The Peoples Person

Manchester United defender Harry Maguire has opened up on his mental transformation, backing it to help him enjoy a superb performance in this week’s Europa League final against Tottenham Hotspur.

United are set to face Tottenham at San Mamés on Wednesday in a clash between two struggling sides. Ruben Amorim’s men are sitting in 16th place while Tottenham are just one spot above them in 17th.

The stakes couldn’t be higher for the two teams in what has been a miserable Premier League campaign for both. Beyond the chance to lift a trophy, the winner will also secure a coveted spot in next season’s Champions League.

Ahead of the match, Maguire spoke to TNT Sports and revealed that he and his teammates want to win the Europa League as a means to repay the fans for their unwavering support this term.

He told the news outlet, “To be in the Europa League and to give our fans something to bring that energy and atmosphere… the atmosphere in the Europa League has been something else – it’s been incredible.”

“We know it’s not been good enough this season, we take responsibility for that as players. We’ve had two managers and results haven’t been good enough, and that’s got to be down to us.”

“To play in a European final for Manchester United is a huge occasion. Our fans deserve it – they’ve been absolutely incredible this season. I don’t know how and why they’re sticking with us as much as they are, because we’ve disappointed them so many times.”

“But they’ve stuck with us and they deserve something to celebrate. It’s going to be a great day for them, but it’ll only be a great day if we go and lift that trophy.”

“It’s going to be a good game, a tough game, we know that Spurs will be right up for it as well, but it’s one I’m looking forward to.”

Maguire explained that in the past, he may have been too concerned with making a mistake during a final but this time round, his primary objective is to go out there and perform as best as he can.

“People can worry about finals. When I was a young boy, you’re probably going into finals and your mentality is a bit different. You’re probably thinking, ‘I don’t want to be the one to make that mistake’, whereas now my mentality is that I want to go and perform, I want to go and play.”

“If every one of your players goes onto the pitch in a final and has that mentality that they’re going to be the best player, they’re not going to be a 6 out of 10 and just get through the game and nothing gets said about them after – they’re going to go and express themselves… that’s a big mentality we need to have going into this final.”

The England international continued, “That’s why we play for this club, this is Manchester United. When you join this club, you want to be in big finals and have the privilege to play in finals.”

“We know there’s so much pressure and there’s going to be so much spoken about the game, but you’ve got to go and enjoy it.”

United vs. Tottenham kicks off at 20:00 BST.

Featured image Shaun Botterill via Getty Images

Manchester United’s disastrous campaign has been kept on life support by the prospect of ending the season with European silverware, in the shape of the Europa League.

Whilst it’s not Europe’s premier club competition and not where United fans feel the club should competing, there is no doubting the importance of Wednesday’s final in Bilbao against domestic rivals Tottenham Hotspur.

Should United win the trophy, a ticket to next year’s Champions League comes with it and makes Ruben Amorim’s summer rebuild a whole lot easier given the financial reward that comes with dining at Europe’s top table.

Team selection is going to be key for Amorim and with players returning to fitness, the Portuguese head coach does have some decisions to make.

With that in mind, here is my selection for the showpiece occasion against Spurs:

GOALKEEPER – Andre Onana.

From the sublime to the ridiculous, at times, Onana hasn’t enjoyed his finest campaign and there are major doubts as to his suitability for United’s goalkeeping role long term, but it would be a major shock to see the Cameroonian dropped for the biggest game of the season.

Whilst error prone, Onana carries huge experience and has shown he can perform at the highest level, most notably the Champions League final against Manchester City in 2023. Onana has the personality to cope with a huge occasion but Amorim will be hoping for a night of control from his number one.

CENTRE BACKS – Leny Yoro, Harry Maguire, Noussair Mazraoui.

Yoro is simply the best defender United have. His confidence on the ball has been key to his progress this season and his forays forward have been impressive, a quality only he possesses in Amorim’s back line – a must to start, if fit. Luke Shaw the obvious replacement if Yoro doesn’t make it.

