Tottenham Hotspur's captain, Son Heung-Min, a lifelong Manchester United fan, is set to return from injury for the Europa League final against his boyhood club. Will his loyalty be tested as he aims to lead Spurs to victory?
The Europa League final is set to be a clash of titans, pitting Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur against Manchester United in Bilbao on May 21st. For Manchester United, managed by Ruben Amorim, the final represents their only path back into the Champions League and a vital boost to their finances. For Tottenham, under Ange Postecoglou, it's a chance to salvage a disappointing season. Adding intrigue to this already high-stakes match is the return of Tottenham's captain, Son Heung-Min, from a foot injury.
Son, a boyhood Manchester United fan, grew up admiring players like Ji-Sung Park and considers Ruud van Nistelrooy a father figure. This unusual twist of fate has captivated fans and pundits alike. Sir Alex Ferguson himself reportedly expressed a desire to manage Son during his tenure at Old Trafford, highlighting the player's talent and potential.
Son's absence has been felt keenly by Tottenham in their recent matches, including the Europa League semi-final. His return from injury just in time for the final is a major boost for Postecoglou, though he will need to assess his fitness carefully after a period of absence. He is expected to feature in the squad for Tottenham's game against Crystal Palace, which has seen them rotate the back-five and make several significant changes to their starting eleven. The Crystal Palace game will serve as an important test before the final.
Meanwhile, Tottenham will be without James Maddison and Lucas Bergvall due to knee injuries, while Radu Dragusin is also out for the season. The absence of these key players adds further pressure on Son and the remaining squad to deliver in Bilbao.
The final carries immense significance for both clubs. For Manchester United, winning the Europa League is paramount for Champions League qualification and financial stability. For Tottenham, it's the only way to salvage their season and avoid another year outside of Europe's elite competition.
Son's return adds a unique layer of drama to the final. Will he be the hero for his current club, defying his childhood allegiances? Or will the weight of his past and the significance of the occasion prove too much? The answer awaits in Bilbao.