Europa League final: Tottenham ready for date with destiny and night that could change everything | OneFootball

A fourth win of the season over Manchester United could prove seismic

Postecoglou repeatedly referred to an opportunity to do "something special" on the eve of the game here in Bilbao, while his captain Heung-min Son talked up a "massive day" and an "historic moment".

The significance of the game for Spurs has been reflected in their preparations.

Postecoglou rested effectively his entire first XI, with the exception of Son, who needed the minutes, for Friday's 2-0 defeat to Aston Villa in the league because he was simply not prepared to risk further injuries to key players.

Spurs arrived in Bilbao on Monday, two days before the game and 24 hours earlier than they would normally travel for a European fixture, and trained on the San Mames pitch on Tuesday evening – in what was admittedly a remarkably relaxed session in front of the cameras.

Ange Postecoglou speaks to his players on the San Mames pitch

Getty Images

United, by contrast, appear to be treating the final much like any other European game.

They conducted their own mandatory open training session at Carrington on Tuesday before travelling to the Basque Country in the afternoon, while Amorim fielded his strongest available XI in Friday's League defeat to Chelsea, prioritising rhythm and normality over rest.

The difference in mood was perhaps best reflected at the clubs' pre-match press conferences.

Postecoglou, who spoke alone after Son and Pedro Porro had faced questions, was in a fiery mood, pushing back on suggestions that the club would decide his future.

United's briefing, though, was noticeably more relaxed, with Amorim speaking alongside Bruno Fernandes and Harry Maguire and the atmosphere jovial.

Bruno Fernandes and Ruben Amorim were relaxed in front of reporters

Manchester United via Getty Imag

When the Portuguese coach was asked why he was not under the same pressure as Postecoglou, Fernandes interjected: "He is. Who told you he’s not? He is."

And although he also described the final as "massive", Amroim reiterated that winning the competition is not "going to change our season" – which has been his message for weeks now.

The opposing approaches of the two clubs may even extend to the behaviour of supporters, with anecdotal claims that far more ticketless Spurs fans have travelled to Bilbao, despite so many being forced into difficult, non-linear routes from the UK.

One question is therefore over the psychological and physical impact of such differing preparations come kick-off.

Will United benefit from viewing this as just another match, or will Spurs have a better sense of the scale of the opportunity, and therefore a better chance of grasping it?

For Spurs, there is much more of a sense that this is a landmark occasion which must be grasped

If Spurs start slowly, as they did in the Champions League final six years ago, there will inevitably be questions about Postecoglou's players being cold, with defenders Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven and Destiny Udogie having not played at all since the semi-final decider against Bodo/Glimt a fortnight ago.

Equally, if United fade and Spurs enjoy a characteristically strong finish, there will be questions about Amorim's decision to use his stars in a meaningless league game at Stamford Bridge five days earlier.

Given the two clubs' standings, it is easy to understand why it feels like more of a seismic occasion for Spurs.

Postecoglou's side may have won three times against United already this season, and remained unbeaten against the Red Devils in five matches under the Australian, but a pre-match narrative is that one club knows how to handle these one-off showpieces and the other does not.

For Spurs, there is much more of a sense that this is a landmark occasion which must be grasped.

Ange Postecoglou with Spurs' chief football officer, Scott Munn (r) and technical director Johan Lange (c)

Andrew Milligan/PA Wire

As Son pointed out on Tuesday, winning in Bilbao has the potential to "change the history and mentality" of the entire club and perhaps prove to be the "first step" towards a future where Spurs are more regularly competing for the biggest prizes.

In the here and now, winning the game would see Spurs return to the Champions League, boosting the club's appeal and spending power and potentially giving them a better chance to keep hold of the likes of Cristian Romero in the summer.

While United are also trying to rescue a dismal league campaign and return to Europe's top table next season, the stakes do not feel quite so high for the 2017 winners, largely because they have continued to find a way to compete for major honours even as they have slumped further into the doldrums during their post-Sir Alex Ferguson malaise.

There is simply not the same sense that the game could be pivotal to Amorim's future and United's standing as a club, allowing them to treat it in a more low-key fashion.

It remains to be seen if that will prove a positive for United or play into the hands of a fired-up Spurs, who appear to view the game far more as a date with destiny.