Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim and star forward Rasmus Hojlund have offered their opinion on facing off against Tottenham Hotspur in the UEFA Europa League final. The Dane called the Lilywhites a ‘good team’ and the Portuguese tactician claimed that both sides would play ‘all or nothing’ football.
In the 2024-25 campaign, United and Spurs, considered part of the ‘Big Six’ teams in England, have endured uncharacteristic domestic struggles. The Red Devils currently sit 15th in the Premier League standings (39 points), while Ange Postecoglou’s side are below them in 16th place (38 points).
Despite their inconsistencies in the league, the two sides registered massive wins in their UEFA Europa League semi-final ties. While United thrashed Spanish side Athletic Club 7-1 on aggregate, Spurs ended Norwegian side Bodo/Glimt’s fairytale run with a 5-1 win over two legs.
After securing their passage into the final on Thursday (May 9), Amorim was asked to give his opinion on the showdown against Tottenham in the decider. The Manchester United boss said (via TBR Football h/t TNT Sports):
Hojlund, who bagged a goal in the 85th minute of United’s 4-1 win over Athletic in the second leg, added:
The highly anticipated UEL final between Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur will be played at Estadio de San Mames in Bilbao on Wednesday, May 21.
Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim was full of praise for English midfielder Mason Mount after his brace in a 4-1 win over Athletic Club secured his side’s spot in the Europa League final.
Since his reported €64.2 million move from Chelsea, Mount has faced massive criticism for his inconsistent performances. Before the game against Athletic, he had bagged just two goals and an assist in 41 games for the Red Devils.
Despite his previous shortcomings, he came up big for Amorim in the second leg against the Basque side. Coming onto the pitch in the 62nd minute with his side trailing 1-0, Mount bagged the equalizer (72′) and scored United’s fourth (90+1′) on the night.
Speaking after the game, Amorim claimed that the entire squad was happy for the 26-year-old. The 40-year-old said:
Eight years on from their last UEL triumph, Amorim will be hopeful that Mount’s resurgence helps Manchester United recapture the coveted title.
A Borussia Dortmund fan, Aaryan had his first tryst with football during the 2014 FIFA World Cup. Despite his young mind being influenced by Lionel Messi’s exploits, his favorite World Cup moment is Cristiano Ronaldo’s stunning free-kick against Spain from the 2018 version. He strongly believes that Jude Bellingham and Florian Wirtz can replicate the Messi-Ronaldo rivalry due to their respective potentials.
Aaryan, who has been on commentary panels for football and cricket tournaments at his university, is a huge admirer of Achraf Hakimi for the Moroccan’s loan stint in Dortmund between 2018 and 2020. His favorite manager is Jurgen Klopp, who impressed him with his excellent tactical nous and benignant man-management skills.
When he is not scouring the internet for unique statistics, Aaryan follows the Indian Super League, the A-League, and the Saudi Pro League among others. He is an avid quizzer and debater, and a trained classical and western musician who likes to rock out for his college band, Euphony, as lead vocalist and guitarist.
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