Paul Scholes takes a dig at Tottenham and explains why Man Utd will win the Europa League
Context:
Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur are set to face each other in the Europa League final after securing respective victories in the semifinals. Manchester United advanced with a 7-1 aggregate win over Athletic Club, while Tottenham achieved a 5-1 aggregate victory against FK Bodø/Glimt. Despite both clubs' underwhelming domestic performances, with Manchester United in 15th and Tottenham in 16th place, the Europa League final presents their only trophy opportunity this season. Paul Scholes, a former Manchester United midfielder, expressed confidence in United's ability to win the title, comparing the club's history of success to that of Real Madrid, and criticizing Tottenham's lack of trophies. The match, to be held at San Mames on May 21, will determine which team avoids a trophyless season.
Dive Deeper:
Manchester United secured a place in the Europa League final with a dominant performance, winning 7-1 on aggregate against La Liga side Athletic Club. This victory comes as a significant boost amid their struggles in domestic competition, where they are currently positioned 15th in the league table.
Tottenham Hotspur reached the final by overcoming FK Bodø/Glimt with a 5-1 aggregate win. Despite this success, their domestic league campaign has been disappointing, as they stand 16th, just one point ahead of Manchester United.
Both clubs face immense pressure in the Europa League final, as it represents their only chance to secure silverware this season. Tottenham's trophy drought extends back 17 years, with their last victory being the EFL Cup in 2007–08.
Paul Scholes, the former Manchester United midfielder, has publicly expressed his belief that United will triumph in the final, citing the club's historical resilience and ability to win trophies even during challenging periods.
Scholes critiqued Tottenham's lack of success, stating that their history does not reflect the same trophy-winning capability as Manchester United. He drew parallels between United's winning mentality and that of Real Madrid, a club renowned for its success in European competitions.
The Europa League final between these two Premier League clubs is highly anticipated, with the outcome set to determine which team can salvage their season by avoiding a trophyless year. This high-stakes match is scheduled to take place on May 21 at San Mames.
The narrative ahead of the final is heavily influenced by Scholes' comments, which underscore the pressure on both teams to perform and the contrasting historical success of Manchester United compared to Tottenham's prolonged trophy drought.
Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur are set to face each other in the Europa League final following their respective wins in the semis.
Man United bagged a whopping 7-1 win on aggregate against La Liga side Athletic Club in the Europa League semifinal. Tottenham, meanwhile, were also on the receiving end of a 5-1 victory on aggregate against Norwegian side FK Bodø/Glimt.
Now, the two Premier League clubs, who have been underwhelming in their performances in the domestic competition, are pitted against to fight for their only shot at a trophy.
Man United currently stand 15th in the league table with 38 points, while Spurs rank 16th with 39 points, and both have three more matches remaining for the ongoing campaign.
Both English clubs have their share of doubts about their respective chances of claiming the Europa League title. Tottenham are yet to win a trophy of any kind in 17 years now. Man United, meanwhile, have been defeated by Spurs thrice already this season.
Now, ahead of the Europa League final, former Man United midfielder Paul Scholes has expressed confidence in his boyhood club while taking a dig at Tottenham over their chances of lifting the trophy.
What did Paul Scholes say?
The Europa League final is anticipated to be an intense fight as the stakes are high for both sides. Speaking after both Premier League clubs' advancement to the finals, Scholes tipped Man United to win the title over Tottenham.Scholes compared his former club's history to Spanish giants Real Madrid, claiming (comments via BBC Sport) that United 'know how to win trophies' even in their rough patches, unlike Spurs. Tottenham have won only one title this century, which was the EFL Cup in 2007–08.
"For some reason, the history of this club is almost like Real Madrid at times - when they aren't playing that well they can still go on and win European cups. Manchester United's history tells me they will win it, they know how to win trophies, Tottenham don't."
While Scholes has given his take on the upcoming Europa League final, it remains to be seen which of the Premier League clubs save themselves from going trophyless this season, on May 21, at San Mames.
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