Man Utd vs Tottenham Europa League final on the cards - what do both sides need to do?
Manchester United registered a sublime 3-0 win over Athletic Bilbao in the first leg of the Europa League semi-final at San Mames on Thursday night.
The Red Devils started the game on the backfoot but broke the deadlock through Casemiro. The Brazilian scored with a close-range header in the 30th minute.
Bruno Fernandes doubled the club’s advantage from the penalty spot after Dani Vivian was sent off for denying Rasmus Hojlund a clear goalscoring opportunity.
Fernandes bagged United’s third goal before the break. The Red Devils have a healthy lead ahead of the second leg at Old Trafford which should be straightforward.
Tottenham Hotspur had a much easier contest against Bodo/Glimt at home. The north London side started as favourites and registered a comfortable 3-1 victory.
Brennan Johnson, James Maddison and Dominic Solanke found the scoresheet for Spurs.
Spurs will be on the road for the second leg of the Europa League semi-final. Barring a major collapse, Spurs and United should meet in the final at San Mames on May 25.
Ange Postecoglou’s side have had the better of United on all three occasions this campaign.
Spurs beat United 3-0 in the Premier League at Old Trafford in September where Fernandes was unfortunately sent off. His red card was rescinded on appeal.
Tottenham also won 4-3 in the Carabao Cup quarter-final at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in December before beating United 1-0 in the reverse league fixture at home.
Despite this, there is not much to choose between them. United may have the slight upper hand over Spurs, having won two big finals in as many years (Carabao & FA Cup).
Here is what both sides need to do if they meet in the Europa League final.
Guard against counter-attacks
Spurs have played an attacking brand of football under Postecoglou but their playing style has made them defensively vulnerable. Clubs have capitalised and scored with quick counter-attacks.
The same can be said about the Red Devils. United have played with a three-man backline under manager Ruben Amorim, but they have still been guilty of shipping goals on a consistent basis.
Playing with wing-backs has left spaces to exploit on the flanks which many teams have done.
Defend better from set-pieces
Spurs and United have been poor with their positioning from set-pieces. This could be a key facet of the final and could determine the outcome.
Spurs need to be wary of Harry Maguire and Casemiro’s aerial threat in the box.
The same can be said for the Red Devils. Cristian Romero is a potent goal threat from corners and free-kicks for Spurs. The Argentine has scored four of his previous six goals with headed efforts.
Midfield control
Spurs have had the upper hand over United when it comes to controlling midfield proceedings.
In Rodrigo Bentancur and Pape Matar Sarr, Spurs have midfielders who are better with the ball at their feet compared to Casemiro.
Despite this, Spurs are bound to face a stiff challenge. Amorim has personally praised Casemiro for his improvement in recent months.
Casemiro has shown a better work rate and higher intensity, and should prove a handful in the final with his vast big-game experience.
Capitalise on chances
Spurs have been guilty of squandering clear-cut scoring opportunities. The 2-1 loss to Nottingham Forest was a fine example. The club missed four big chances in the game.
United have suffered a similar fate with Rasmus Hojlund fluffing his lines. The Dane has received limited service but he has been poor with his positioning in the opposition box.
Chances could be at a premium in the final. The club which is more clinical with their finishing should come on top. United fans will hope Hojlund can step up for the occasion.
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Article written by Sri Aswin .