Spurs v Man United Europa League Final Free Bets & Match Preview

Spurs v Man United Europa League Final Free Bets & Match Preview

 

Spurs and United Set for a Europa League Redemption Scrap in Bilbao
Wednesday, 21 May 2025 – Kick-off: 8pm UK | San Mamés Barria, Bilbao

 

Two Underachievers, One Last Chance

Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United, two sides well-acquainted with underwhelming domestic campaigns, are gearing up to salvage their sorry seasons with one final shot at silverware – the 2025 Europa League Final in Bilbao. When the first whistle blows on Wednesday evening, neither side will be concerned with their Premier League failures. Instead, the focus will be firmly on lifting a long-awaited European trophy. Yes, it’s the sixth all-English final in UEFA competition – a glitzy occasion masking the mediocrity of the path that led them here.

 

Tottenham’s Turn to End the Trophy Drought?

It’s been 17 years – yes, nearly two decades of barren footballing winters – since Tottenham last lifted a trophy. But there’s genuine belief this could be the moment that breaks the spell. Their Europa League journey this season has been, dare we say it, impressively efficient. Having emerged from the inaugural league stage and successfully navigated through knockout ties against AZ Alkmaar, Eintracht Frankfurt, and Bodo/Glimt, Ange Postecoglou’s men have put together nine wins from 14 matches – their best-ever haul in a single European campaign.

Most recently, a 5-1 aggregate thumping of Norwegian hopefuls Bodo/Glimt saw Dominic Solanke net in both legs. The ex-Bournemouth striker is proving a revelation, not least because he’s developed an almost unsettling knack for scoring against Manchester United.

Yet, while Spurs have sparkled in Europe, they’ve capitulated domestically. Sitting 17th in the Premier League table with 21 defeats from 37 games, Postecoglou’s troops have spent more time flirting with the drop than competing for anything resembling glory. Still, there’s a glimmer of hope in the form of their head-to-head record against United this season – three wins from three, including a riotous 4-3 League Cup thriller.

Their only previous continental clash with the Red Devils? A Cup Winners’ Cup tie back in 1964, where United squeaked through 4-3 on aggregate. History does love a callback.

 

Big Ange’s Big Moment

Postecoglou has long spoken of his second-season trophy streak, and Wednesday night gives him a perfect chance to add another tick to that peculiar but admirable list. As the first Australian coach to reach a major European final, he’s already made history. Now it’s about making it count.

He rotated heavily for last Friday’s limp defeat at Villa Park, but expect the big names back in Bilbao. Guglielmo Vicario will reclaim his place between the sticks from young Antonin Kinsky, while Rodrigo Bentancur and Brennan Johnson return to bolster midfield and attack respectively. Heung-min Son, recently back from injury, is likely to keep his starting spot, and Solanke leads the line with form and fire.

Sadly, a number of key players remain sidelined – James Maddison, Timo Werner and Dejan Kulusevski among them. But Spurs have found a formula in Europe, and they’ll hope it clicks again for 90 – or 120 – intense minutes.

 

Red Devils Chasing Redemption (Again)

Manchester United’s story isn’t exactly a fairytale either. Their 2024-25 league form has been little short of grim, with a staggering 18 defeats chalked up already. Friday’s narrow loss at Chelsea means they sit 16th, just one point above Spurs. With Champions League qualification off the table via domestic means, it’s all or nothing in Bilbao.

And yet, United’s Europa League run has been, at times, exhilarating. Having dumped out Athletic Bilbao – ruining their dream of a home final with a ruthless 3-0 win in the first leg – they sailed through the semi-final second leg 4-1 at Old Trafford. That followed an utterly bonkers quarter-final with Lyon, where United led, trailed, then somehow triumphed 7-6 on aggregate thanks to a Harry Maguire winner. Yes, that Harry Maguire.

Ruben Amorim’s team have bagged 35 goals en route to the final – more than any English club in a single UEFA Cup or Europa League campaign, barring Chelsea in 2019. They’ve got the attacking muscle to outscore anyone on their day… but then again, so did Leeds once.

 

Amorim’s First-Year Ambitions

Should Amorim steer United to glory, he’ll join the exclusive club of Red Devils bosses who’ve won silverware in their first season – the others being José Mourinho (2017) and Erik ten Hag (2023). With murmurs of a dressing room divide and performances wavering, it’d be quite the statement.

Bruno Fernandes is central to the dream. He’s already notched seven goals and four assists in this Europa League campaign – second only to Lyon’s Rayan Cherki in total goal involvements. The skipper remains a vital cog in United’s hopeful machinery.

