Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur are set to go toe-to-toe with each other in what is set to be a closely-fought affair in the Europa League final.
Considering United and Spurs are languishing in 16th and 17th place respectively in the Premier League table, it is difficult to split two sides who have been equally poor throughout the season.
Regardless, Ruben Amorim pinpointed Tottenham’s intensity and their “strong intensity” as factors that could make them dangerous opponents.
Bruno Fernandes acknowledged Spurs’ threat as well and assured that United will do their due diligence in preparation for the game.
Ange Postecoglou and his staff will be doing the same and potentially with a sense of confidence, considering his Tottenham side have beaten Manchester United three times this season.
Paul Merson predicts Man United to beat Tottenham in Europa League final
In anticipation of the Europa League final, plenty of pundits have had their say on the contest, with Alan Shearer predicting Tottenham to beat Manchester United in Bilbao.
However, Rio Ferdinand could not split Manchester United and Tottenham — primarily due to his former club’s inconsistencies this season.
But Paul Merson was confident on Sky Sports that Manchester United will do a number on Tottenham, as he believes Dejan Kulusevski’s injury has ruined Spurs’ chances of a famous win: “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.”
Manchester United and Tottenham’s all-time head-to-head record
History could play a huge role in the Europa League final.
For Manchester United, the fact that they have managed to win trophies despite being in a dark period since Alex Ferguson’s departure in 2013 serves as a good omen.
On the other hand, Tottenham’s chance of making history would motivate them to have the game of their lives.
Overall, Manchester United and Tottenham have faced each other 199 times.
| HEAD-TO-HEAD RECORD | MANCHESTER UNITED | TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR |
| WINS | 96 | 57 |
| LOSSES | 57 | 96 |
| DRAWS | 51 | 51 |
Paul Merson’s reason for backing Manchester United over Tottenham may also be that they have won 96 out of their 199 meetings.
However, Spurs have come out on top in 57 of these meetings as well, which shows that they cannot be written off.
