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Tottenham defender Micky van de Ven says his side will not be intimidated when they meet Manchester United in the Europa League final later this month. Spurs booked their place in the final after a 2-0 victory over Bodo/Glimt on Thursday, securing a 5-1 aggregate win in the semi-finals. Manchester United, meanwhile, eased past Athletic Bilbao with a 7-1 aggregate score.
Despite a disappointing domestic campaign that has piled pressure on manager Ange Postecoglou, Tottenham are now just one match away from lifting their first trophy in 17 years. Although United have a strong recent record in knockout competitions, Postecoglou’s men have already beaten them three times this season.
Van de Ven expressed confidence ahead of the May 21 final in Bilbao, saying injuries to key players like James Maddison, Lucas Bergvall and captain Son Heung-min would not shake their belief. “We’re not going there with fear. We know our qualities,” said the Dutch defender. “It’s going to be a tough game—United have shown what they can do in Europe—but we’re all going to Bilbao with one aim: to win the trophy.”
The 23-year-old, who has been sidelined for much of the season due to injury, said reaching the final has personal significance. “It’s been a tough season for me, not playing many games, but now I’ll play in a European final—the first of my career. That’s an incredible feeling.”
Van de Ven also believes Spurs have demonstrated newfound resilience throughout their European campaign, silencing critics who have long accused the club of lacking grit. “We’ve shown real mentality and discipline,” he added. “Just look at our clean sheet away to Frankfurt. People doubted us before this game, given Bodo/Glimt’s strong home form, but we stuck to the plan and got the result.”
Tottenham will now head to Bilbao with renewed belief, aiming to end their long wait for silverware.
