but especially Manchester United, it's strange, because you have some coaches that loses some games and they are sacked," he said.
"I think people see what we are trying to do. I think people see that sometimes I'm thinking more (about) the club than myself.
“People understand, especially the board, that we have a lot of issues. I will try to prove myself to the fans, to the board."
Defiant Postecoglou rejects Tottenham job is on the line at Europa League final
14:40
,
Jack Rathborn
"I don't think my job is done here," Postecoglou said.
"I really feel like we are building something. And what a trophy does is hopefully accelerate this. I still think there's a lot of work to be done.
“That's quite obvious with the challenges that we've had this year. But also, there's been some growth that I would like to see through. I'm far from thinking that this job is finished."
Bilbao braced for 50,000 Tottenham and Man United fans
14:30
,
Jack Rathborn
Bilbao braces for the expected influx of more than 50,000 English football fans as Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United prepare to square off in the Europa League final on Wednesday.
Spanish authorities have fortified Athletic Bilbao's San Mames Stadium, located in the city centre, with a three-metre high fence and stringent security measures.
The municipal services in Bilbao, including mobility, cleaning, and security, have been significantly disrupted due to the extensive plans set in place to ensure the event proceeds in an orderly and secure manner, as stated by Bilbao's City Council. This has led to locals having to adjust their regular routines.
More than 3,000 police officers will be deployed in the city and will oversee three security rings around the stadium, restricting access only to ticket holders and local residents starting on Wednesday morning.
Additionally, fan zones equipped with giant screens, amusement activities, and more than 60,000 litres of beer have been set up outside the city centre to attract fans without match tickets away from the security perimeter.
Each fanbase was allocated almost 15,000 match tickets, with the remainder given to UEFA sponsors or already secured by neutrals, as the two struggling clubs battle for the title that will qualify one of them for next season's Champions League.
To minimise the risk of confrontations, the two sets of fans will be kept in separate areas, 2.5km apart, before kickoff.
Brennan Johnson on Spurs' Europa League hopes
14:20
,
Jack Rathborn
Johnson said: "I think we know, going into the final, we can't rely on the fact that we've beaten them a few times this season.
"I think it's about now coming up with a plan because each time we've beaten them has been down to different reasons.
"I feel like we've done good work preparing for Man United so now it's about coming up with how we want to win, things we want to do, things we want to stop them from doing so it's a new opportunity.
"We want to prepare and be as confident as we can."
Gary Neville explains why Man United don't deserve a parade if they win Europa League
14:10
,
Jack Rathborn
"If Manchester United win, they'll celebrate a trophy but there will be a cautious celebration tomorrow - not by the fans, though, because they'll obviously go crazy.
"Their interviews will be along the lines of them saying that they're so happy and delighted for the fans, but it's been a difficult season.
"That will be the tone of it. I don't think there should be a parade through the city for them winning the Europa League."
Spurs and Man United fans soak in Bilbao atmosphere
14:00
,
Jack Rathborn
Europa League 2024/25: Top scorers
13:50
,
Jack Rathborn
1. Bruno Fernandes, Man Utd - 7
1. K. Høgh, Bodø/Glimt - 7
1. A. El Kaabi, Olympiakos - 7
4. R. Højlund, Man Utd - 6
4. V. Černý, Rangers - 6
4. M. Fofana, Lyon - 6
4. V. Osimhen, Galatasaray - 6
4. B. Varga, Ferencváros - 6
4. Samu Aghehowa, Porto - 6
4. Y. En-Nesyri, Fenerbahce - 6
11. D. Solanke, Spurs - 5
Harry Maguire sends messaged to 'incredible' Man United fans
13:40
,
Jack Rathborn
Maguire said: "Our fans, they're greatest fans about, how we've performed for them, it's unacceptable, but they've stuck with us.
“I'm surprised by how much, they've been incredible, the Europa has been a shining light. Hopefully one more memorable night for them."
Tottenham Hotspur v Manchester United: Tale of the tape
13:30
,
Jack Rathborn
0 Champions League/European Cup titles 3
2 Europa League/UEFA Cup titles 1
1 European Cup Winners' Cup titles 1
5 Previous European final appearances 8
2 First Division/Premier League titles 20
8 FA Cup wins 13
4 League Cup wins 6
Harry Kane (280) Record goalscorer Wayne Rooney (253)
Brennan Johnson 17 Top goalscorer in 2024-25 (all competitions) Bruno Fernandes 19
Dominic Solanke (£65million) Record signing Paul Pogba (£89.3million)
Tottenham fans gather in Bilbao ahead of Europa League final
13:20
,
Jack Rathborn
Rory McIlroy to attend Europa League final after media no-show at PGA Championship
13:10
,
Jack Rathborn
Rory McIlroy will be in attendance at the Europa League final after his media no-show at last week’s PGA Championship at Quail Hollow.
McIlroy endured a tough week in Charlotte, finishing T-47 after barely making the cut, and the Northern Irishman opted not to speak with the media on each of the four playing days.
But the Manchester United fan has travelled to Bilbao to watch his side in the final against Tottenham, stopping for a picture with friend and caddy Harry Diamond, United legend Rio Ferdinand and TNT Sports commentator Darren Fletcher.