Harry Maguire has improved under Amorim and carries a big threat in the opposition penalty area. With so many finals won on set pieces, Maguire has a punter’s chance of getting a goal and will go into the game with confidence after some recent eye catching moments. He will also fancy the physical battle with Solanke.

Noussair Mazraoui is much better in the right centre-back role than at wing back. Comfortable in the position as he admits himself and has enjoyed a decent first season at Old Trafford. Solid if unspectacular but starter on Wednesday, for me.

WING BACKS – Patrick Dorgu, Amad.

Dorgu has been up and down since his January arrival but is the most natural wing back in the squad and does have the energy to provide a threat going forward as well completing his defensive work.

Amad is one of the few plus points of the season. He might have been on course to battle Bruno Fernandes for the Player of the Year award until his injury. The Ivorian is at his best when running at defenders, the wing back role allows him to pick the ball up deeper than the attacking players and front up opponents, putting them on the back foot and giving him the space to produce his wizardry.

MIDFIELDERS – Casemiro, Manuel Ugarte.

Casemiro in a European final is must. The Brazilian’s experience means he is an absolute no-brainer for the starting XI and his form has been solid in recent months, getting back to fitness and showing his class. He is also a threat from set pieces.

Manuel Ugarte is where it starts to get tricky for me. I just feel his energy and bite will be required in the middle of the park and it allows me to get Bruno Fernandes closer to the Tottenham goal. However, he would be my first substitution of the night if things pan out as expected.

FORWARDS – Bruno Fernandes, Rasmus Hojlund, Alejandro Garnacho.

Bruno speaks for himself, another POTY award, another stellar season. I would start the captain here with the option of bringing him deeper if the game requires. Bruno is our best maker and taker of chances, therefore having him as high up the pitch as possible makes logical sense to me – if only football was a logical game!

I’ve tried everything in my power to leave Hojlund out but Amorim has experimented with other options, none of which have worked either. It goes without saying the form of the Dane should not grant him a place in a European final but he knows the position, the other players in the team are used to him up there and that’s about as positive as I can be about our central striker right now. Oh, he does have a goal to his name against Spurs, hat-trick incoming!

Mason Mount is unlucky to miss out but Garnacho does carry a threat in behind and regularly finds himself in goal scoring positions. Whether he has the composure to take his chances is another story but I feel he is better from the right as it negates his option to cut in and wildly swing at goal with his right foot. He has previous with his FA Cup final opener last season, too.

Despite my picks, I feel the game will be won off the bench in one way or the other and I believe United’s options will be stronger than Tottenham’s on the night, which will lead to the the barbeque being well and truly lit up at Carrington upon the Red’s return.

Featured image Stu Forster via Getty Images

Tottenham Hotspur right back Pedro Porro has lauded Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim ahead of the Europa League final.

Spurs will take on Amorim’s United in the final on Wednesday evening in Bilbao.

Both sides will be hoping to end a wretched domestic season with the silver lining of European success.

Porro spent three years at Sporting CP with Amorim as coach, so knows the Portuguese inside out.

Speaking to the The Standard Porro claimed that United are still a dangerous team in spite of being 16th in the Premier League table.

He stated, “well, I don’t think they’ve lost in the Europa League. They’re a very good team, with a very good coach, no?”

The Spaniard claimed that United lacked luck in the league, like Spurs who are 17th, but stated “we’re two teams that know how to deliver and it’s going to be a very beautiful final. I hope we’re the happy ones at the end.”

The fullback was not only full of praise for the Red Devils, but in particular his former coach.

He opined, “he’s a magnificent coach. I know him very well.” Porro went on to claim that Amorim’s most impressive quality was the way he found a way to build relationships with his squad of players.

Elaborating further he claimed, “it’s the way he treats the players, he always spoke to me as a person, it’s not just how he treated me from a football perspective.”

