Jamie Carragher shares ‘problems’ for Tottenham ahead of Man Utd clash
Jamie Carragher has highlighted a key issue for Tottenham as they prepare to face Manchester United in the UEFA Europa League final.
Tottenham are currently 17th in the Premier League after suffering their 21st defeat in the competition this season on Friday (16 May) as they were beaten 2-0 by Aston Villa at Villa Park.
However, despite overseeing Spurs’ worst-ever Premier League campaign, Ange Postecoglou still has a chance to make history by winning the Europa League at the Estadio de San Mamés on Wednesday (21 May).
Tottenham are slim favourites against United and will hope they can make it a perfect sweep, having already beaten the Red Devils three times this season.
However, neither Gary Neville nor Carragher fancy Spurs’ chances in Bilbao, with the former highlighting a key issue for Postecoglou.
Carragher points to Spurs’ injuries as key factor v Man Utd
Dejan Kulusevski’s recent surgery confirmed that Spurs would be without a recognised attacking midfielder against Manchester United, with James Maddison also ruled out for the rest of the season.
As a result, for this reason, among others, Carragher is fairly confident that Ruben Amorim’s side will come out on top in Spain.
| Teams | Wins | Draws | Losses |
| Tottenham | 9 | 3 | 2 |
| Manchester United | 9 | 5 | 0 |
The former Liverpool defender said on Monday Night Football (19 May), “I think Manchester United will win.
“Spurs have got injury problems as well, as they have all season, but I just think Manchester United, as Gary [Neville] says, have an ability to still win games.
“They beat Manchester City in the FA Cup final last season, the club have still got that feeling. I think the United supporters will go there expecting to win because they are Manchester United, and I don’t think Spurs supporters will [expect to win].
Carragher caveated that sentiment, claiming, “Spurs can win, it has been a season of underdogs winning cup finals, we’ve seen that domestically in England.”
However, Neville added, “I do feel confident of Manchester United getting through this game on Wednesday.”
Postecoglou’s experience could give Tottenham an edge
Tottenham can be considered veterans in managing injury crises, having played games with as many as 12 first-team players missing this season.
Their league results haven’t reflected kindly on Postecoglou’s adaptability, but he has learned from the experience and has managed the game time of key players, particularly in defence.
He has also retained the sharpness and trust of players like Yves Bissouma, meaning any member of the squad is ready to step in.
Postecoglou also boasts an 88 per cent win rate in finals, and will be looking to use his experience to guide Tottenham to overcome the challenge in Spain.