Man Utd superfan Rory McIlroy with a few familiar faces ahead of the Europa League final ️♂️ pic.twitter.com/yUh6usS6x3
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) May 21, 2025
A closer look at Manchester United’s route to the Europa League final
12:41
,
Flo Clifford
United made an inauspicious start to the new-look group phase under Erik ten Hag, whose former club Twente secured a shock 1-1 Old Trafford draw in September.
Harry Maguire’s late goal saw the 10-man Red Devils record a 3-3 draw at Porto the following month, before Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce held them to a 1-1 stalemate in Turkey.
After Ten Hag was sacked, interim boss Ruud van Nistelrooy oversaw the end of United’s 380-day wait for a European win by beating PAOK 2-0 at Old Trafford, where Ruben Amorim took charge for the first time in the hard-fought 3-2 triumph against eventual semi-finalists Bodo/Glimt.
'Historic moment' to win - Son Heung-Min
11:40
,
Flo Clifford
The Spurs captain had this to say about lifting the Europa League trophy: "It would be very special and would be a historic moment but I [have been] here 10 years and I just want to win the trophy, which nobody has done in the 10 years I have been here.
"Tomorrow is going to be a massive day for the club and the boys and for me as well."
Confidence or pressure?
11:35
,
Flo Clifford
Are Spurs more confident having beaten Manchester United three times already this season?
"It's a final and those kind of things aren't important. What I do know is, even your form going into it, even if you're in terrible form - it doesn't matter.
“What matters is how the players cope with the occasion, how they cope with understanding the importance of the game - from both clubs.
“You just don't know how players will react to such a big occasion.”
Ange Postecoglou insists his focus is on the final, not his future
11:21
,
Flo Clifford
"It doesn't matter really,” Postecoglou stresses when asked over speculation around his future. “The reality of it is, the opportunity is the same. For me and more importantly for the club.
"Whatever happens beyond tomorrow is irrelevant when you think about the opportunity that exists right now and that is to provide something special for this football club, its supporters and everyone that has worked so hard for a trophy.
"If I was worried about my tenure at this football club, it's fair to say we wouldn't be in this position because I would have been distracted long ago.
"I'm pretty good at ensuring my focus is on giving this football club its best opportunity that it has had for a while to do something special.
"Whatever happens after that, I'm very comfortable that I will continue trying to win trophies wherever I am."
Ange Postecoglou on the importance of Son Heung Min's return
11:12
,
Flo Clifford
"It's massive to get Sonny back. We were a little bit worried when he picked up the injury because we weren't sure how long he was going to be out for. We were really pleased the other night to see him play 60-70 minutes. You could see his sharpness is coming back.
"He is so important to the group. He is so important as a leader and he is such an important figure at this football club. It's a big motivation and driver for all of us to give him a trophy that his career deserves.
"He is a guy that has come from the other side of the world. Not many guys have come from Asia and stayed in the Premier League - the top league in the world - for so long, maintaining that excellence. It would be great to cap that off with a trophy for him.
"He knows and we all know that we still have to do the work. He has been in this position before with the Champions League final so he has had that experience and I am sure he will pass that on to the players."
'We have bigger things to deal with' - Amorim
10:40
,
Flo Clifford
Amorim is asked about a previous statement that winning the Europa League wouldn’t fix the underlying issues at United, and he reiterates that.
“I think it's hard to speak about it in this moment because we need to be excited and confident but we already know the problems. There are a lot of things we need to change in our club. The way we do everything during the week in Carrington, the recruitment, the academy I think we need to improve.
“It's hard to point one thing. That will not be solved by winning a cup. I will say it again, for me we have bigger things to deal with to put this club back to the top.
“Tomorrow, it will be important for us and our fans that feeling of winning can help us have the strength to do every job we have to do. We have a lot to do in our club, not just winning tomorrow but tomorrow will be massive for us and our fans.”
Harry Maguire 'always happy to help'
10:11
,
Flo Clifford
Harry Maguire was asked about playing as a makeshift striker in previous Europa League games and his contributions up front.
“The manager has me dribbling every day in training up and down the wing. I found myself on the wing against Bilbao and managed to put a good cross in and Casa [Casemiro] scored the goal.
“In the Europa League game before that [the second leg against Lyon in the quarter-finals] the manager asked me to go up front in the later minutes of the game, but hopefully tomorrow night I will not be going up front.
“I don't want to be going up front and chasing the game, I want to be defending a lead from my position in defence. I am always happy to help, but also more than happy to play in my favoured position.”
Europa League final: Tottenham Hotspur v Man United
07:38
,
Jack Rathborn
Hello and welcome to the Independent’s coverage of the Europa League final, it’s gameday!
The Europa League final is here and Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United are now just hours away from a game at the San Mames, Bilbao which will define their seasons and drastically alter plans for the 2025/26 campaign.
After Postecoglou’s rant and vital fitness calls on a number of players ahead of kick-off, drama is guaranteed tonight.
Follow for all the latest updates and build-up from Bilbao with kick-off set for 20:00 BST:
