Man Utd's 'big advantage' if they face Spurs in the Europa League final

Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur are on the cusp of an all-English Europa League final, with commanding first-leg semi-final wins.

But should they meet in Bilbao on May 21, United would enjoy a significant recovery advantage, potentially tilting the scales in their favor for a Champions League spot and a £100 million windfall.

United’s 3-0 thrashing of Athletic Bilbao, powered by Harry Maguire’s dazzling wing play and Bruno Fernandes’ brace, has them poised for the final.

Tottenham, meanwhile, dispatched Bodo/Glimt 3-1 in London to put them in pole position.

But United would benefit from over 42 hours more recovery time compared to Tottenham in a potential final, due to scheduling differences.

United’s semi-final first leg, played away, allowed an extra day’s rest before their next domestic fixture against Brentford, while Tottenham’s home tie compressed their schedule.

This disparity could prove crucial, given both teams’ grueling seasons, with United in 14th and Spurs in 16th in the Premier League.

The stakes are immense: the Europa League winner secures Champions League qualification, a lifeline for both clubs’ dismal domestic campaigns.

X posts reflect the anticipation, with @brfootball noting, “The final is shaping up to be 16th-place Tottenham against 14th-place Man Utd,” while @AyuzeUTD predicts a “cracker” final, referencing Spurs’ three wins over United this season.

Opta’s data, via @SquawkaBet, gives United a 97.6% chance of advancing, with Tottenham at 91.1%.

Ruben Amorim, under pressure to avoid the sack, tempered celebrations, warning, “We’re not in the final yet”.

His 3-4-2-1 system clicked in Bilbao, with Maguire’s unorthodox wing contribution and Fernandes’ penalty, aided by a VAR-overturned red card to Bilbao’s Dani Vivian, sealing the win.

Tottenham’s Ange Postecoglou, also fighting for his job, faces similar pressure, with the Evening Standard suggesting a trophy may not save him.

United’s transfer pursuits, including a near-done £62.5 million deal for Wolves’ Matheus Cunha and a PSG-threatened bid for Victor Osimhen, signal squad upheaval, but PSR constraints demand sales like Marcus Rashford, per Sky Sports.

United’s recovery advantage is notable, but Tottenham’s recent dominance over United—winning three times this season, per @AyuzeUTD —suggests form could outweigh rest.

Both clubs’ reliance on the Europa League exposes their domestic failures, with fans like @Deji_OoniAbj noting neither “deserves” to win, yet both managers face unfair scrutiny.

United’s financial edge from a potential Nice sale could bolster their rebuild, but the final’s outcome hinges on tactical execution. As second legs loom, this clash promises high drama, with United’s rest edge a subtle but critical factor.