Paul Scholes has explained he feels Manchester United hold a major advantage over Tottenham as the pair prepare to face each other in the Europa League final.
Rúben Amorim’s Manchester United advanced to the Europa League final in style, beating Athletic Club 4-1 at Old Trafford to complete a dominant 7-1 aggregate win.
United came into the second leg with a 3-0 cushion but started flat, allowing Mikel Jauregizar to fire Athletic into a surprise lead with a brilliant strike. Alejandro Garnacho nearly responded before the break but missed a chipped effort, and United went in a goal down on the night but still firmly in control overall.
Amorim made a triple change early in the second half, introducing Amad, Luke Shaw, and Mason Mount to shift the momentum. Mount quickly made his mark with a curling equaliser, before Casemiro headed in from a Bruno Fernandes free-kick to turn the game around. Rasmus Højlund then added a third to spark celebrations.
Mount sealed the night with a sensational second goal from the halfway line, sending United into a final showdown with Tottenham Hotspur on a high.
United’s major Europa League advantage over Tottenham
When United face Tottenham in the Europa League final, it will be the sixth time in history that two English clubs have met in a European final.
When asked for his prediction for the final on TNT Sports, former United midfielder Paul Scholes explained that he feels United’s history of winning trophies will give Amorim a major advantage in the final, with heritage on United’s side.
“They both want to win,” Scholes started. “As I said before, Man United’s history tells me they will win it. They know how to win trophies.
“Tottenham don’t really… I can’t remember the last [trophy they won]. They won the League Cup a few years ago, I suppose.
“But I just think it’s that experience, the size of the club, the history of the club will get them over the line. Now, look, I really like Ange [Postecoglou]. I think he’s really good. He’s got a really good team. But I just favour Manchester United.”
United are heading into the game with momentum
United’s next two fixtures before the final on 21 May are a home tie against West Ham United on Sunday afternoon and travelling to face Chelsea in London the following Friday evening.
These two fixtures now represent Amorim’s perfect blend of time and minutes to conduct his business as he prepares for the Europa League final.
The two games give him enough time and breathing space to figure out his plans as he prepares his side to face Spurs, while it also gives players the chance to audition before the final.
Those such as Mount, Amad, and Kobbie Mainoo have not had too much of a look-in since their respective returns from injury this calendar year, but the two Premier League fixtures represent the perfect chance for these players to shine and stake their claim for a place in the final.
Make sure to follow UtdDistrict on X, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok to never miss out on any of our Manchester United content. Our podcast, What the Devil?, is streamed live every Thursday at 12:30 pm (BST) on the United View YouTube channel.