Tottenham Hotspur vs. Manchester United Tips and Odds – 21/05/2025

• Fixture: Tottenham Hotspur vs Manchester United
• Competition: UEFA Europa League Final 2025
• Date: Wednesday, 21 May 2025
• Venue: San Mamés Stadium, Bilbao, Spain

Match Preview

The 2025 UEFA Europa League final brings an all-English clash to Bilbao as Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United square off in a high-stakes showdown. Both teams have endured their worst Premier League campaigns in decades—United finished 16th, Spurs 17th—making this final not only a shot at silverware but also a lifeline to the UEFA Champions League and a financial windfall worth up to £100 million. The San Mamés Stadium, with a capacity of over 50,000, will be packed with fans eager to see if United can add to their 2017 Europa League triumph or if Spurs can end a 17-year trophy drought.

Both sides arrive in Bilbao after impressive European runs that contrast sharply with their domestic struggles. Manchester United powered through the knockout rounds, demolishing Athletic Club 7-1 on aggregate in the semifinals after a dramatic quarterfinal win over Lyon. Tottenham, meanwhile, dispatched Bodo/Glimt 5-1 in the semis and edged past Eintracht Frankfurt in the quarters, proving their mettle on the continental stage. Interestingly, Spurs have dominated the head-to-head this season, winning all three previous meetings—including a 3-0 rout at Old Trafford—despite United’s historical advantage in this fixture.

Injuries and suspensions are a major subplot. Manchester United have received a late boost with Diogo Dalot, Leny Yoro, and Joshua Zirkzee returning to training, though Zirkzee and Yoro remain doubtful after recent injuries, and Matthijs de Ligt is also a fitness concern. Lisandro Martínez is ruled out with a knee injury. Tottenham are missing influential midfielders James Maddison and Lucas Bergvall, both out for the season, while Dejan Kulusevski is also sidelined. However, captain Son Heung-Min is expected to be fit after a recent return, and defenders Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven are available again.

The recent form for both teams reflects their turbulent seasons. United lost their last two league matches (0-1 to Chelsea, 0-2 to West Ham) but thrashed Athletic Bilbao 4-1 in their last European outing. Spurs, meanwhile, have lost their last two league games (0-2 to Aston Villa and Crystal Palace) but cruised past Bodo/Glimt in Europe. Both managers will be desperate to end the season on a high and secure Champions League football, making for a tense, unpredictable final.

Key Players

Manchester United:

• Bruno Fernandes: The creative heartbeat, United’s captain is vital for linking midfield and attack.
• Rasmus Højlund: Expected to lead the line, the young striker’s form could be decisive.
• Andre Onana: The goalkeeper’s shot-stopping will be crucial against Spurs’ pace and movement.

Tottenham Hotspur:

• Son Heung-Min: Back from injury, the captain’s speed and finishing are essential to Spurs’ attack.
• Cristian Romero: The Argentine defender’s leadership and tackling will be key to containing United’s forwards.
• Brennan Johnson: The Welsh winger’s directness and creativity could trouble United’s fullbacks.

Prediction

This final is a true toss-up. Both teams have underperformed domestically but shown quality in Europe. United’s recent European demolition of Athletic Club suggests they have the firepower to trouble Spurs, but Tottenham’s head-to-head dominance this season and the return of Son Heung-Min tip the scales slightly in their favor. Expect a tense, cagey affair that could go to extra time. A 2-1 win for Tottenham after extra time looks a likely outcome, ending their long wait for a trophy and capping off a remarkable European campaign.

Betting Markets & Odds

Odds are subject to change. Please gamble responsibly.

This Europa League final promises drama, tension, and the chance for redemption for two of England’s biggest clubs. Whether it’s United’s experience or Tottenham’s hunger that prevails, fans are in for a memorable night in Bilbao.