Manchester United vs Tottenham Hotspur: Who needs Europa League success more? | OneFootball

Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur will meet in an all-English Europa League final in Bilbao on May 21.

The Red Devils defeated Athletic Club 7-1 on aggregate in their semi-final, while Spurs eased past Bodo/Glimt 5-1 overall.

The fixture offers two of the biggest underachievers in the Premier League a route into next season’s Champions League.

Both clubs desperately need to win the Europa League, but who needs it more? Read on as we take a closer look.

‘Big Six’ pretenders need major silverware

Given their respective performances in recent seasons, neither side has lived up to their status as a member of the so-called ‘Big Six’ in the Premier League.

While Man United have won a handful of trophies, their successes have been sporadic when compared to the golden era under former manager Sir Alex Ferguson.

Tottenham last won major silverware in 2007/08, lifting the League Cup after beating Chelsea 2-1 at Wembley Stadium.

While winning the Europa League would offer a modicum of redemption for both clubs, it would not gloss over the fact that both of them are punching below their weight.

Man United undoubtedly need to lift the trophy more than Tottenham. Another season out of the Champions League would be disastrous for their finances.

Spurs fans may contend that the club’s lack of success makes their need greater, and their argument would have some merit.

However, whether they like it or not, United are a much bigger club in global terms. Winning major silverware used to be their thing. They need to get back to that level.

Managers have a point to prove

United manager Ruben Amorim and Spurs counterpart Ange Postecoglou each have a point to prove in the Europa League.

Amorim was touted as United’s saviour when he replaced Erik ten Hag last November, but results have been mixed since then.

In fairness, his team has shown plenty of character on their way to the final and lifting the trophy would be a great way to end the campaign.

While Amorim will be desperate to get the job done, Postecoglou cannot afford to lose if he wants to retain his position.

He did himself no favours earlier in the season when he reminded everyone that he always wins trophies in his second year with a club.

His gung-ho style has attracted widespread criticism, and many people believe Spurs will sack him at the end of the season.

If Postecoglou guides Tottenham to the Europa League title, it would be much more difficult for the club to dispense with his services.

Fernandes can silence his critics in Bilbao

Players on both sides of the divide must also demonstrate that they are capable of being part of trophy-winning teams.

In terms of who needs it more, United are streets ahead of Tottenham. Their status in football results in them being scrutinised far more than Spurs.

That point unquestionably applies to Bruno Fernandes, whose leadership skills have been widely questioned since he was appointed captain.

Former United star Roy Keane has been a vocal critic of Fernandes, but his most recent criticism appears to have struck a chord.

The Portuguese playmaker has been in inspired form since he was called out, so Keane clearly hit a nerve when he waded into him.

Winning the Europa League would give Fernandes the chance to thumb his nose at his critics, although it would still only be one step towards where United should be.

Ultimately, no one expects Tottenham to win major silverware. If they do, it is a bonus. Success is a non-negotiable for a club of United’s stature.