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Manchester United took a huge step toward the Europa League final with an impressive 3-0 win against Athletic Bilbao in Spain, last night (Thursday).
Ruben Amorim’s men dismantled the La Liga side with three unanswered first half goals that ensured they will go back to Old Trafford with a huge lead to protect and firmly in the box seat to return to the Basque country for the final.
Meanwhile, Tottenham Hotspur also enjoyed a successful evening, beating Norwegian outfit Bodo/Glimt by three goals to one, putting them on a collision course with United for the showpiece occasion.
A mouth-watering English final now beckons should both sides avoid disaster in their respective second legs.
As reported by The Mirror, mind games could well be setting in even at this early stage with both sides desperate for the trophy after similarly wretched league campaigns.
Preparations for the clash will be crucial with both sides suffering from lengthy, high profile injuries throughout the season.
Should both the Premier League sides make it, United could hold a slight advantage over their North London rivals given the time between their penultimate league fixture and the May 21 final.
United face Chelsea on Friday May 16 which was brought forward due to the Women’s FA Cup final between the same clubs on Sunday, May 18.
Tottenham, on the other hand, face Champions League chasing Aston Villa on the Sunday at 14:15, giving them 42 hours less rest and preparation time than Amorim’s men.
However, due to the league positions of the pair, it would be a surprise to see either Amorim or Ange Postecoglou name their strongest sides with little to left to play for domestically.
After the whistle in Bilbao, Amorim hinted he will be rotating his squad in this weekends trip to Brentford with the second leg looming next week and the same will be expected should United finish the job.
Postecoglou will surely be doing likewise which should negate the advantage United appear to hold in this case.
Having said that, both clubs still have work to do with Amorim staunchly admitting United’s semi final is still not done despite the healthy lead and home advantage in the second leg.
Spurs also also famed to make things hard for themselves and a trip to Norway on the home sides artificial surface will bring its own challenges as it has done for Roma and Lazio amongst others this season.
Featured image Clive Brunskill via Getty Images
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