Porro has expressed his gratitude to Amorim for the help he gave him when he first joined the Portuguese club in 2020.

He asserted, “when I arrived (at Sporting), it was a little bit difficult for me but like everything in football, sometimes it’s hard at first, right?”

“Things in life don’t always go the way you want them to but when I got there, the truth is I had a lot of help from him and at that moment my football exploded. To be honest I’m really grateful to him for that.”

Amorim will hope to get the better of his former player when the Europa League final begins at 8pm UK time on Wednesday evening in Bilbao.

Featured image Alex Pantling via Getty Images

The Europa League final on Wednesday has taken on enormous significance, both for Manchester United and Ruben Amorim, and anything but a win in Bilbao could see the club get embroiled in mediocrity in its aftermath.

INEOS are not in a strong position financially and can only recruit a certain number of players in the summer with the money at hand. While Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Matheus Cunha seems ready to come to Old Trafford without their being Champions League football on offer, most of the top targets are expected to stay away.

That effectively means the co-owners could be forced to sign their second or third-choice targets, something Amorim can do without at this stage of his tenure. He needs quality so that he can start the new season on the front foot and avoid losing his job, which could mean yet another season of transition and the Red Devils falling even further behind the top clubs.

Fans will also shudder at the prospect of INEOS selling fan favourites like Alejandro Garnacho, Kobbie Mainoo, and even skipper Bruno Fernandes to raise revenue, thereby further weakening an already wounded giant. And all this can be avoided if the team can emerge victorious against Tottenham Hotspur at the San Mames.

Amorim must be ruthless

And while the 20-time English league champions might not have the best record against Spurs this season, a European final is a different ball-game altogether and Amorim can silence his critics and send a strong message across Europe with a defiant response by securing the Europa League trophy.

Given the injury and form concerns, it will not be an easy task. In this special series, The Peoples Person writers are picking their preferred XI for the season-defining clash. Already Alex Browne, Red Billy, Derick Kinoti and Daniel Onguko have shared their opinions on the team Amorim should pick.

Now, it is my turn and I feel the former Sporting CP boss should go bold in the final and in the process, send a message to this underperforming bunch of players that wearing the United shirt is a responsibility that does not come as easily as some have taken it over the course of the current season.

Goalkeeper

Altay Bayindir

Considering the mistakes Andre Onana has committed, both in the Premier League and in Europe, he should not be anywhere near the starting lineup. The Cameroonian committed two huge errors in the most recent Chelsea loss but his post-match comments seemed to suggest he was confident that he would start no matter what. Amorim must jolt him back to reality with this selection.

The Turk has been far from great, but in the FA Cup, he single-handedly took the Red Devils past Arsenal and the possibility of a penalty shootout cannot be ignored and Bayindir seems a better bet to handle spotkicks.

Defence

Noussair Mazraoui, Harry Maguire, Leny Yoro

The Moroccan is a better fit as the centre-back instead of wingback. He is calm and composed and has the ability to both carry the ball forward as well as provide line-breaking passes, something Amorim will want from his back three.

It is no secret that Maguire has played his best football after Amorim introduced the back-three formation. The Englishman can use his aerial strengths to good effect while also providing cross-field balls to both wings. His lack of pace can also be effectively masked, and not to mention his innate ability to come up with the goods in the opposition’s box.

Hopefully Yoro will be passed fit for the final. He is simply the best defender the club has at the moment, both in terms of raw defending as well as his ball-progression skills. The Frenchman has pace to burn and his ability with the ball could prove key in unlocking a stubborn defence, as he showed in the second-leg against Athletic Club at Old Trafford.

Wingbacks

Diogo Dalot, Patrick Dorgu

Once again, I’m hoping Dalot will start. His fitness record is impeccable and I have a feeling Amorim is keeping him fresh for the final. He has been at the club for the longest time and will give it his all, both attacking-wise and defensively. His late runs into the box could be key on Wednesday.

