Featured Image Credit: Getty
Topics: Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, Football, Europa League
Marcus Chan
Topics: Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, Football, Europa League
A Manchester United legend could make history against Tottenham Hotspur in the Europa League final.
On Wednesday night, an all-English Europa League final between United and Spurs will take place at the San Mames in Bilbao, Spain.
Heading into the clash, both teams have endured tough seasons in the Premier League, sitting 16th and 17th, respectively.
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However, one of them will end the season on a high with a major trophy and qualification for next season's Champions League.
The last time United played Spurs in a final was 16 years ago when the pair faced off in the League Cup 2009.
United came out on top on the day after winning 4-1 on penalties.
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Starting for the Red Devils that day was defender Jonny Evans, and 16 years later, he could make history.
Evans could become the first player to play against the same club in a cup final 16 years apart.
A similar thing has happened before, with Jesus Navas taking on Gareth Southgate during the 2006 UEFA Cup final.
Navas' Sevilla came out 4-0 winners against Southgate's Middlesbrough.
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In 2024, Navas and Southgate faced off again in the Euros final, with Navas playing for Spain and Southgate managing England.
However, this example involves a player facing the same individual (rather than the same team) in finals 18 years apart.
As reported by the Manchester Evening News, a few United players are doubtful for the clash against Spurs.
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The likes of Lisandro Martinez and Matthijs de Ligt are certain to be out of the final. But the likes of Joshua Zirkzee, Diogo Dalot and Leny Yoro could return.
Meanwhile, Spurs will be without players such as Dejan Kulusevski, Lucas Bergvall, Radu Dragusin and James Maddison.
Speaking ahead of the crucial final, captain Bruno Fernandes said: "As players, you just think about what we have ahead of us and what we have ahead of us is the chance to get our hands on the trophy. It won't change the past.
"It won't affect what the past has done for us either but what i can affect is the future. Probably, yes, winning a trophy gives a lot of things. In this case, a place in the Champions League and a lot of revenue for the club. It gets, obviously, more players wanting to come to the club."