In attack, Rasmus Højlund has found his stride in Europe and is likely to spearhead the frontline. Mason Mount and Amad Diallo have both returned with timely contributions, but defensively, things are a bit more wobbly. Matthijs de Ligt, Diogo Dalot and Leny Yoro all face late fitness tests, while Lisandro Martínez and Joshua Zirkzee are ruled out.

 

Likely Line-ups: Who Takes to the Turf in Bilbao?

Tottenham are expected to field a first-choice XI after resting several regulars at the weekend. Guglielmo Vicario will don the gloves behind a back four featuring Pedro Porro and Destiny Udogie on the flanks, flanking Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven in the heart of defence. Yves Bissouma and Pape Matar Sarr provide steel in midfield, while Bentancur adds balance in a more advanced role. Up top, Johnson and Son will support the in-form Solanke in a front three that could cause real problems.

As for United, André Onana continues in goal, with Victor Lindelöf and Maguire the likeliest centre-back pairing should Yoro not make it. Mazraoui and Dorgu offer width and stamina in a wing-back setup. Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte will look to shield the defence and feed the creative engine of Fernandes. Amad Diallo operates in a free role behind Højlund, who will be tasked with troubling Spurs’ sometimes-shaky back line.

 

Score Prediction – United by a Nose

This has all the makings of a classic – or an excruciatingly nervy slugfest. Both teams are desperate for a redeeming moment, but we’re calling this one narrowly in favour of Manchester United. Expect extra time, expect drama, and perhaps even expect penalties… but ultimately, United have the edge in experience and firepower.

Tottenham Hotspur 1-2 Manchester United (after extra time)

 

A Final Word – and a Nudge Towards Free Bets

With the stakes sky-high, the odds are enticing – and if you’re placing a wager, don’t forget to shop around for free bet offers. New customers can get cracking deals from many of the top bookies. For example, William Hill are offering Bet £10 and get £30 in free bets to new customers. Not bad for a punt on extra time drama or a cheeky first goalscorer flutter, eh?

So, whether you’re backing Big Ange’s redemption tale or Ruben Amorim’s rapid rise, don’t miss the opportunity to bag a tidy free bet bonus or two before kick-off.

This Europa League Final might not be the all-conquering clash many imagined at the season’s start – but it’s still got everything a football fan could want: narrative, needle, and maybe even a bit of chaos. Bring it on.

 

From a Betting Perspective

 

When two underwhelming Premier League titans like Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United come crashing together on the European stage, something has to give. Is it redemption? Is it a penalty shootout heartbreak? Or just one last excuse for fans to cry into their half-time pies?

With bookmakers everywhere lining up their odds like pint glasses on a pub counter, there’s plenty for punters to mull over. Let’s dive into the best of the betting ahead of Wednesday’s hotly anticipated – if slightly ironic – “showpiece” final.

 

Outright Winner – Who Gets It Done (Eventually)?

If you fancy backing a winner before the drama unfolds, you’ll find United edging the market at 8/5 – hardly runaway favourites, but clearly the bookies think they’ve got just enough about them to make this one count. Spurs, on the other hand, are out at 2/1 – a price that may appeal to the eternally optimistic North London faithful. And if you think 90 minutes won’t separate these two inconsistent juggernauts? The draw’s available at a rather telling 12/5.

Of course, we all know it’s not just about the 90 minutes. When it comes to actually lifting the trophy, Manchester United are trading shorter at 4/5, while Tottenham fans can find a slice of hope at 11/10. Tighter than Harry Maguire’s turning circle.

 

First Goalscorer – Who Draws First Blood in Bilbao?

Up front, there’s no shortage of potential heroes – or villains, depending on your allegiances.

Teenage sensation Chidozie Obi-Martin leads the market at 19/4, which feels oddly confident for someone who was doing his homework this time last year. He’s followed by a trio of familiar sharpshooters – Rasmus Højlund, Bruno Fernandes, and Dominic Solanke – all neatly priced at 7/1. That’s either a blessing for indecisive punters or a nightmare if you’re chasing value.

Spurs fans might fancy Richarlison at 15/2, though backing him might be more of a leap of faith than a calculated decision. Then there’s Amad Diallo and Alejandro Garnacho at 8/1 and 17/2 respectively, each one capable of magic or mayhem, depending on the wind.

A cluster of others follow – including Son Heung-min, Brennan Johnson, and Mathys Tel, all nicely hovering around the 9/1 mark. If you prefer to back no goals at all – and frankly, given the way these two have played lately, who could blame you – No Goalscorer is also available at 9/1.

