Son Heung-min (33) has returned, but Tottenham could not smile. Manchester United (Man U) experienced the misfortune of replacing their starting center-back in pain, tying the record for most losses at home. This is the frustrating reality of the two teams clashing over the UEFA Europa League title.

Tottenham reached the final stage, winning 2-0 against Bodo/Glimt (Norway) in the second leg of the Europa League semifinals on the 9th, with a cumulative score of 5-1.

On the 22nd at 4 a.m., Tottenham will face fellow Premier League club Man U in the UEFA Europa League final at Estadio San Mamés in Bilbao, Spain. This will also be the first European competition final in six years since the 2018-2019 season of the Champions League.

In particular, Tottenham has seized the opportunity to collect a trophy for the first time in 17 years since winning the League Cup in the 2007-2008 season. Their last victory in a European competition dates back 41 years to the 1983-1984 UEFA Cup. Achieving a place in the final without ace Son Heung-min is an even more valuable accomplishment.

Tottenham, led by head coach Ange Postecoglou, participated in a home game against Crystal Palace for the 36th round of the 2024-2025 English Premier League (EPL) at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, England, on the 11th (Korean time).

In this match, Tottenham welcomed the return of Son Heung-min. Son was substituted in for Pedro Poro in the 13th minute of the second half while trailing 0-2 and played the full match. This marked Son's safe return to official matches after an absence of eight games due to a foot injury.

However, despite Son Heung-min's return, Tottenham could not turn the game around. Ultimately, Tottenham recorded five consecutive winless league matches (1 draw, 4 losses) and remained at 17th place with 38 points (11 wins, 5 draws, 20 losses). They are just above the relegation zone in 18th place.

Man U, Tottenham's final opponent, also played a match on the same day but could not smile. Under head coach Ruben Amorim, Man U faced West Ham United at Old Trafford in Manchester at the same time.

However, Man U lost 0-2, conceding one goal in each half. They have gone winless in seven league matches (2 draws, 5 losses). With this defeat, Man U recorded their 17th loss (10 wins, 9 draws), placing them in 16th position. This is their highest number of losses since the 1973-1974 season, when they endured 20 losses in a relegation season.

Additionally, Man U has suffered nine losses at home this season alone. This ties their record for the most home losses in a single season alongside the 1930-1931, 1933-1934, and 1962-1963 seasons. Man U may face the dishonor of setting the record for most home losses when they play Aston Villa on the 26th.

Most importantly, Man U's starting center-back, Lenny Yoro, was injured. Yoro expressed pain in the 7th minute of the second half, left the field on his own, but appeared to be limping. His frustration was evident as he covered his face with his uniform.

Yoro has been a key player since coach Amorim took over. With Lisandro Martinez and Matthijs de Ligt among others sidelined by injuries, Yoro is an indispensable asset for Man U.

Man U can deploy Viktor Lindelof, Luke Shaw, and Noussair Mazraoui instead of Yoro. However, with the final against Tottenham approaching, Yoro's absence could be a significant blow.

After the match, coach Amorim said about Yoro, "He needs to undergo a thorough examination," but noted, "It doesn’t seem to be a serious injury. He appeared to feel something, but I believe it's something minor."

There are still ten days left until the Europa League final. Both Tottenham and Man U still have some time. However, both teams will need to play a league game in between, so any variables may arise.

Tottenham need to further improve Son Heung-min's condition, while Man U desperately need their starting center-back to recover from injury. The Europa League final this season will be a clash of two teams that have failed in the league, highlighting a frustrating reality.

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