Red Devils in the Final of the UEFA Europea League for the Third Time

After the retirement of Sir Alex Ferguson, Manchester United got worse and worse every season. The team, which we are used to seeing in the Champions League, could participate in the tournament only 7 times in 12 seasons after Sir Alex Ferguson. In 2 of these 7 times the Red Devils was eliminated in the quarter-finals, 2 times in the round of 16 and 3 times in the group stage. The team had transformed from a feared opponent in the Champions League to a team competing in the Europa League. In fact, last season Erik ten Hag’s United finished bottom in Group A of the UCL and failed to transfer to the Europa League.

Of course, things were not good in the Premier League either. The Red Devils have not won the Premier League since the 2012-13 season, in fact they have finished behind their noisy neighbours in all 12 seasons. Manchester United fans had become accustomed to feeling sadness and disappointment at the end of every match. But on 17 April things suddenly changed. It was as if those at the Dreams of Theatre that night had travelled back in time to when Sir Alex

Ferguson was manager.

On 17 April, the match against Lyon at Old Trafford was one of the best football match in the history of football. A match that will not be forgotten for years to come! Manchester United led 2-0 at half-time with goals from Manuel Ugarte and Diago Dalot. In the second half, Lyon equalised with goals from Corentin Tolisso and Nicolás Tagliafico. Just when the match was in balance, in the 89th minute Corentin Tolisso was given a second yellow card and was sent off. Despite being down to 10 men, Lyon managed to score two goals against the Red Devils in extra time. But the night wasn’t going to end like that. The Red Devils scored three goals in eight minutes to win the match. United fans, who had enough disappointment, left the Theatre of Dreams laughing and cheerful at the end of the match. It was the turning point of the season for United.

In the semi-final against Athletic Bilbao, the Red Devils played an enjoyable game to watch, just like in the old days. They won 7-1 on aggregate. 

Tonight, at the San Mamés stadium in Bilbao, in the UEFA Europa League 2024-25 final, they will play Tottenham, a familiar opponent. Manchester United have reached the Europa League final twice before. The first time in the 2016-17 season under Portuguese manager José Mourinho. They won the final against Ajax at the Friends Arena in Solna, Sweden. The second time in the 2021-22 season under club legend Ole Gunnar Solskjær, they lost to Villereal in an endless penalty shootout.

Tottenham, on the other hand, have won the Europa League, previously known as the UEFA Cup, twice in the 1971-72 and 1983-84 seasons. 

Both finalists are doing very badly in the league this season, with one game left in the season Manchester United are in 16th place with 39 points, while Tottenham are in 17th with 38 points. According to their league positions, both teams will not qualify for the Champions League, Europa League or Conference League next season. Winning this final is their last chance. The winner of the UEFA UEL final will qualify for the Champions League next season. Let’s see if Portuguese manager Ruben Amorim, who took over the club mid-season, can win the final like his compatriot or will Ange Postecoglou’s Tottenham end the season without losing to United? 

Hopefully, we’ll see an unforgettable, exciting finale. May the best team win.