Son Heung-min Left Out of Tottenham Starting XI Against Manchester United

BY chioma Jenny
May 21, 2025
0 Comments
3 Views

In a surprising selection, Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou has left club captain and star forward Son Heung-min out of the starting line-up for the UEFA Europa League final against Manchester United, currently taking place at Estadio San Mamés in Bilbao.

Son, who recently returned from injury, has been Tottenham’s leading Premier League goal scorer this season and remains one of the club’s most influential figures. His omission from the starting XI raised eyebrows just moments before kick-off in what is Tottenham’s most important match in nearly two decades.

Postecoglou opted to start Richarlison at the spearhead of the attack, likely factoring in Son’s recent fitness issues and the physical demands of a high-intensity final.

The manager’s decision appears tactical, aimed at maintaining energy and pressing from the front line — a key feature of Tottenham’s strategy this season.

“Leaving Son out of the starting line-up is a huge call, but it seems to reflect concerns about his match sharpness after injury. Still, with a player of his caliber, you expect him to have a role later in the game,” said one match analyst on TalkSport.

Both Tottenham and Manchester United are seeking redemption after disappointing Premier League campaigns, finishing 16th and 17th respectively. Despite their poor league form, both sides have fought their way to the Europa League final and see the trophy not only as a piece of silverware but also a golden ticket back into the UEFA Champions League next season.

The match remains goalless at halftime, with both teams cautious yet determined in their approach. Alejandro Garnacho’s presence in the Manchester United starting lineup also drew attention, while teenager Leny Yoro earned a surprise start in central defense for the Red Devils.

For Tottenham, this final represents an opportunity to end a 17-year trophy drought, and fans will be hoping that Son will come off the bench to make a decisive impact if needed.