For the dreamers and deep-cut punters, Mason Mount (15/1), Callum Olusesi (16/1), and even Christian Eriksen (20/1) round off the outsider ranks with the sort of prices that raise eyebrows and possibly hopes – briefly.

 

Anytime Goalscorer – Spreading the Risk (and the Joy)

For those who enjoy a bit of flexibility, the anytime scorer market opens things up nicely. Obi-Martin returns as the most likely suspect at 2/1, but Fernandes lurks closely behind at 13/5, with Solanke close behind at 11/4.

A generous spattering of forwards – Richarlison (29/10), Højlund (3/1), Diallo (13/4), and Garnacho (33/10) – make up the midfield of this market, while Son and Johnson are both tempting picks at 100/30 and 7/2 respectively.

Further down the list, players like Kulusevski, Mount, and Mainoo might tickle your fancy at longer odds. But tread carefully: this isn’t a game known for producing logical outcomes.

 

Correct Score – The Nostradamus Market

If you’re brave (or just love pain), the correct score market offers a tantalising mix of realistic guesses and pure footballing fantasy.

Spurs to nick it 1-0? That’s 17/2. Fancy them to come from behind and win 3-2 in a classic? That’s 33/1. Or go full football manager mode and back a 4-0 demolition at 100/1. (Though maybe leave that one for the fever dreams.)

On the red side, United 1-0 and 2-1 are both within reach at 15/2 and 17/2, while the idea of a 4-2 United triumph might only appeal to optimists with short memories – but it’s there at 85/1 if you’ve had a glass or two of something strong.

Draws? 1-1 is the shortest of the lot at 11/2, but if you believe in chaos – and let’s face it, we’ve all seen these two clubs in action – 3-3 (66/1) and 4-4 (350/1) might give you something to dream about (or laugh at).

 

Method of Victory – The Scenic Route to Glory

Will it be done in regulation time? Or are we in for the full nail-biting ride?

United to get it done in 90 minutes is chalked up at 29/20, while Spurs in normal time trades at 15/8 – not much in it, which speaks volumes. For the penalty drama crowd, either side winning from the spot sits at 10/1, so there’s a decent return for the masochists.

As for the prospect of extra time – and let’s be honest, it feels likely – United in added time gets you 11/1, while Spurs, in the same cruel window, come in at 12/1. Just enough to make you sweat for 120 minutes.

 

Goals Galore? Or Goals Galore-ish?

The bookies reckon we might not see a flood of goals. Under 3 is a stingy 3/7, while under 2.5 floats just under evens at 22/25. But should the floodgates open, things get interesting – over 3.5 goals lands you 5/2, and if you’re feeling brave, over 4.5 is 7/1.

Want to call the exact number? Two goals exactly is favoured at 13/5, followed by three at 10/3. Backing no goals is 9/1, and should we get seven or more? Well, that’s a tasty 28/1 and you’ll probably end up on the highlights reel.

 

Half-Time/Full-Time – A Bet for the Thinkers

If you fancy yourself a reader of game flow, this one’s for you. United to lead at both intervals is 16/5, while Spurs-Spurs is available at 4/1.

Think it’s all-square at the break and stays that way? Draw/Draw is a popular shout at 4/1, but for the narrative lovers, how about Tottenham to lead at half-time, only for United to snatch it late? That’s 30/1, and the stuff of pub arguments for years to come.

 

Who’s Getting Booked – The Naughty Step Awaits

Cards are inevitable. Tackles will fly, tempers may fray, and someone will definitely clatter someone else early on “just to let them know”.

Manuel Ugarte leads the charge for a yellow at 21/10, with Casemiro, Bentancur, and Romero all clustered in the low 2/1s. You wouldn’t be shocked to see any of them heading to the referee for a stern word and a small rectangular souvenir.

Further down, Bruno Fernandes (29/10) is always a good shout if things get dramatic – and with his flair for the theatrical, drama is never far behind.

 

Fancy a Flutter? Grab a Free Bet

Before placing your wagers, don’t forget to take advantage of the free bet bonuses being dished out. Whether you’re backing Fernandes to score or Romero to dive in studs-up, you might as well do it with a free punt.

One of the UK’s oldest and most popular bookmakers, William Hill are offering Bet £10 Get £30 in free bets for new customers – ideal for a proper flutter on the big final. After all, if you’re going to endure extra time and penalties, you may as well have a tenner riding on it.

Final word? Expect drama. Expect tension. Possibly expect tears. Just don’t expect logic. This is Tottenham v Manchester United, after all.

