TRENDING
Harry Kane, one of Tottenham Hotspur’s most iconic former players, has weighed in on the highly anticipated UEFA Europa League final between his former club and Premier League rivals Manchester United, predicting a fiercely contested clash on Wednesday night in Bilbao, Spain.
The final, which will take place at the historic San Mamés Stadium, marks the first time in over a decade that both clubs are meeting in a European final, with both desperate for silverware to salvage underwhelming domestic campaigns.
Speaking to Sky Sports ahead of the showpiece, Bayern Munich’s talisman and England captain Harry Kane emphasized the magnitude of the occasion, while cautioning that Spurs’ inexperience in big finals might be a decisive factor.
“It’s been a tough season obviously, for Tottenham in the league,” Kane acknowledged. “But they have a chance to make it one of the best seasons in recent history.”
Tottenham, who have not won a major trophy since the League Cup triumph in 2008, have endured a rollercoaster campaign marked by inconsistency and injury setbacks. However, their resilience in Europe has seen them overcome giants like AC Milan and Sevilla on the road to Bilbao. For many fans, a Europa League triumph would be a statement of intent and a sign of progress under their current manager.
Despite having moved on to Bayern Munich in the summer of 2023, Kane remains emotionally invested in Spurs’ fortunes.
“Obviously wishing them all the best – I still have a lot of friends there, in the players and the staff. I know how much it will mean to them, how much it will mean to the fans,” Kane said, clearly still connected to the North London club where he made his name.
Manchester United, on the other hand, are no strangers to big European nights. The Red Devils, who won the Europa League in 2017 under José Mourinho, are making their third European final appearance in eight years. Under Erik ten Hag, United have found some form in cup competitions this season, despite finishing outside the top four in the league.
“It’s going to be tough, every final is,” Kane noted. “United have experience in the bigger games, maybe, but Tottenham have shown they can compete at any level, and they deserve to be in the final.”
For Kane, watching this clash from afar will be bittersweet. Having come close to glory with Spurs on multiple occasions, including the Champions League final loss to Liverpool in 2019, he knows all too well how fleeting these opportunities can be.
“I’ll be away with my wife somewhere relaxing and I’ll be keeping an eye on it for sure, so I wish them all the best.”
The build-up to the final has been intense, with both fanbases eager to secure a European title. Tottenham will be looking to rely on key players like captain Son Heung-min and midfield maestro James Maddison, while Manchester United will hope for magic from Bruno Fernandes and Rasmus Højlund to tip the scale in their favour.
Football pundits have described the clash as evenly matched, with both clubs having similar strengths and vulnerabilities. Tottenham’s fast counter-attacking style could pose a challenge for United’s defense, while United’s ability to control midfield battles might test the discipline of Spurs’ young squad.
Kick-off is scheduled for 9 PM local time (8 PM WAT), and fans across the world are bracing for what could be one of the most dramatic finals in recent Europa League history.
Whether Spurs finally break their long-standing trophy drought or United add another European title to their rich history, one thing is clear — this final promises drama, passion, and a defining moment in both clubs’ seasons.
