The Mirror

Tottenham and Manchester United will face off in Wednesday's Europa League final hoping to end their disastrous seasons with silverware, while also earning qualification for next season's Champions League

Tottenham star James Maddison has given fans hope he could be fit for their Europa League final against Manchester United on Wednesday night after he was seen boarding the team coach travelling to Bilbao. Spurs are gearing up for one of their biggest nights in recent memory as they bid to end their 17-year trophy drought and end their dismal season on a high note.

Both Spurs and United have suffered awful campaigns, with the two teams currently 17th and 16 in the Premier League respectively, but they have a chance to finish off with a trophy that will catapult them into next season's Champions League.

There are injury concerns for each team going into the epic showpiece, though Spurs have suffered a handful of recent injuries to some important players.

Playmakers Maddison and Kulusevski have both been ruled out of the game in a huge blow to manager Ange Postecoglou, while Lucas Bergvall and Radu Dragusin are also out for the season.

But some supporters were left excited after Tottenham's official Instagram page shared a video of Maddison boarding the team bus wearing an official Spurs tracksuit.

However, it is still unlikely Maddison will feature after Postecoglou insisted he would be out for the season with a knee injury. The player himself put out a statement admitting how gutted he was to miss the final.

He said: "Gutted. Just absolutely gutted. We’ve had our sights on that European final in Bilbao from day one of this campaign. So to accept not being able to take part out on that pitch with the boys is really tough to take.

"Injuries are just part of this game that can be so cruel at times. But I truly believe that it can be a special night for my football club. Bring on the 21st. All together."

Maddison wasn't the only injured player to be spotted among the travelling Tottenham group as Bergvall was also seen getting on the bus. Dragusin was also pictured in Bilbao by Spurs media.

It's likely that Postecoglou wanted to include all players for the trip to Spain to boost the team's spirits. Kulusevski, however, was not spotted in the pictures after recently having knee surgery.

United also have some injury worries going into the final, with defenders Leny Yoro, Matthijs de Ligt and Diogo Dalot set for fitness tests in the run up to the game.

Amorim already knows centre-back Lisandro Martinez and forward Joshua Zirkzee have been ruled out of the game and won't feature again this season, while there are also question marks over Jonny Evans.

Manchester United will take on Tottenham Hotspur in the Europa League final on Wednesday and the Gary Lineker, Alan Shearer and Gary Neville have all given their thoughts on the clash

Gary Neville is backing Manchester United to win the Europa League final, but Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer have tipped Tottenham Hotspur to be victorious. United and Tottenham have both endured disappointing Premier League campaigns this season.

The Red Devils currently sit 16th in the league and they are just one point above Spurs, with only the three relegated teams picking up less points. However, United and Tottenham could still qualify for next season's Champions League if they win the Europa League.

The two clubs will face off in Bilbao on Wednesday and a number of pundits have already made their predictions for the final. "I think United will win on Wednesday night," Neville said on Sky Sports ' Monday Night Football.

"Winning the Europa League would be the silver lining around a very dark cloud. To win a trophy should never be disrespected. It would be a brilliant achievement to win three trophies in three years in an era when United have been really poor.

"But to be where they are in the league is incredible. I think United will win. I think they've players in there that will feel that occasion. Bruno [Fernandes], Casemiro - want it, need it in their lives. I agree with the belief. I do feel confident on United just getting through this game."

Lineker, though, believes his former club Tottenham will get the job done after Crystal Palace won the FA Cup final and Newcastle lifted the Carabao Cup. "I'm going to have to go for Spurs, I couldn't not," Lineker said on The Rest is Football podcast.

"Well, I've got this feeling that it's the teams that have not won for ages this year. And I think they're going to, I don't know about 90 minutes or, I think it could easily go to extra time."

And Shearer is also backing Tottenham to beat United, with the former Premier League striker telling Betfair: "Both clubs need to win as badly as each other. You can't stress the importance of it for both clubs.

"The ramifications for not winning are disastrous, they really are. On the other hand, it should change everything going forward for whoever wins it. Spurs have done really well against United this season so, for that reason, I'd say Spurs should be slight favourites.

"This match is pretty impossible to predict when you look at how bad both teams have been. Spurs have done really well against United this season, so due to their record against them I'd say Spurs should be slight favourites.

"There are more negatives than positives for both teams when you look at them. I really haven't got a clue what to expect or what teams will turn up. It's a bit of a flip of a coin and it'll be a disaster for whoever doesn't win.

