Tottenham vs Man United: Phil Jones argues who has the better squad for Europa League final

Phil Jones believes that the Europa League final between Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur is too close to call but has made an interesting claim about the comparative quality of the two squads.

There is no doubt that Bilbao on May 21 will witness one of the biggest Europa League finals in recent memory, not just because of the history and calibre of the two clubs involved.

Both the Lilywhites and the Red Devils are coming off an abject season domestically, and both managers have been under immense pressure in recent months, which is why they are both desperate to get their hands on the trophy.

The two clubs are a long way off from challenging the big boys at the moment and will thus view winning the Europa League and qualifying for the Champions League as a pre-requisite to lay the platform this summer for an improved showing next campaign.

Phil Jones on how Europa League success will affect Man United and Tottenham

Some pundits have already installed Man United as favourites for the final, but Jones believes that the contest is too close to call.

The former United centre-back insisted that Rubem Amorim’s men need Champions League football in order to be able to make the kind of signings they want to, but he does not think Tottenham’s decision on Ange Postecoglou’s future will depend on the result at San Mames.

Jones told BBC Radio 5 Live: “I know people talk about how Man Utd has lost its attraction for players, but it’ll never lose that because it’s the biggest club in the world.

“It’s a bit disrespectful to say it’s bigger for one club or the other, but I do think, for Man Utd to get back in the Champions League, it’s a huge step in the right direction.

“The league form has been nowhere near what’s expected this season, but it gives them a platform to try and implement something better next season and try and attract higher-calibre players.

“You can’t call it. It’s a massive game for both clubs. I’m not sure if Spurs do or don’t win the final, Ange Postecoglou will be in charge next season. I think they’ve already made their mind up.”

Jones claims Man United have more quality than Spurs

The 33-year-old pointed out that it is a huge boost for Amorim to have a fully fit squad to work with leading up to the final. The former England international argued that overall, his former club have more quality at their disposal than their opponents do.

He added: “When you’ve got a full squad, you’ve got decisions to make and tough ones. There’s no better time to have a full squad a few weeks before the final.

“It’s never going to be an easy game in a one-off game against Tottenham. You’d like to think Man Utd would have a little more quality to beat them in a final, however, Tottenham have beaten them three times already this season, so who knows?”

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