Paul Merson backs Manchester United to beat Tottenham Hotspur in the UEFA Europa League final
Manchester United's 2024/25 campaign has been riddled with uncertainty, inconsistency, and underwhelming performances. The Premier League has been a source of persistent disappointment, with Rúben Amorim's side languishing in 16th place-far below expectations for a season that was meant to mark a fresh start. Hopes of redemption quickly faded domestically, but paradoxically, Europe has offered a curious lifeline. Once dismissed as a secondary competition, the UEFA Europa League has become United's sole opportunity to salvage an otherwise dismal season. Reaching the final may not erase the missteps of the past months, but it provides one final shot at ending the year with a semblance of success.
The final against Tottenham is not a meeting of resurging powerhouses, but rather a showdown between two sides who have both fallen short in their respective league campaigns. Yet, there are reasons for cautious optimism in the United camp. Former Arsenal midfielder Paul Merson believes the Red Devils hold the upper hand, pointing to the absence of Dejan Kulusevski as a decisive blow to Ange Postecoglou's game plan. According to Merson via Sky Sports on Youtube, Kulusevski's unavailability strips Spurs of much of their creativity and attacking fluency in the final third.
For Merson, that void offers United a tactical advantage, one they can exploit if they stay compact defensively and clinical in front of goal. While both teams have stumbled in the Premier League, United's individual talent and European momentum may just be enough to see them through.
"I think Man United. I think Kulusevski's a massive miss. I think if Kulusevski's playing, I'm probably going with Tottenham, by far their best player and I think he'll be a big miss and I just think Man United have that little bit extra than them in my opinion but it could go any way."
If one aligns with Paul Merson's perspective, then Rúben Amorim's tactical blueprint becomes clear: capitalize on the imbalance created by Dejan Kulusevski's absence. The Portuguese manager may look to reinforce the spine of the team by deploying a disciplined double pivot of Casemiro and Kobbie Mainoo, aiming to stifle Tottenham's fast transitions through the middle. A high pressing strategy could also be on the cards, disrupting Spurs' ability to build from the back and forcing turnovers in dangerous areas.
Bruno Fernandes, operating between the lines, will be key in exploiting the spaces behind Tottenham's midfield, while Kobbie Mainoo can link play and provide cover. Mason Mount could stretch the field wide, and much will depend on Rasmus Højlund being sharp and clinical in front of goal. If Amorim can strike the right tactical balance and his players rise to the occasion, United could smother Spurs before they ever find rhythm.
Yet, there's another valid interpretation: this may be less a tactical chess match and more a battle of nerves and pride. Both clubs have been battered by inconsistency and criticism this season, and now find themselves with a singular opportunity to end the campaign on a high. In such a context, individual experience could prove more decisive than any system. Manchester United boast seasoned names like Casemiro, Harry Maguire, and Bruno Fernandes, players who've seen European nights at their fiercest. Tottenham, in contrast, are still piecing together their identity under Ange Postecoglou, with many in the squad untested at this level.
While the Australian tactician has triumphed over United three times this season, finals are rarely extensions of previous encounters. The margins are thinner, the stakes higher. All it takes is one lapse in focus, or one flash of brilliance, to tilt the outcome.
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