 

🏆 Outright Winner Odds

Result	Odds
Manchester United	8/5
Tottenham Hotspur	2/1
Draw (after 90 mins)	12/5

🏆 To Lift the Trophy

Team	Odds
Manchester United	4/5
Tottenham Hotspur	11/10

⚽ First Goalscorer

Player	Odds
Chidozie Obi-Martin	19/4
Rasmus Højlund	7/1
Bruno Fernandes	7/1
Dominic Solanke	7/1
Richarlison	15/2
Amad Diallo	8/1
Alejandro Garnacho	17/2
Mathys Tel	9/1
Heung-min Son	9/1
No Goalscorer	9/1
Brennan Johnson	9/1
Damola Ajayi	10/1
Bendito Mantato	10/1
Wilson Odobert	12/1
Mikey Moore	12/1
Dejan Kulusevski	13/1
Mason Mount	15/1
Callum Olusesi	16/1
Kobbie Mainoo	17/1
Christian Eriksen	20/1

⚽ Anytime Goalscorer

Player	Odds
Chidozie Obi-Martin	2/1
Bruno Fernandes	13/5
Dominic Solanke	11/4
Richarlison	29/10
Rasmus Højlund	3/1
Amad Diallo	13/4
Alejandro Garnacho	33/10
Heung-min Son	100/30
Brennan Johnson	7/2
Mathys Tel	7/2
Bendito Mantato	15/4
Damola Ajayi	4/1
Mikey Moore	17/4
Dejan Kulusevski	5/1
Wilson Odobert	27/5
Callum Olusesi	11/2
Mason Mount	13/2
Kobbie Mainoo	15/2
Christian Eriksen	8/1
Pape Matar Sarr	17/2
Toby Collyer	17/2
Patrick Dorgu	9/1
Casemiro	9/1
Rodrigo Bentancur	10/1
Diogo Dalot	12/1
Pedro Porro	12/1

📊 Correct Score Odds

Tottenham Win

Score	Odds
1-0	17/2
2-1	10/1
2-0	14/1
3-1	24/1
3-2	33/1
3-0	33/1
4-1	80/1
4-0	100/1

Manchester United Win

Score	Odds
1-0	15/2
2-1	17/2
2-0	12/1
3-1	20/1
3-0	25/1
3-2	28/1
4-1	60/1
4-0	70/1
4-2	85/1

Draw

Score	Odds
1-1	11/2
0-0	9/1
2-2	12/1
3-3	66/1
4-4	350/1

⏱️ Method of Victory

Outcome	Odds
Man Utd to Win in 90 mins	29/20
Tottenham to Win in 90 mins	15/8
Man Utd Win after Penalties	10/1
Tottenham Win after Penalties	10/1
Man Utd to Win in Extra Time	11/1
Tottenham to Win in Extra Time	12/1

🎯 Total Goals (Under/Over)

Market	Odds
Under 3	3/7
Under 2.5	22/25
Under 2	17/11
Under 1.5	11/4
Under 1	67/10
Under 0.5	10/1
Over 1.5	1/3
Over 2	10/21
Over 2.5	1/1
Over 3	17/10
Over 3.5	5/2
Over 4	24/5
Over 4.5	7/1
Over 5	11/1
Over 5.5	16/1
Over 6.5	33/1
Over 7.5	66/1
Over 8.5	66/1

🎯 Total Goals (Exact)

Goals Scored	Odds
0 Goals	9/1
1 Goal	15/4
2 Goals	13/5
3 Goals	10/3
4 Goals	5/1
5 Goals	10/1
6 Goals	22/1
7 or More Goals	28/1

⏱️ Half Time / Full Time

Outcome	Odds
Man Utd / Man Utd	16/5
Tottenham / Tottenham	4/1
Draw / Draw	4/1
Draw / Man Utd	5/1
Draw / Tottenham	6/1
Tottenham / Draw	14/1
Man Utd / Draw	14/1
Tottenham / Man Utd	30/1
Man Utd / Tottenham	35/1

🟨 Player to Be Shown a Card

Player	Odds
Manuel Ugarte	21/10
Casemiro	43/20
Rodrigo Bentancur	9/4
Luke Shaw	23/10
Cristian Romero	23/10
Yves Bissouma	5/2
Godwill Kukonki	11/4
Harry Maguire	11/4
Bruno Fernandes	29/10
Kevin Danso	33/10
Patrick Dorgu	10/3
Iyenoma Udogie	100/30
Pape Matar Sarr	10/3
Harry Amass	7/2
Tyler Fredricson	7/2