Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur are set to lock horns in the Europa League final on May 21, at San Mames Stadium in Bilbao.
Along with the usual pressure of a final, the upcoming clash is high stakes for both clubs as it is their only shot at salvaging the season. Man United currently stand 16th in the Premier League table, while Tottenham rank 17th with a one-point difference between them with only one match remaining for the campaign.
The winners of the Europa League receive a Champions League qualification for the next season, irrespective of their ranks in the league table, making Wednesday’s match more crucial for both Man United and Spurs.
Ahead of the clash, five former Premier League stars have shared their predictions for the Europa League final against Man United and Tottenham Hotspur.
Roy Keane’s take on Manchester United vs. Tottenham Hotspur
Roy Keane has shared his take on the upcoming Europa League final. The Manchester United legend addressed the Red Devils’ struggles on the pitch this season, but expressed confidence that captain Bruno Fernandes ‘might edge it’ against Spurs.
📲 Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp
Keane also told Sky Sports (comments via Football365) that Man United’s history in finals also adds to their chances over Tottenham.
“You still have to fancy United, someone like Bruno can produce, the history of Manchester United still carries a little bit of weight. There’s not much between them [in the league] but come the crunch, come the final, United’s history in finals, them winning cups the last few years, you’d like to think they would have a bit more knowledge around the game than Spurs. That might edge it for them, and I think Bruno can produce that bit of magic,” said Keane.
Gary Lineker, Micah Richards and Alan Shearer’s take on Manchester United vs. Tottenham Hotspur
While speaking on a recent episode of The Rest is Football, Lineker, Shearer, and Micah Richards discussed the possible results of the upcoming Europa League final.
Shearer predicted (comments via Football365) the match to end in a draw in the first 90 minutes, followed by extra time and then Tottenham bagging the victory on penalties.
“My prediction is going to be 2-2 or 3-3 after extra time and Spurs to win on penalties,” said Shearer.
Lineker backed the former Newcastle star, who in turn asked him if Spurs would win in the first 90 minutes or following that.
“Oh, he’s gone full on there, sounds like a World Cup final. I’m going to have to go for Spurs, I couldn’t not. Well, I’ve got this feeling that it’s the teams that have not won for ages this year. And I think they’re going to, I don’t know about 90 minutes or, I think it could easily go to extra time,” said Lineker.
Richards, meanwhile, had a different opinion, which was in United’s favor. The former Man City star predicted a 1-0 win for the Red Devils.
“I’m going to say, I think a lot of people have laughed off Casemiro or laughed at him for a while now. But I think in these competitions, sometimes it goes down to set pieces. So I’m going to say Bruno assist for a Casemiro goal, one nil,” said Richards.
Gary Neville’s take on Manchester United vs. Tottenham Hotspur
Gary Neville has backed his boyhood club, Man United, to lift the Europa League trophy over Tottenham. While speaking on Sky Sports’ Monday Night Football programme, the former English star claimed (comments via The Mirror) that he feels ‘confident’ about the Red Devils ‘getting through this game.’
“It would be a brilliant achievement to win three trophies in three years in an era when United have been really poor. But to be where they are in the league is incredible. I think United will win. I think they’ve players in there that will feel that occasion. Bruno [Fernandes], Casemiro – want it, need it in their lives. I agree with the belief. I do feel confident on United just getting through this game,” said Neville.
Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur have faced each other on 191 occasions. The Red Devils have a good historical record with 93 victories, as opposed to Spurs’ 52 wins, while the remaining 52 matches ended in a draw.
Man United & Tottenham news and related links
