Europa League Final Set for All-English Clash as United and Spurs Dominate First Legs
The UEFA Europa League is on course for an all-English final for the third time in history, following dominant semifinal first-leg victories by Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur on Thursday.
Manchester United took a commanding 3-0 win over Athletic Bilbao in Spain, capitalizing on a numerical advantage after Dani Vivian was sent off in the 35th minute. The match, played at San Mamés—also the venue for the final on May 21—saw goals from Bruno Fernandes (37’ penalty, 45’) and Casemiro (30’) give United a strong grip on the tie.
United will look to finish the job in the return leg at Old Trafford next Thursday. A win would mark their third Europa League final appearance, following their 2017 triumph and 2021 loss to Villarreal. For manager Rúben Amorim, the competition represents a crucial opportunity to salvage a disappointing domestic season, with the club languishing in 14th place in the Premier League after failing to win in five consecutive matches.
United remain unbeaten in European competition this season—across both the Europa League and Champions League—a silver lining in their otherwise dismal league campaign. They opened the scoring against the run of play, with Harry Maguire weaving through the defense before sending in a cross met by Manuel Ugarte’s header, which Casemiro converted (30’). Fernandes then added a penalty (37’) and a second goal (45’) following Ugarte’s through ball. Moroccan full-back Noussair Mazraoui nearly added a fourth, hitting the bar in stoppage time before Casemiro struck the post in the second half.
Meanwhile, Tottenham also took a significant step toward their first Europa League final since 1984 by defeating Norwegian side Bodø/Glimt 3-1 in London. It was a much-needed result for manager Ange Postecoglou following a humiliating 5-1 loss to Liverpool that handed the Reds the Premier League title.
Spurs, safe from relegation but enduring their worst season since 1977, may see European success as the key to manager Ange Postecoglou’s future.
If both sides hold their leads next week, it will mark the third all-English Europa League final, after 1972 and 2019.
