Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United fans in Malaysia have faith in their teams, with both sets confident of victory in the Europa League final.
Both English teams are eyeing redemption in tomorrow’s Europa League final (3am Malaysian time). Despite being part of the so-called ‘Big Six’ in English football, they have endured a miserable domestic season – winning just 21 of their 74 Premier League matches, losing 39 and drawing 14.
They sit 16th and 17th in the league table, but it’s a different story in Europe.
United are the only unbeaten side across all three European competitions, with nine wins and five draws. Tottenham have also impressed, recording nine wins, three draws, and just two defeats in 14 matches.
Tomorrow’s match is about more than just a trophy. It’s also a financial lifeline. The winner will qualify for the lucrative Champions League – potentially worth £100 million in ticket sales, broadcasting rights, and performance bonuses.
The loser, however, will be out of Europe altogether, which could make it harder to attract top-tier talent.
Still, fans of both clubs in Malaysia are brimming with confidence.
Datuk Dr Ramlan Abdul Aziz, former National Sports Council director-general and ex-chief executive officer of the National Sports Institute, said: “I never make predictions, but hope springs eternal. Dreams do come true. Despite all the travails of this season – victory!”
Another optimistic Spurs fan, Leyla Fong, said Tottenham’s three wins over Manchester United this season – twice in the league and once in the League Cup – suggest the Londoners could finally end their trophy drought.
Tottenham’s last domestic silverware came in the 2008 League Cup, and it has not won a European title since the 1984 UEFA Cup.
“It’s the year of the birds – Liverpool (Liver bird), Newcastle (Magpies), and Crystal Palace (Eagles) have all won major trophies this season,” said 23-year-old Fong.
“Tottenham’s crest features a cockerel. That’s a good omen for the final. I’m confident we can beat United for the fourth time this season and finally lift a trophy.”
Sarawakian Frank Frederick, 21, said he has never lost faith in the Lilywhites. “I believe Spurs will win 2-1. It’s our year.”
Manchester United fans, meanwhile, insist their team can rise to the occasion, despite a dreadful league campaign. The men’s team have only 39 points from 37 matches, while the women’s team have picked up 44 from just 22.
Former national athlete C. Sathasivam Sitheravellu urged the players to focus on the task ahead.
“They must visualise lifting the Europa Cup. Forget the EPL performance – don’t dwell on it,” he said. “I believe Manchester United will win, especially with players like Bruno Fernandes who can change the course of a game.”
Sales director CK Chua, 60, described the final as a shot at redemption. “It’s a do-or-die mission after our poor league form,” he said. “Despite what happened earlier in the season, I’m confident Manchester United will win.”
United fan Sara Ismail couldn’t resist recalling Sir Alex Ferguson’s famous jibe – “Lads, it’s Spurs”.
“Spurs being Spurs, they’ll probably bottle the most important match of their season,” she said. “They may have beaten us three times already, but this is the one that matters. I’m going for a 2-0 United victory.”
Meanwhile, Prince Court Medical Centre has been named the official healthcare provider for the friendly match between Manchester United and the Asean All-Stars at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur, on May 28.
Prince Court will provide comprehensive medical support with ambulances and experienced healthcare professionals stationed at the stadium and training grounds. A fully equipped medical room will also be set up at the official hotel to support players and team members from both sides.