Dorgu has had a mixed spell so far but he is the best out-and-out left wingback we have currently. His raw pace and engine will be huge assets and hopefully, he can improve his decision-making in the final.

Midfield

Bruno Fernandes, Casemiro

Casemiro in a European final is a no-brainer. He lives for these moments and his know-how could prove invaluable. The Brazilian has been the epitome of resurgence this season and hopefully, he can add another trophy to his United stint in Spain, a country he has dominated for a long time.

The skipper is the best post-Sir Alex Ferguson era signing by far and is simply the best player the club has. While he is most dangerous as one of the attacking midfielders, a partnership of Manuel Ugarte and Casemiro often means a lack of effective ball progression from midfield. The Portuguese can change all that with his passing skills and his ability to pop up all across the pitch.

Forwards

Alejandro Garnacho, Mason Mount and Amad

The Argentine’s finishing has let him down under Amorim but he is someone who always gives his all and he is always positive with the ball. Garnacho keeps looking to take his man on and his pace and directness will be hard for Spurs to defend. He has also been well rested, which means he can carry on running for 90-plus minutes.

Amad has looked a class apart since his return from injury and the Ivorian will be hoping to produce more magic on the right in the final. He can beat people with ease and tracks back when needed, both of which will be required.

The most controversial choice will be who starts up front and Rasmus Hojlund does not deserve to start the final after the season he has had. Not only has he failed to find the back of the net, his lack of work-rate has been alarming while his confidence looks shattered.

Mount has played as a false nine in the past for Chelsea with immense success and his versatility could prove key on Wednesday. He can drop deep if needed, interchange with either of the attacking midfielders and is a danger in the box as shown from his smartly-taken goal against Athletic Club. His work-rate cannot be faulted and Hojlund can come on as a substitute if needed.

Here’s my XI that will smash Spurs in the final, all Amorim has to do is be a bit bold in his selection.

Feature image Michael Steele via Getty Images

Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim has emphasised that he and his players are determined to make amends for this season’s shortcomings, and that determination is driving their ambition to defeat Tottenham Hotspur in next week’s Europa League final.

United suffered their 18th loss of the Premier League season on Friday evening as Chelsea beat them 1-0 at Stamford Bridge.

The Red Devils are set to end the campaign without winning back-to-back games for the first time in history. It is also the first time in Premier League history that they’ve gone eight games without a Premier League win, their longest winless run in history.

Statisticians Opta note that Amorim has an extremely underwhelming points per game ratio of 0.92, which is lower than Paul Jewell’s Premier League points per game (0.94). Jewell took charge of 24 games at Derby without a win in 2007/08.

United have also suffered nine home defeats this term, which is their joint-worst alongside 1930/31, 1933/34 and 1962/63.

The numbers make for poor reading, but Amorim is still confident that his players will get the job done at San Mames on Wednesday.

He spoke to club media after the final whistle vs. Chelsea and said, “Of course, we have to believe. I am really confident. I feel that my players are ready for this game.”

“They know what it means, not just for us but for our fans and for the club. After this season, we are ready to fight for the one thing that can help us remember this season in a different way.”

“So I am really confident.”

He added, “We are living a season that is really strange because we are doing so well in Europe but, in the Premier League, we struggle.”

“But we will be prepared for the final. It’s a different context and a different game. The most important thing is the change in mentality in my team. They compete and that is the most important thing for me.”

It’s worth noting that United remain unbeaten in Europe this season – a streak Ruben Amorim will be eager to maintain as he looks to secure Champions League qualification in the process.

Featured image Clive Brunskill via Getty Images

In just a few days, on 21 May, Manchester United will play their biggest game of the season: the UEFA Europa League final.

United’s unbeaten nine wins and five draws have secured their place in the show piece occasion against Tottenham Hotspur.

The two Premier League sides will square off at San Mamés Stadium in Bilbao, Spain, with kick-off at 8 pm UK time.

