Paul Scholes Reveals Why Manchester United Have the Edge Over Spurs in Europa League Final

Manchester United legend Paul Scholes believes his former club’s long-standing habit of winning trophies will give them the upper hand when they go head-to-head with Tottenham Hotspur in the Europa League final later this month.

United, now under the guidance of Rúben Amorim, cruised into the final in emphatic fashion, thrashing Athletic Club 4-1 at Old Trafford to wrap up a commanding 7-1 aggregate victory. While the night began with a brief scare—Athletic’s Mikel Jauregizar netting a beauty to make things briefly interesting—Amorim’s men roared back in style.

Mason Mount, who has been in and out of the side due to injury, delivered a performance to remember, scoring twice—including an outrageous strike from the halfway line—as United flexed their attacking muscles and sealed a dream finale in Dublin.

Now, all eyes turn to Tottenham, who also booked their spot in the final, setting up an all-English showdown on May 21. It will mark the sixth time two Premier League clubs have met in a European final, but for Scholes, there’s only one side with the know-how to handle the pressure.

“Man United’s history tells me they’ll win it,” Scholes told TNT Sports after the semi-final triumph. “They know how to win trophies. Tottenham don’t really… I can’t remember the last time they won anything. Maybe the League Cup some years back. But it’s that experience, the size of the club, the history — that gives them the edge.”

It’s a bold prediction, but one that many fans will agree with. After all, United boast a storied European legacy, with their last continental trophy coming in the same competition under José Mourinho in 2017.

Tottenham, by contrast, are looking to end a painful silverware drought. Their most recent trophy remains the 2008 League Cup, and while Ange Postecoglou has brought exciting football and fresh energy to the club, the question of whether Spurs can get over the line still looms.

Scholes was quick to praise the Australian boss, however: “I really like Ange. He’s got a good team. But I just favour Manchester United.”

Before the final, United still have two more chances to fine-tune their form and tactics. They welcome West Ham to Old Trafford on Sunday, before travelling to Stamford Bridge to face Chelsea the following Friday. Those matches represent more than just routine fixtures—they’re also auditions for players like Mount, Amad Diallo, and Kobbie Mainoo, all of whom are pushing to earn a starting place in the final.

Mount’s return to fitness couldn’t have come at a better time. His influence against Athletic was undeniable, and if he continues this form, Amorim may be forced to rethink his midfield plans. Amad and Mainoo, similarly, will be eager to prove they’re ready for a major European final.

With a blend of youth, hunger, and heritage on their side, Manchester United are starting to believe this could be their moment. And if Paul Scholes is right, that long-standing “trophy DNA” might just be what sets them apart when it matters most.