Tottenham’s season has been a major disappointment, with the team underperforming and resembling a mid-table side. Currently 13th in the league and eliminated from all domestic competitions, their only hope for success now rests on the Europa League. As they prepare for a crucial first-leg clash against AZ Alkmaar on Thursday, TNT Sports pundits have backed Spurs to progress further in the tournament than their Premier League rivals, Manchester United.
Tottenham and Manchester United find themselves in a similarly disappointing situation, sitting 13th and 14th in the league, respectively, with both already eliminated from domestic competitions. With their league campaigns faltering, both clubs now see the Europa League as their last chance to secure silverware or European qualification for next season, a competition that offers a direct route into the Champions League, despite featuring teams that have struggled in their domestic leagues.
Manchester United will face La Liga side Real Sociedad in the round of 16, while Spurs prepare for a clash against Dutch club AZ Alkmaar.
Pundits tip the Lilywhites to end silverware wait
Determining which club has had the worse season between Tottenham and Manchester United is a challenge, but United slightly edges it due to their lack of a squad capable of competing for the top six—unlike Spurs, who, at their best, have the potential to challenge. Additionally, United is led by a young coach still finding his footing, adding to their struggles.
Despite facing strong competition from European giants such as Roma, Fenerbahçe, Ajax, and Eintracht Frankfurt, pundits Ally McCoist and Joe Cole believe Tottenham can go all the way in the Europa League, even amid their ongoing injury struggles. Speaking on Agree or Disagree UEFA Special via Youtube, McCoist backed Spurs to progress further than United, even suggesting they could win the tournament if key players return. Cole echoed his sentiment, reinforcing Spurs’ potential in the competition.
Peter Crouch remains less convinced about Tottenham’s chances of lifting the Europa League trophy but agreed that they have a better chance of advancing than Manchester United. Even former United defender Rio Ferdinand, setting aside his club loyalty, admitted that Spurs are more likely to progress further, offering a logical assessment of the two teams’ current form.
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Both clubs have endured disappointing domestic seasons, making this tournament their last shot at redemption. While pundits back Spurs to outlast United, their path to glory will depend on squad depth, tactical adaptability, and key players stepping up in crucial moments. With AZ Alkmaar up next, Tottenham must prove they have the resilience and quality to go the distance.
Whether they can capitalize on this opportunity or fall short like in their domestic competitions remains to be seen, but one thing is certain, our season now hinges on the European journey.