With both United and Tottenham sitting closer to the bottom of the league table than the top, and neither having a realistic chance of qualifying for Europe through league placement, winning the Europa League is everything for both clubs.

It is no secret that lifting the Europa League trophy guarantees a place in next season’s UEFA Champions League. For United to reach that elite competition, Ruben Amorim must get his tactics spot on and select a winning lineup.

The Peoples Person is running a series in which each writer chooses their ideal starting eleven for the game.

Notably, these are dream teams, not predicted lineups. That said, here’s Daniel’s selection.

Injuries are bound to influence team selection.

There is hope that Matthijs de Ligt, Leny Yoro, and Diogo Dalot will be available, with Amorim insisting that everyone wants to be fit for the occasion.

Given this is United’s most critical game of the season, the team cannot afford to gamble on match fitness.

Instead, they should play it safe with the Europa League final lineup. There is perhaps no safer selection than this:

Daniel’s preferred United XI against Spurs

In goal, despite inconsistencies in United’s goalkeeping department, I feel André Onana, who has shown he can step up on his day, keeps his spot.

Defence

If De Ligt and Yoro fail to pass their match fitness tests, I would favour a back three consisting of Noussair Mazraoui, Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw.

The experienced trio should provide defensive stability.

Maguire has been outstanding and deserves his place in the lineup. Versatile Mazraoui has performed well on the right side of a back three, and he should be reliable again.

When fully fit, Shaw is classy. Some have noted he has returned slightly rusty, lacking pace, but this is when I expect him to rise to the challenge.

Midfield

In midfield and wing-back, I expect Amad Diallo to step in as the right wing-back in Dalot’s absence, depending on his match fitness levels, if available.

A midfield quartet of Diallo, Manuel Ugarte, Casemiro and Patrick Dorgu makes me confident there will be a strong defensive shield in front of United’s backline.

Casemiro’s resurgence and Ugarte’s brilliant European form should provide the foundation for United’s dominance.

Attack

Bruno Fernandes, one of the two number tens, and Rasmus Højlund, leading the line, are guaranteed starters.

The big question, however, is who should play alongside Fernandes as the other number ten.

Alejandro Garnacho arguably deserves to start, but his lack of a clinical edge remains a concern.

United cannot afford to squander clear-cut chances.

If there is one quality the team needs on Wednesday night, it is ruthlessness in front of the goal.

As controversial as it may be, between Mason Mount and Garnacho, Mount could be the safer bet to join Fernandes and Højlund in attack.

Mount produced a “complete performance” when he came on during the 4-1 win over Athletic Bilbao.

Given “that performance”, scoring a brace, I would trust him to pick up where he left off.

Here, then, is my dream line-up for the game:

Featured image Michael Steele via Getty Images

To call Manchester United’s season underwhelming would be a dramatic understatement. It’s been nothing short of disastrous – unquestionably the club’s worst campaign in the modern era.

United’s 2-0 defeat to West Ham last Sunday left the club in 16th place, just two places above the relegation zone. The Red Devils have yet to hit 40 points with two games left to play.

Even if United were to win their final two matches – an extremely unlikely scenario considering they’re up against Chelsea and Aston Villa respectively – they can finish no higher than 13th position. This is five places worse off than their previous lowest finish in the league – eighth in 2023/24 under Erik ten Hag.

United have suffered 17 league defeats overall, which is the most they’ve tasted in a league campaign since 1973/74 (20), when they were relegated to the second division. Nine of these losses have come at home.

Yet despite these shocking numbers, Ruben Amorim and his players still have a chance to end the campaign on a relatively more positive note by winning the Europa League.

The 20-time English champions secured their place in the final with a dominant 7-1 aggregate win over Athletic Club. They’ll now face fellow Premier League strugglers Tottenham Hotspur – arguably just as poor, if not worse – at San Mamés in a week’s time.

