Man Utd would have significant advantage over Tottenham in Europa League final

Manchester United will have more than 42 hours longer in recovery time compared to if the two clubs meet in the . United and Spurs are now favourites to progress from their respective semi-final ties after both taking commanding leads after the first legs.

away to 10-man , as a goal from and two from stunned the San Memes. Meanwhile in north London, against Norwegian side Bodo/Glimt.

The odds of an all-English final have now shortened, with the two teams expected to meet on Wednesday, May 21, coincidentally in Bilbao. But preparations for each side would be vastly different.

That's because United would have five days' rest ahead of the final compared to Spurs' three-and-a-half. The Red Devils' upcoming trip to was recently brought forward to be an 8pm kick-off on Friday, May 16 because of the between the two clubs on Sunday, May 18.

Tottenham, though, are scheduled to play away on the Sunday, kicking off at 2:15pm. Spurs would therefore have 42 hours and 15 minutes less than United to cover.

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Both sets of fans would argue that neither United or Tottenham have anything other than pride to play for in the Premier League. The pair have endured shocking league seasons, with United down in 14th place and Spurs even lower, just two spots above the relegation zone.

Fortunately for managers and , neither side are at risk of already going down. Their campaigns will be defined by who fares better in Europe, with the pressure well and truly on them to reach the final and lift the trophy in the Basque region.

Who'd win a Europa League final between Man Utd and Tottenham? Give us your prediction in the .

United have more of a grip on their semi-final, especially given that the second leg is at home, while Tottenham will have to travel to the Arctic Circle to finish the job. A late goal from Bodo/Glimt captain Ulrik Saltnes gave the Norwegians a glimmer of hope heading into next Thursday's clash.

"Obviously they scored the goal late, which doesn't reflect our dominance in the game, but if we repeat that performance next week it'll be enough for us to get through," Postecoglou reflected post-match.

"Yeah, I think it puts us in a good position. I thought the players were outstanding today, I thought our performance was everything it needed to be, really well organised and disciplined defensively and really calm going forward and created good opportunities for ourselves."

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