"Given what's at stake for both clubs, it could have an impact on the game. There's so much relying on both teams, managers and both clubs' short-term futures. There's no exaggeration that both teams need an injection of five or six players to try and compete again and that's why the stakes of this game are enormous.

"Just because of their record over the last five or six games against them, and particularly this season, I'll go for a Spurs win. It wouldn't surprise me if the game goes all the way to penalties, but I'll go for Spurs to win in normal time."

Richards' bold Casemiro prediction

Casemiro has had a tricky time at Manchester United, but has come up trumps in the Europa League..

Two of his five goals this season arrived against Athletic Club in the semis, while he also set up three of United's four goals in their dramatic comeback win over Lyon one round earlier.

“I’m going to say, I think a lot of people have laughed off Casemiro or laughed at him for a while now," Micah Richards said on The Rest is Football.

"But I think in these competitions, sometimes it goes down to set pieces. So I’m going to say Bruno assist for a Casemiro goal, one nil.”

Maguire surprised by fans' enduring backing

Manchester United defender Harry Maguire has been surprised to see the fans continue to back the team to the level they have during what has been a very difficult season.

“They've been absolutely incredible this season,” he said. “It's surprising us players how much they're backing us. We've disappointed them far too much. We've given them some good times in the Europa League and some great memories in terms of winning the derby at the Etihad, but it’s even surprised me.

“I say they're the greatest fans in the world and I think this year they’ve proved that. It’s been remarkable when we get to play in front of them, even though we're not performing."

Man Utd handed boost ahead of final

United had faced the prospect of being without several stars for the final, but they have been handed a boost after three key men returned to training.

There had been uncertainty over United defender Leny Yoro after he was forced off injured in the recent defeat to West Ham, but he could now be available - along with Diogo Dalot and Joshua Zirkzee.

Zirkzee had previously been ruled out for the season, but has recovered ahead of schedule, while Dalot is back in contention after a shorter-term absence.

Lineker backs former club Spurs

Gary Lineker has nailed his Spurs colours to the mast when giving his final prediction on The Rest is Football podcast.

"I’m going to have to go for Spurs, I couldn’t not," he said.

“Well, I’ve got this feeling that it’s the teams that have not won for ages this year.

“And I think they’re going to, I don’t know about 90 minutes or, I think it could easily go to extra time.”

Spurs stars spotted leaving hotel

Spurs players have been spotted leaving their luxury hotel for a training session ahead of tomorrow’s all-England final.

The squad looked relaxed as they left the Hotel Carlton in the centre of Bilbao on their team bus - as hundreds of fans gathered outside.

As Ange Postecoglou's team - decked out in club tracksuits - headed to the coach they were cheered by fans before a police escort led them away.

The city is expecting an influx of 80,000 Man United and Tottenham supporters - the majority without tickets.

Those booking last-minute trips to the Europa League final are being charged thousands of pounds.

Direct return flights from the UK to Bilbao in northern Spain cost from more than £1,000, hotel rooms are at least £1,200, while match tickets are available on resale websites from about £500.

The final kicks off at 9pm local time (8pm UK time) on Wednesday.

EasyJet is charging £1,823 to fly from Gatwick to Bilbao on Wednesday morning and return on Thursday morning. A return trip from Heathrow with British Airways - out on Wednesday morning, back on Thursday afternoon - costs £1,288.

Spanish airline Vueling is offering flights from Gatwick on Tuesday night, returning on Thursday night, for £1,179. A return trip on the same route a week later is available from just £116.

Tickets for the match at the San Mames Stadium are being sold on marketplace Ticombo from about £500. Some Man Utd and Spurs supporters were able to buy tickets through official channels from just £34.

The cheapest hotel rooms in central Bilbao on the night of the match are being sold on Booking.com for about £1,200. That is compared with £78 on Thursday night.

Airline pricing is generally driven by demand, with fares rising for a flight as more seats are filled. Booking.com, which does not control the pricing of accommodation listed on its website, previously urged providers to “act fairly”.

Disabled supporters left frustrated ahead of final

Disabled fans hoping to attend the Europa League final believe they have been excluded by insufficient disability provision.

A statement from the group Level Playing field suggests a proportionate provision - given San Mames' capacity - would see 58 wheelchair user and 28 easy access seating spaces provided for fans of each of the two clubs rather than the actual figure of 26 wheelchair user and 15 easy access tickets.

