Wayne Rooney and Jamie Carragher share Tottenham Europa League predictions
Jamie Carragher and Wayne Rooney predicted the fates of Manchester United and Tottenham for the remaining weeks of the season.
Both teams are in the semi-finals of the Europa League and need to win it to qualify for the Champions League.
United and Spurs are in the bottom half of the Premier League table and the only way they play in Europe is by winning the Europa League.
Carragher does not see Tottenham beating United or Bilbao
The former Liverpool captain expects Ange Postecoglou’s side to get past Bodo/Glimt in the semi-final, but then does not see them beating either United or Bilbao.
He backs the Red Devils because of their history of showing up in big games and Bilbao because of the home advantage as the final is being played in their stadium.
Carragher told Sky Sports’ Overlap at 13:50: “You’ve got a Norwegian team Bodo/Glimt who actually beat Ange’s team at Celtic a few years ago.”
Rooney said: “I remember I was at the game at Old Trafford early in the season and they were incredible. I thought Tottenham were unbelievable, absolutely destroyed Man United in that game and then I went I watched them against Galatasaray and I couldn’t believe what I was watching.
“I think it’ll be a shootout between United and Tottenham in the final for a Champions League spot.”
Carragher then responded: “I think you’ll get to the final. I can’t see you beating Bilbao in their own stadium in a final. There’s no way Tottenham beat Manchester United in a European final. No chance.”
Postecoglou needs to galvanise his Spurs players for the occasion
Tottenham face a formidable challenge in the 2025 Europa League final against either Manchester United or Athletic Bilbao, given their inconsistent season and the strength of their potential opponents.
Manchester United, under Ruben Amorim, boast a dynamic attack with Bruno Fernandes and Alejandro Garnacho, exploiting Spurs’ defensive frailties, exposed in 18 Premier League losses this season.
Bilbao, playing at their home San Mames Stadium, are buoyed by passionate support and a robust defence, as evidenced by their 2-0 quarter-final win over Rangers.
Spurs’ system falters against well-organised sides and that’s one of the many flaws of Postecoglou’s reign.
| Fixture | Date | Venue |
| Tottenham v Bodø/Glimt | 1 May | Tottenham Hotspur Stadium |
| Bodø/Glimt v Tottenham | 8 May | Aspmyra Stadion |
To triumph, the Australian needs to instil unwavering belief in his players, emphasising their resilience shown in the 1-0 semi-final win over Eintracht Frankfurt.
He should urge them to stay disciplined defensively, avoiding the errors that plagued their league campaign, and capitalise on set-pieces.
Postecoglou must rally the squad to treat the final as a chance for redemption, reminding them that a trophy and Champions League qualification can redefine their season.
By fostering unity and tactical adaptability, he can inspire Spurs to overcome their underdog status and seize this historic opportunity.