FridayOL

Paul Scholes, the Manchester United legend, has dropped a surprising bombshell ahead of the UEFA Europa League final: he believes Tottenham Hotspur are the 'favourites' to lift the trophy. However, despite his preference for Spurs, Scholes isn't completely writing off his former club, Manchester United, and explains why he's still backing them to pull off an upset.

The highly anticipated final, scheduled for May 21st, will see United and Tottenham battle it out for the Europa League crown and, crucially, a coveted spot in next season's UEFA Champions League. The stakes couldn't be higher, and Scholes' insights offer a fascinating perspective on the upcoming clash.

Speaking on 'It's All Kicking Off!', Scholes articulated his reasoning for favouring Tottenham, citing their consistent performance throughout the competition and their overall squad strength. He acknowledged Spurs' ability to handle pressure and their tactical flexibility, suggesting they possess the edge needed to secure victory.

“I think Tottenham are the favourites,” Scholes stated. “They’ve been very consistent throughout the competition. They’ve got a good squad and I think they’ve got a bit more experience in these big games than United have.”

Yet, Scholes' loyalty to Manchester United shines through. He highlighted Erik ten Hag's team's resilience and their capacity to deliver moments of brilliance. While acknowledging United's inconsistencies this season, he pointed to their ability to raise their game when it matters most.

“I’m still backing United,” he continued. “They’ve got that little bit of something, don’t they? They can produce a moment of brilliance out of nowhere. They’ve got players who can change a game.”

The discussion also touched upon the managerial tactics of both teams. Scholes expressed concerns about Ruben Amorim, the head coach of Tottenham, and his potential willingness to take risks. He suggested that Amorim's approach, while potentially yielding rewards, could also expose his team to vulnerabilities.

“I think Amorim is playing a risky game, to be honest,” Scholes remarked. “He’s got some good ideas, but he needs to be careful not to overcomplicate things. You can’t go overboard with the tactics in a final.”

The Europa League final promises to be a captivating encounter, pitting two formidable teams against each other. With Scholes' insightful analysis adding another layer of intrigue, football fans around the world are eagerly anticipating what promises to be a thrilling spectacle. Will Tottenham's consistency and experience prove decisive, or will Manchester United's resilience and moments of magic carry them to glory? Only time will tell.