“Inadequate provisions are set to result in disproportionate exclusion, on a day when fanbases should be united for a celebration," Tony Taylor, chair of Level Playing Field, said in a statement.

“Instead, we have seen another failure from UEFA at a showpiece event."

Manchester United Disabled Supporters’ Association and SpursAbility - groups representing the respective clubs' disabled fanbases, have also commented on the matter.

Level Playing Field, a registered charity in England and Wales, says it has contacted UEFA to raise its concerns.

Injured Spurs stars headed to Bilbao

James Maddison gave Spurs fans some brief hope of featuring after being seen boarding the team bus for the trip to Bilbao.

It appears be a false hope, though, with fellow injured stars Lucas Bergvall and Radu Dragusin heading to the Basque Country as all the players to feature in the competition have made the journey out.

"Gutted. Just absolutely gutted," Maddison had earlier said after his injury was confirmed.

"We’ve had our sights on that European final in Bilbao from day one of this campaign. So to accept not being able to take part out on that pitch with the boys is really tough to take.

"Injuries are just part of this game that can be so cruel at times. But I truly believe that it can be a special night for my football club. Bring on the 21st. All together."

Final win can 'change everything'

Former England striker Alan Shearer makes Spurs narrow favourites thanks to their wins over United earlier this season, but stressed exactly how much is at stake.

"Both clubs need it as bad as each other," he told Betfair.

"Honestly, you can't stress the importance of it for both clubs. The ramifications for not winning are disastrous, they really are.

"On the other hand, it should change everything going forward for whoever wins it."

League positions highlight 'shambolic' nature of final

Across every previous edition of this competition, even in its previous guise as the UEFA Cup, just one finalist has sat below 15th place in a 20 team domestic league at the time of the final. This year, there are two.

Over the last 40 years, there have been five finalists sat 13th or lower in their leagues, with one of those - Inter Milan in the 1994 final - 13th of 18.

Bordeaux remain the lowest-placed finalists in history, finishing 16th in Ligue 1 while reaching the 1996 final. They were soundly beaten on that occasion, losing 5-1 to Bayern Munich when the final was still played over two legs.

This has led to the 2025 final being dubbed shambolic, with one source telling The Independent the competition has been weakened with the change to the new league phase.

Manchester United face Tottenham in the Europa League final on Wednesday night as they bid to salvage their horrific season and Marcus Rashford has sent a good luck message to the team

Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford has sent his well wishes to the team ahead of their Europa League final against Tottenham on Wednesday night. Ruben Amorim's men have flown out to Bilbao hoping to round off their disastrous season with silverware, which would also secure passage to the Champions League.

United have already picked up one win at the Estadio de San Mames after beating Athletic Bilbao in the semi-finals and now their Premier League rivals stand in their way of yet another European trophy. Amorim has insisted victory would not save their season after falling to 16th in the table following 18 losses.

The Red Devils posted a photo reel on their Instagram page sharing the thoughts of some United players on the upcoming final, including Alejandro Garnacho, Amad Diallo, Patrick Dorgu and Christian Eriksen.

Rashford replied to the post, simply writing: "Good luck guys," followed by a star emoji. The England forward has spent the second half of the campaign on loan at Aston Villa after falling out with Amorim and has impressed, scoring four goals and assisting five.

However, his season came to an early end after he picked up a hamstring injury, with his last game being Villa's 2-1 defeat to Manchester City - in which he scored.

His setback forced him out of Villa's 3-0 FA Cup semi-final loss to Crystal Palace, with the player returning to United's training ground for an injury assessment.

Rashford is unlikely to play for United again while Amorim is manager, after the Portuguese coach criticised his work ethic in training.

He infamously scolded Rashford, claiming he would rather name his 63-year-old goalkeeping coach Jorge Vital on the bench rather than someone who "does not give the maximum".

Villa have an option to buy Rashford for around £40million, but it remains to be seen whether they will activate it. The move has further complications, with United likely to be forced to pay off the rest of his contract.

Rashford has played 426 times for the Red Devils after joining as a seven-year-old, scoring 138 goals and winning a total of five major trophies during that time.

The 27-year-old himself has experience of winning the Europa League after starting in United's 2-0 win over Ajax in the 2017 final.

However, he has also experienced the agony of losing such a final. He also started the 2021 final against Villarreal, which finished 1-1 after extra time before United lost on penalties.

