Paul Scholes, a Manchester United legend, has made a bold and somewhat ‘illogical’ prediction regarding the outcome of the upcoming UEFA Europa League final against Tottenham Hotspur. The Red Devils are set to face off against their Premier League counterparts in Bilbao on May 21st, aiming to salvage their season with a victory.
Currently sitting in 16th place in the English top-flight, Manchester United are on course for their worst-ever league finish this season. Their opponents in the Europa League final, Tottenham Hotspur, are just one place above them in the standings, narrowly avoiding the relegation zone occupied by Ipswich Town, Leicester City, and Southampton.
Speaking on the Overlap podcast, Scholes admitted that he doesn’t have a logical reason as to why Manchester United should emerge victorious in the final. Despite acknowledging that Tottenham has been the better team in their recent encounters and is likely to perform better in the game, Scholes believes that his former side will come out on top.
“I have no logical reason why United should win it, other than recent experience and history,” Scholes stated. He drew a parallel with Real Madrid’s success in the Champions League over the past five years, despite not always being the best team. He emphasized the importance of history and experience in such high-stakes matches.
Manchester United have a chance to add another valuable piece of silverware to their collection, having won the Carabao Cup and FA Cup in the last two seasons. A victory over Tottenham Hotspur in the Europa League final would secure a spot in the UEFA Champions League for next season, a feat that seemed unlikely given their underwhelming league performance this year.
The Red Devils showcased their European credentials by thrashing Athletic Club 7-1 in the semi-finals, booking their place in the final in style. Undefeated in the competition so far this season, Manchester United’s form in Europe starkly contrasts with their struggles in the domestic league.
In a stroke of luck for Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur will be without key forward Dejan Kulusevski in the final. Kulusevski sustained a patella injury during a recent Premier League match and has undergone surgery, ruling him out for the remainder of the season. His absence adds to Tottenham’s injury woes, with James Maddison and Lucas Bergvall also sidelined for the final.
As the stage is set for an epic showdown between two Premier League giants, all eyes will be on Bilbao on May 21st to see if Paul Scholes’ ‘illogical’ prediction comes true, or if Tottenham Hotspur will emerge victorious in the UEFA Europa League final.