This is, without question, the biggest game of the season and one of the most significant Amorim will oversee as United boss. A win could help paper over some of the domestic shortcomings and would provide a major financial boost ahead of a crucial transfer window. But a loss would cement this season as a complete and utter failure, with the current squad earning a place in the club’s history books, for all the wrong reasons.

Amorim will therefore need to carefully select an XI that will rise to the occasion and get over the line. The Peoples Person are running a special series where each member selects their ideal starting XI for the upcoming final. It’s worth pointing out that these are dream lineups. They are what we want to see on the pitch and not predicted selections.

We already have the XI’s of Alex Browne and Red Billy. Here’s mine:

Goalkeeper – Andre Onana

I think Onana picks himself by default. He’s far from the most convincing option, but the alternative, Altay Bayindir, doesn’t inspire much more confidence. The two shot-stoppers have made high-profile errors that have put United in difficult positions, both domestically and in Europe. But Onana remains the number one and hopefully, he’s up for it on the day and cuts out the howlers. It’s worth noting that the Cameroonian has lost every European final he’s featured in so far. It’s something he will be desperate to change.

Back Three – Noussair Mazraoui, Harry Maguire and Leny Yoro

Mazraoui has shown himself to be United’s best option on the right side of the three-man defence. He’s not only solid defensively but also has a knack for pushing forward and contributing to possession, adding an extra dimension to the team’s play.

Maguire has been a crucial piece for United in their Europa campaign. He scored a dramatic extra-time winner against Lyon to send United to the final four and also came up with an inspired moment of attacking genius to set up Casemiro’s goal in the first leg vs. Athletic. The England international has kicked up a few extra levels under Amorim and finally looks the player United forked out £80m to sign in 2019 from Leicester City. He is an asset on both ends of the pitch and I’m backing him to put on another masterclass at San Mames.

I’m crossing my fingers that Yoro will be fully fit and available for selection. He sustained an injury against the Hammers but rumours coming out of the club sound positive and it appears there is a real chance he’ll be ready to play. The teenager has been United’s standout defender in recent weeks, displaying remarkable calm and poise for someone still adjusting to senior football. United are undeniably a stronger outfit with him on the pitch.

Wing Backs – Amad and Patrick Dorgu

Aside from Bruno Fernandes, Amad is arguably United’s most impactful player. He’s a game-changer, always making things happen. The Ivorian is a constant threat and will undoubtedly cause all sorts of problems for the Tottenham defence. He’s a nightmare to deal with when he’s in his flow state, which is pretty much all the time. Amad will make United’s right flank a much more dangerous and dynamic attacking avenue.

Dorgu is clearly United’s best left-wing-back. While Luke Shaw can play there, Amorim seems to prefer him as a left-sided centre-back. Shaw’s performances since returning haven’t been convincing, and for me, Dorgu offers a more reliable option on that side. United will need to work hard and be aggressive against Tottenham. Dorgu brings exactly that. He’s not afraid to push forward and deliver balls into the box, even when things don’t always click. His energy and attacking intent will be key to breaking down Ange Postecoglou’s team.

Midfield Pivot – Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro

There’s not much that needs to be said about Fernandes. He’s United’s best player by a country mile. If they’re to beat Tottenham, he’ll almost certainly be at the heart of it. Nearly everything flows through him, whether he’s operating in a deeper pivot role or further forward. Personally, I prefer him a bit deeper, where he can influence the game more and help with ball progression.

Casemiro has been United’s main man in the Europa League, and it’s only fitting that he starts in the final. If “resurgent” had a face, it would be his. The veteran midfielder’s remarkable turnaround at Old Trafford has been nothing short of breathtaking. His fingerprints were all over the dramatic comeback against Lyon and he found the back of the net in both legs vs. Bilbao. He has been in European finals several times in his decorated career and his experience will be vital.