Ange Postecoglou deserves to go out with his head held high no matter what happens in Bilbao. Big Ange has shown so much dignity amid the backdrop of an unforgettable season for Tottenham fans. And that is the point. Football should be about glory, trophies and memories.

If Tottenham win the Europa League, it will be their first piece of silverware in 17 years. That is what we will remember. It has been a rollercoaster season. For Tottenham to lose 21 games in a Premier League campaign is just unthinkable.

But if Postecoglou delivers on his promise - and how people laughed and mocked him - of always winning a trophy in his second season, then he deserves to ride into the sunset with the biggest smile, a winner’s medal and an “I Told You So” T-shirt.

I’ve seen a lot of Tottenham over the last few years. And Postecoglou’s reign has been more memorable, more enjoyable and more dramatic than his three main predecessors put together.

Jose Mourinho, Nuno Espirito Santo and Antonio Conte were instantly forgettable. Bad fits. None of them worked. The football was dreadful and no-one shed any tears when they left.

We will not forget Postecoglou. And that is why it would be so good to see him win a trophy. Yes, Manchester United need the Europa League, too. But they need it for Champions League qualification. That is more important to them.

Tottenham want the silverware. That is what matters. Yes, the Champions League qualification would be massive. But it would be a huge financial bonus rather than the main target of Wednesday’s final in Bilbao.

It is the most ridiculous argument to say they should not qualify because they are in 16th and 17th place respectively in the Premier League. The rules are very clear at the start of the season and do not change just to fit a narrative.

The Champions League qualification is vital because otherwise clubs would not take the Europa League so seriously. It keeps clubs interested. That is why UEFA have done it.

But it is more for Tottenham. We can all laugh and mock but the club’s motto is To Dare Is To Do and it’s all about the glory of the game. We should champion that. Even now, so many Tottenham supporters like Big Ange. There is not a debate to be had about him staying. If you cannot see the writing is on the wall then more fool you.

What would be the point of getting into the Champions League and then sticking with a manager who has just not been able to get results this season? Manchester United tried it with Erik ten Hag after winning the FA Cup and look how that went.

But we can still enjoy the ride. The first six months of his reign - when Tottenham briefly topped the table - were unforgettable. Brilliant football, kamikaze defending and amazing entertainment.

They have smashed Manchester City and Manchester United away from home. It is incredible to think those wins were THIS SEASON. But injuries kicked in. And a lack of depth in the squad.

I’m torn. On the one hand, Tottenham have spent big in the market. On the other hand, have they bought enough quality? Postecoglou has also been fearlessly naive with his tactics and formations.

But I can’t deny that he has sucked me in. He reads every word that is written about him. It’s self indulgent, but he seems to like newspapers more than radio and TV. He engages with us more and we like him.

And if he wins a trophy - something not even Mauricio Pochettino could do - then he deserves to walk into another job. And that club will be lucky to have him.

It has been one hell of a ride for Postecoglou at Tottenham. An unforgettable one. But an enjoyable one and one which deserves to end in glory.

Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United will meet in Wednesday's Europa League final and one of the likely starters has explained his unconventional shirt number choice

Tottenham Hotspur star Micky van de Ven has explained why he wears the number 37 on his back. He wore five at previous club Wolfsburg but made the switch upon moving to North London in 2023.

The Dutch international will be crucial to Ange Postecoglou's team as they aim to silence Manchester United and win Wednesday's Europa League final. And, ahead of the game, he explained the poignant reason behind his choice of number.

"When I was 15 years old, my best friend Dimitri passed away," Van de Ven said when asked about the matter by GQ. "He was really sick and I always promised to make him proud.

"He was the person I always played football with so the day before he passed away, I promised him I was going to make sure I became a professional football player. When I made this beautiful transfer to Tottenham Hotspur, they said, 'These are the numbers you can pick for your shirt.'

"Number 37 was there. It was [Dimitri’s] favourite number when he was younger, so straight away I knew 37 had to be my number here."

Van de Ven has had a tough time with injuries since joining Tottenham, but manager Ange Postecoglou has managed the defender's minutes since welcoming him back in march after hamstring and thigh problems. He has played just three Premier League games since then, with Postecoglou on getting his best team in place for the European run.

This has left the former Wolfsburg star playing more minutes in the Europa League than in the Premier League in 2025. He started both legs of the quarter-finals and semi-finals, with Spurs beating Eintracht Frankfurt and Bodo/Glimt to book their place in Wednesday's final in Bilbao.

