Europa League Final: Do Or Die for Ruben Amorim and Ange Postecoglou
As Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United gear up for this evening’s UEFA Europa League final, the clash holds immense significance for both clubs. This match carries far more weight than any of the five previous all-English European finals.
What sets this showdown apart is the turbulent backdrop each team brings into the final. Rarely has such a prestigious European fixture involved two teams that have experienced such hardship throughout the season.
A Battle Between Strugglers
Separated by only a single point in the Premier League standings, Manchester United (39 points) and Tottenham Hotspur (38 points) currently occupy 16th and 17th places respectively—just above the relegated trio. It’s a dismal record for both sides and the lowest Premier League finish in Manchester United’s history is now confirmed. Meanwhile, Spurs need to climb three spots to avoid sharing that same ignominious distinction.
Collectively, the two sides have managed just 21 league wins and suffered 39 defeats. These numbers underline the magnitude of tonight’s fixture—an opportunity for redemption through silverware, a return to Europe’s elite competition, and an essential financial windfall.
The Elusive Quest for Glory
For Spurs supporters, silverware has been elusive for far too long. The North London club have fallen short in their last four major finals—losing the 2018/19 UEFA Champions League final, and EFL Cup finals in 2020/21, 2014/15, and 2008/09. Their last triumph came in the 2007/08 EFL Cup final against Chelsea.
Their European drought stretches even further back, with the club’s most recent continental success coming in the 1983/84 UEFA Cup, when they edged past Anderlecht via a penalty shootout.
Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou has expressed the belief that winning tonight’s final could prove transformational for the club. “I feel like it could be a turning point in terms of the way the club is perceived but also more how it perceives itself, which is the biggest thing,” said Postecoglou.
He added, “Until you do that, irrespective of what else you accomplish, people are always going to say, ‘But you have not won anything.’ That’s the hurdle this club has to overcome. Until you actually do it, you are fair game for people to say, ‘You have always kind of fluffed it on the big stage.’”
United’s Need for Continued Success
In contrast, Manchester United have avoided a trophy drought in recent seasons, having lifted the FA Cup last year and the EFL Cup the season before. However, for a club of United’s stature, sporadic success is not enough.
Winning their first European trophy since their 2016/17 UEFA Europa League triumph would ease the pressure on a side that has struggled to live up to expectations. Earlier this year, United’s manager Ruben Amorim described the current squad as “maybe the worst” in the club’s illustrious history—a scathing assessment reflecting the mood around Old Trafford.
The Race for UEFA Champions League Qualification
Victory tonight means much more than just lifting a trophy. The winner secures a place in next season’s UEFA Champions League—a reward both sides desperately crave.
This season marks only the fifth time Manchester United have failed to appear in Europe’s top club competition since 1993. Meanwhile, Tottenham have qualified for the Champions League just five times in the past decade.
Beyond the prestige, participation in the Champions League could bring in around £100 million through prize money, broadcast rights, sponsorships, and matchday revenue. That injection of funds will be crucial as both clubs look to revamp their squads in the upcoming transfer window.
Additionally, Champions League football significantly improves the chances of attracting top-tier talent. Despite this, Amorim has raised doubts about whether his United team are prepared for such a return.
When asked if a season without midweek European fixtures might benefit the club’s long-term development, he admitted: “That is my feeling. We need more time with the team. We need to arrange a lot of things in Carrington that we need more time to do.”
Pressure Mounts on the Managers
This final also comes at a time when both managers are under significant scrutiny. Ruben Amorim, who only took over Manchester United in November, has faced intense pressure following a dismal run that included seven Premier League games without a win.
After a defeat to West Ham United earlier this month, Amorim hinted at his uncertain future. “If next season starts like this one ends, maybe new persons need to occupy this space,” he said, before clarifying, “I am far from quitting. What I am saying is we need to perform this season, and in the future we need to perform, or else they [the executive] will change us.”
Ange Postecoglou, on the other hand, has drawn upon his history of second-season success. He famously won titles with South Melbourne, Brisbane Roar, Yokohama F. Marinos, and Celtic in his second year. He also led Australia to victory in the Asian Cup during his second year in charge.
When questioned about his future and the criticism he has received, Postecoglou responded defiantly, stating that a Europa League win for Spurs would “upset a lot of people”.
The Cost of Defeat
The stakes are sky-high, and the consequences of losing could be severe for either side.
“If we don’t win it is going to be really tough,” admitted Amorim. “The patience of the fans and you guys [the media] next year is going to be on the limit.”
Missing out on European football entirely and starting next season from such a low base would make rebuilding efforts significantly harder. In contrast, entering 2025/26 as a Champions League club would offer renewed hope and momentum.
For Tottenham, another final loss would reinforce their reputation as a club that falters on the big stage. Amorim went as far as to say that defeat would render United’s Europa League run meaningless.
“My message to the players is we have to win or it doesn’t matter.”