Number 10s – Alejandro Garnacho and Mason Mount

There’s no denying that Garnacho’s finishing has been below par this season, but his raw pace is unmatched in the current squad. Few players offer the kind of movement he does, making runs in behind and stretching defences. Against Tottenham’s high line, that speed could be a real weapon and a key area United can exploit to their advantage. The Argentine also tracks back and contributes defensively. He scored in last year’s FA Cup final, so let’s hope he fancies making it a habit. Two in two would do nicely, wouldn’t it?

Mount has been United’s main source of goals lately, finding the net against Brentford and, of course, delivering that unforgettable brace which effectively slammed the door shut on Athletic’s Europa League hopes. The former Chelsea ace looks sharper and hungrier. He’s already been on the biggest stage – the Champions League final – so a Europa League final won’t rattle him in the slightest. Mount doesn’t just have an engine. He’s got two lungs and seems to run on rocket fuel. After an underwhelming start to life at United, you could say he owes the club one. This would be the perfect time to repay that debt.

Striker – Rasmus Hojlund

Please bear with me for a minute here. We’re all familiar with Hojlund’s struggles, and my views on him are no secret. Most of the time, having him on the pitch feels like playing with a man down. But what’s the alternative?

At the moment, Joshua Zirkzee is sidelined and is in a race against time to be fit for the final. The Dutchman is on the record saying he’s working tirelessly to make it back, but realistically, it’s a long shot. And even if he does pull off a timely return, he’d be lacking match fitness. You don’t want someone shaking off the rust in a final. It’s just too big a gamble.

Chido Obi is ineligible to play in the Europa League because he wasn’t registered.

Amorim could deploy a false nine but the last time he experimented with this – using Kobbie Mainoo up front – it backfired spectacularly. Trying out relatively unfamiliar tactics in such a high-stakes game probably isn’t the smartest move. Hojlund is the only realistic choice and United will have to live and die by this selection. I don’t like it in the slightest but it’s where we are.

If you’re looking for some positivity, Hojlund has notched six goals in the Europa League. That’s two more than he’s registered in the 30 Premier League appearances he’s made this term.

Having said all that, here’s my selection for next week’s starting XI:

Featured image Michael Steele via Getty Images

Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim has stressed that he is prepared for whatever Tottenham Hotspur may throw at his side in the upcoming Europa League final, highlighting set-pieces as an area that can be exploited to win the game.

United booked their spot in the final after beating Athletic Club 7-1 on aggregate in the last four.

The Red Devils will face a team in Tottenham, who have struggled as much as they have in the Premier League. The North London outfit sit in 17th place in the Premier League table – just one place and one point below United in 16th.

In addition to winning a trophy and somewhat salvaging what has been a disastrous season, there is also the added bonus of qualifying for the Champions League by triumphing at San Mames next week.

The stakes couldn’t be higher and Amorim has mapped out United’s golden route to outwitting Ange Postecoglou.

The United head coach spoke to TNT Sports and explained, “One of the things that is good about facing Tottenham is they are really good, but you can understand what they are going to do, because they have such a strong identity they will not change.”

“For example, Manchester United under Jose Mourinho [in the 2017 Europa League] they changed the way they played all the time because of the opponents.”

“We have an idea how they are going to press, they have an idea how we are going to build up. It’s going to be a tough match for both teams.”

Asked whether he’ll be changing his team’s approach to the game, Amorim answered, “I always look at the opponent to see where the space is, but we have an identity. In that way, for me, it’s easier for our players to understand, but of course if they defend with four or five, we change completely and play with wing-backs, for example. I think I am changing all the time.”

Amorim continued, “Set pieces are going to be a key point. They are really strong on that because they win a lot of corners so that is a key point.”

The 40-year-old added that United’s status as a big club will not change despite their woes on the pitch this term.

“It’s easier for us in other countries to understand how big Manchester United is. Sometimes people here forget about that, but when you come from abroad you understand this is Manchester United.”

“No matter the context, you feel the history and that’s why this club will always be a top club because of the past and everything around it.”

