Europa League Final: United and Spurs seek glory out of ashes

Tottenham and Man United clash in a high-stakes Europa League final in Bilbao, with a Champions League spot and redemption on the line for both clubs.

Tottenham and Manchester United both seek redemption in a season that has tested their respective mental health, who would lift the Europa League in Bilbao? (Photo credit: Opta)

The Europa League final is taking place in Bilbao, where two Premier League clubs are engaged in a fierce battle for survival.

It's a survival battle between two of the most disappointing teams in the Premier League this season, currently sitting in 16th and 17th on the log, but with a chance to forget the embarrassment of the season if they win the Europa League final on Wednesday.

Tottenham and Manchester United will do battle on Wednesday night in search of light at the end of a gloomy tunnel. It's going to be the worst season ever in the top flight for whichever team loses in the cup final; it's a showdown.

Six Premier League teams will play in the Champions League next season, with the winner of the Europa League final in Bilbao joining the top five in the league. The race for third, fourth, and fifth is another topic entirely.

How did it get so bad for Manchester United and Tottenham in the league? It might not matter in the end, as either could end with what matters, a trophy, and the opportunity to land in the Champions League, but what happens to who loses?

Ruben Amorim will go down as the worst Manchester United manager in the club's history if he doesn't win the Europa League. United had 30 points on the board in December and currently have 39, meaning they have picked up only nine points since the turn of the year.

Injuries affected both of them, with both managers having to field youngsters in the league for a good period. It was worse for Tottenham, as it happened for longer, but Ange Postecoglou must be happy he has many of his best legs available for the final.

How will they approach the game? Manchester United must start faster than they did in the league against Tottenham this season; they lost to Spurs earlier in the season after conceding inside the opening few minutes, so they must avoid that at Bilbao.

Heung Min Son is available for selection; expect Postecoglou to start on the front foot. Brennan Johnson and Dominic Solanke were on the scoresheet in the league against United; they will want to do it again.

Amad Traore will be key to United's forward runs with Bruno Fernandes providing the passes. The midfield battle is one to look out for as well. With what is at stake, this is the game of their lives, they must leave everything on the pitch.