Both Manchester United and Tottenham Fall in League Action Just Days Before Crucial Europa League Final.
Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur both suffered Premier League defeats on Friday. Results that further cast a shadow over their preparations for next week’s Europa League final in Bilbao. At Stamford Bridge, Manchester United fell 1-0 to Chelsea. On the other side, Tottenham Hotspur were beaten 2-0 by Aston Villa at Villa Park.
Both clubs had their Premier League matches rescheduled to allow extra rest before the final. Both teams are at the bottom of the league table, hovering over the relegation zone. With league form faltering, their tactical questions are also looming. Hence, the pressure has intensified ahead of the May 21 clash in Bilbao.
With no chances of ending the season in even the top half of the table, Europa League final offers both sides a shot at redemption. It also offers them a coveted place in next season’s Champions League. However, with recent performances underwhelming, fans are left wondering which version of their team will show up under the Spanish lights.
Manchester United showed fight but lost the match, courtesy of a second-half header from Marc Cucurella. United boss Ruben Amorim fielded a full-strength squad in what was the team’s final fixture before the European final. United created several chances in the second half.
They even had an early goal by Harry Maguire ruled out for offside. Even with everything, they still lacked a clinical edge up front, particularly from striker Rasmus Højlund. Despite the loss, there was some relief for United as no fresh injuries were reported. Considering their injury-plagued season, this should be tremendous news for the fans.
Key players like Bruno Fernandes, Maguire, and Luke Shaw came through the game unscathed. However, doubts still remain over the fitness of Diogo Dalot, Matthijs de Ligt, and Leny Yoro. Amorim is reportedly weighing up tactical tweaks, including starting Fernandes as a false nine or Alejandro Garnacho over Mason Mount.
Also Read: Tottenham Suffer Huge Injury Blow Ahead of Europa League Final Against Manchester United
On the other side, Ange Postecoglou rotated his squad significantly ahead of the important match next week. However, he still started key figures like Heung-Min Son and Pape Matar Sarr. Even so, foals from Aston Villa’s Ezri Konsa and Boubacar Kamara condemned Spurs to their 21st league defeat of the season.
Postecoglou remained upbeat despite the setback. He also provided updates on his players, saying, “He [Pape Sarr] felt something in his back and took him off as a precaution. He [Son] is ready and available. They all are ready to start.” The Australian also praised his side’s discipline before the breakthrough but admitted fatigue became evident late in the game.
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