The Europa League final between Manchester United and Tottenham takes place next Wednesday night in Bilbao.
It’s getting closer to final day as Manchester United and Tottenham prepare for an all-English final in the Europa League.
Both teams have endured turbulent campaigns and are set to finish the Premier League season in the bottom half of the table, despite previously planning to compete for a place in the top four.
That’s an almighty reality check but United have a chance to right many wrongs when they take on Tottenham, who have already beaten them three times this season in two different competitions.
A win in the Europa League final would secure Champions League qualification ahead of the next season, which is not something either team deserves based on league form throughout the season.
Ruben Amorim’s squad will be trying to overlook that over the coming days, even when they take on Chelsea at Stamford Bridge since the focus is on beating Tottenham in Bilbao.
Photo by OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty Images
Photo by OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty Images
Diogo Dalot desperate for Europa League success
In recent years, Diogo Dalot has seen his role at United grow in significance.
The Portugal international isn’t the best performer in the team. His performances usually cause frustration for United fans, but nobody can question his ability to be available. It’s a rare occurrence that Dalot is injured, which is the case now.
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Amorim claims Dalot is doing all he can to make the final, but the full-back will need to pass a late fitness test. He will also miss out on Friday’s trip to face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
Dalot has already won two trophies during his time at Old Trafford, including the FA Cup and Carabao Cup. He wants to add the Europa League to that next week.
While United have not been at their best this season, Amorim’s side remain unbeaten in the Europa League and will hope to continue that record against Tottenham.
Dalot believes the Champions League is where the team need to be and achieving this would be the ‘least’ they could do for the fans.
“Winning the Europa League would mean less bad than the season actually is. Everybody knows this is not the standard for the club, nowhere near it,” Dalot told Hayters.
“What we have been doing this season is not what this club deserves so I think it is the least we could do for the fans because they suffer as much as us
“We have one more opportunity to be in the Champions League and to win a major competition, that is where we want to be and if we have that opportunity we need to grab it.”
Dalot not worried about Tottenham record
Going into the game, Dalot is aware of the fact Tottenham have beaten United three times this season.
Ange Postecoglou’s side have managed two victories over United in the Premier League and one in the Carabao Cup.
Dalot does not believe that will be important to the result next week.
“When you get to a final in a competition like this what you have done previously will not be important to the result.
“Two English teams are playing and it will be a very good game to watch I think. We are two big clubs so the aim is to be in the best position mentally and physically to win it.”