Preview for Tottenham v Manchester United
Two teams that have had appalling league seasons have the chance to end it among the cream of European football when Tottenham and Manchester United face off in Bilbao.
The winners of the Europa League qualify for next season’s Champions League, creating a back door to the top table that arguably neither of these clubs deserve.
It does present a remarkable opportunity for both Spurs and United, though, and their head coaches.
Ange Postecoglou and Ruben Amorim have struggled this season, coming under fire for long spells of poor form domestically with European competition providing respite.
Defeat at San Mames, particularly for Postecoglou given he has had more time to produce better results, would mean goodwill from fans would wane while fingers in the boardroom would twitch even harder.
It’s not just on the field where this matters more than most games.
The economic boost offered by playing in the Champions League would have a huge impact, particularly at United whose attempts at streamlining following the takeover from Jim Ratcliffe have been severe and, to many fans, cruel with many long-serving staff laid off.
“Financially, it’s the most important match in the club’s history,” football finance expert Kieran Maguire told the BBC.
“Champions League participation is crucial, because it could generate over £100m from tickets, broadcast money, and sponsor bonuses.”
Not only that, but the lure of playing in the Champions League would mean Amorim and the club’s recruitment team could shop in a different market over the summer.
The United squad needs an overhaul but without elite European competition it is unlikely they will be able to attract the players to truly rebuild in the way Amorim would like.
If you do one thing today, make sure you watch this. pic.twitter.com/V7uCjISGmb
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) May 19, 2025