Before next week’s showdown at San Mames, United have a meeting at Chelsea on Friday to look forward to. Kick-off is at 20:15 BST.

Featured image Justin Setterfield via Getty Images

Manchester United are chasing Tottenham Hotspur prodigy Dexter Oliver, as per reports.

United are just a few days away from facing Tottenham for the season-defining Europa League final in Bilbao. Ahead of the crucial clash at San Mamés, Gary Neville underlined the dire state of United’s squad by claiming only Bruno Fernandes would get into Spurs’ first eleven.

Ange Postecoglou’s men sit 17th in the Premier League table, a point behind United. Still, Neville appears convinced that the North Londoners are much stronger than the Red Devils, at least on paper.

While United can’t do anything to strengthen at this point in the season, it seems they are planning to raid Spurs ahead of the next campaign.

According to Lilywhite Rose (via UtdDistrict) — a source with a good reputation when it comes to Spurs academy news — highly-rated Oliver is set to leave the club.

The 16-year-old, who is considered a “top academy talent” at Spurs, has not agreed to sign a two-year scholarship proposal from the Lilywhites.

It is added that United are attempting to sign Oliver, who reportedly signed with Roc Nation Sports in March.

The Spurs sensation, who primarily plays as an attacking midfielder, has been earning plaudits for his goal-scoring prowess and creative instincts.

The technically gifted midfielder has already featured for Spurs’ U18 side, registering two assists in nine appearances this term.

In recent months, United have aggressively tried to add the best up-and-coming talents to their ranks.

French wonderkid Enzo Kana-Biyik has already signed a long-term contract at United, and the club are also tracking Barcelona’s attacking midfielder Juan Hernandez Torres.

Having said that, the pursuit of Oliver is not going to be straightforward as Manchester City are also in the race for the 2008-born player.

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Manchester United could be set to receive a welcome boost from an unfortunate source as Tottenham Hotspur are increasingly worried Dejan Kulusevski will miss next week’s Europa League final.

The Red Devils travel to Bilbao to face off against their Premier League rival in a match which will give each side a shot at salvaging success in an otherwise abysmal season for both.

United are currently languished in 16th in the Premier League table and on track for their worst season in the division’s history; Spurs, by comparison, are 17th. The two clubs have combined for 37 losses in the league this year.

But victory in Spain next Wednesday would reward the winner with automatic qualification into next season’s Champions League – an almost invaluable prize given the vast array of financial benefits entry into Europe’s elite competition brings.

Both clubs are facing anxious fitness tests over key players ahead of the crunch clash next week.

United are hoping to welcome Diogo Dalot and Matthijs de Ligt back before the trip to Bilbao. There also remains a faint possibility Joshua Zirkzee could perform an unlikely return after a hamstring had initially appeared to have ended his season.

The fate of Leny Yoro – forced off against West Ham on Sunday with an injury – remains unknown. The rest of Ruben Amorim’s squad appear in good condition, outside of Lisandro Martinez who suffered a devastating ACL injury in February.

From Ange Postecoglou’s perspective, the Spurs manager is sweating over the prospect of Kulusevski being fit by Wednesday after the Swedish international exited the pitch after 19 minutes against Crystal Palace on Sunday with a kneee injury.

On Monday, Postecoglou predicted the winger “should be okay” but sources close to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium reveal “the Swede’s chances of recovery in time for next Wednesday’s final have since reduced”, according to the Manchester Evening News.

Key players James Maddison and Lucas Bergvall will also miss the trip to Bilbao, presenting Postecoglou with a problem in his attacking midfield area as all three would be options for the number ten role in each other’s absence.

But sport is often a zero sum game. Where Postecoglou is struggling with an issue, the same issue constitutes a win for Amorim – and vice-versa.

The prospect of three key players for Spurs being unable to play next week is a major boost for United. But, on the flip side, if Dalot cannot prove his fitness by next week, or Yoro’s injury is revealed to be severe, this will give the Lilywhites their own personal lift.

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