Emmanuel Petit believes Manchester United and Tottenham "do not deserve" Champions League football after terrible domestic seasons.

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• Two English teams vying for UEL glory
• Both have had dismal Premier League campaigns
• Petit believes neither team deserves UCL spot

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  Despite their woeful Premier League form – Spurs languishing in 16th and United only marginally better in 14th – both sides are 90 minutes away from reaching the Europa League final. Tottenham hold a two-goal cushion heading into their second leg against Norwegian side Bodo/Glimt, while United boast a commanding 3-0 lead over Athletic Club after a sensational performance at San Mames.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou has argued that winning the Europa League would transform what has been a miserable campaign into a success story. However, Petit remains unconvinced and was quick to dismiss the notion that either United or Spurs deserves to join Europe’s elite next season through what he views as a shortcut.

• WHAT PETIT SAID

  While speaking to Petit said: "Tottenham and Manchester United both have the chance to save terrible seasons in the Europa League, but does either side deserve to play in the Champions League next season? Absolutely not. Both teams don't deserve to be among the Champions League teams for the next season. I wish the best of luck for Manchester United against Bilbao, but looking at the game against Lyon, Lyon should’ve finished United off. Spurs could spring a surprise, but I don't expect anything from Spurs or Manchester United this season. To be honest with you, if one of those clubs wins the Europa League, I think that would be unfair."

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  WHAT NEXT?

  Despite Petit's strong criticism, the possibility of United and Spurs meeting in the final remains very much alive. United, bolstered by their convincing first-leg display, will look to finish the job at Old Trafford against an Athletic side that struggled to recover after conceding three goals. Tottenham, meanwhile, must hold their nerve in the challenging environment of Bodo/Glimt’s home ground. The Norwegians have proven tricky opponents in past European campaigns, but Spurs’ two-goal advantage gives them a safety net.

  Should both clubs progress, it sets the stage for a dramatic all-English final where one will secure the Europa League crown and a golden ticket into Europe’s premier club competition next term.

Tags: Futebol
Category: News