Ruben Amorim, in his first season at Old Trafford, recognizes that lifting the trophy won’t fix United’s underlying problems but admits it would provide a significant morale boost.

Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur face off in the Europa League final on Wednesday in Bilbao, both clubs seeking a crucial pathway to next season’s Champions League after dismal Premier League performances.

Together, the teams have endured 39 league losses this season, with 20-time champions United shockingly sitting 16th, while Spurs are just above the relegation zone in 17th place.

By the final whistle at San Mamés Stadium, one club will not only claim a prestigious European title but also secure a financial boost potentially exceeding £100 million ($134 million).

“We have bigger challenges to address to restore this club to its former glory,” the 40-year-old said ahead of the match in northern Spain. “But winning a European title would change how people perceive our team.”

The former Sporting Lisbon manager emphasised that Champions League revenue is not crucial to United’s future due to the club’s global stature.

However, football finance expert Kieran Maguire describes the match as “the most important in the club’s history” in financial terms, with the prize money providing vital funds for a squad rebuild amid financial difficulties.

Meanwhile, despite Manchester United facing their worst league finish in half a century, the Portuguese manager’s position seems secure regardless of the outcome.

In contrast, many expect Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou, 59, to leave the club regardless of whether he ends their 17-year trophy drought.

“I’ve told the players from day one, nothing is guaranteed in life or sport,” said the former Australia and Celtic coach. “You must seize every opportunity, and that’s what I’ve always done.”

Postecoglou, in his second season at Spurs, feels he has unfinished business in London and views winning the Europa League as a potential “turning point” for the club.

“Until you actually win it, people will say you’ve faltered on the big stage,” he remarked earlier this month.

Tottenham, who last won silverware in the 2008 League Cup, have lifted the Europa League twice before when it was known as the UEFA Cup but not since 1984.

The final, the sixth all-English European final in history, is too close to call. Spurs have beaten United three times this season twice in the Premier League and once in the League Cup.

Three-time European champions Manchester United, aiming for their first continental title since winning the 2016/17 Europa League, bring a recent history of success, having clinched both the League Cup and FA Cup under former manager Erik ten Hag.

Since February 2, the only league victories for either club have been against teams facing relegation or against each other. Despite this, both have maintained strong winning runs in the Europa League.

United remain undefeated in European competition this season, securing their spot in the final with a 7-1 aggregate win over Athletic Bilbao, denying the Spanish side a chance to host a dream final on home turf.

Tottenham, meanwhile, advanced comfortably past Norwegian champions Bodo/Glimt with a 5-1 aggregate score.

Key players for United include captain Bruno Fernandes and the seasoned Casemiro, a five-time Champions League winner with Real Madrid.

Tottenham confirmed on Tuesday that midfielder Lucas Bergvall will miss the final due to injury, while James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski are also sidelined.