Postecoglou is without a number of other first-teamers for the final, with Dejan Kulusevski, James Maddison and Lucas Bergvall all expected to be unavailable. There were a couple more injury scares in Friday's defeat at Aston Villa, but the manager played down fears of too many more missing men.

"[Pape Sarr] felt something in his back and took him off as a precaution," Postecoglou told Sky Sports. "Not too significant and Mikey [Moore] was OK but was just fatigued.

"He [Son Heung-min] is ready and available. They all are ready to start. It was important tonight and he feels like he is getting back to some rhythm."

Opponents Manchester United also have some players on the sidelines, with long-term injury victim Lisandro Martinez chief among them. However, Ruben Amorim joined opposite number Postecoglou in indicating those who played for his side in their last league match were able to come through the game unscathed.

Ange Postecoglou retains the full support of his Tottenham players ahead of the Europa League final against Manchester United, according to defenders Micky van de Ven and Destiny Udogie

Tottenham stars believe Ange Postecoglou has already done enough to silence his critics by steering them to Bilbao. And defensive duo Micky van de Ven and Destiny Udogie have stressed that the dressing room remains fully committed to the Australian’s methods.

Under fire Postecoglou is widely expected to leave the club this summer following a shambolic domestic campaign in which they have lost 21 of 37 league games.

But Dutch centre back Van de Ven said: “We’ve all been standing behind the gaffer since day one, since he joined here. He’s shown his quality, he’s brought us to a European final.

“Of course he’s getting a lot of doubt from the media and we see these things. But I think he has proved all you guys wrong and we’re standing in a European final.

"Hopefully we can lift the trophy. Not only for us, but also for him.”

Postecoglou has already told his team that victory tomorrow night will be “a turning point in terms of the way the club is perceived but also more how it perceives itself.”

And Italy left back Udogie, who has recently been linked with Manchester City, added: “Hundred per cent, all the players are with the manager. He always transmits a lot of passion and determination to go out there and play for him.”

Spurs will be without three key midfielders for the game with Dejan Kulusevski, James Maddison and Lucas Bergvall all ruled out through injury.

But Postecoglou is urging his players to embrace their chance to change the club's trajectory despite their issues at home.

"When you look at the historical backdrop of this club and what it’s been through in the last 20-odd years, I feel like it could be a turning point in terms of the way the club is perceived but also more how it perceives itself which I think is the biggest thing," he said..

“I often say to the players that at the end of your careers, what you want to be able to do is go back to the clubs you served and know you’ve made an impact."

Amad has suffered Europa League final misery twice before and is determined to make it third time lucky on Wednesday when Man Utd take on Tottenham in £100m Bilbao clash

Amad is determined to make it third time lucky by lifting the Europa League trophy with Manchester United on Wednesday night. Twice Amad has played in the Europa League final, once with United and also when on loan at Rangers, both occasions ending up on the losing side.

Amad was part of the United squad that lost on penalties to Villarreal in the 2021 final and was a runner-up again the following season when Rangers were beaten by Eintracht Frankfurt, again in a shoot-out.

The winger watched both defeats from the bench, as an unused substitute, but is hoping to force his way into Ruben Amorim's starting line-up to face Tottenham after returning from a potentially season-ending injury.

And Ivory Coast international Amad is praying his luck changes and he can help inspire United to victory over Spurs and with it a place in next season's Champions League Worth £100million. "Yes, I already lost two Europa League finals, so I hope to win this one,” said Amad.

"I keep praying for that one. It will be really good for me, but also for the team, because at the end of the day, we want some things at the end of the season.

"I was on the bench before. I was young. I had no experience, but it was a good experience for me to be in my first Europa League final with the team. At the time, we had great players like Paul Pogba and Edison Cavani. It was a dream for me, honestly.

"But now it's my moment. It's the moment for the club, it's the moment for the players, for everyone, for the fans, because they deserve this moment. We will give everything, we will give our best to try and win this competition."

The showdown between United and Spurs is the biggest in the recent history of both clubs, considering there is so much at stake.

Amad was one of the few United players to emerge from this shambolic season with credit, before suffering a serious ankle injury in February which was expected to keep him out of the rest of the season.

But after three months out, he has returned to action for a season-defining game for United and one which is certain to have a huge bearing on Amorim's future.

Now he is back, Amad, 22, who scored twice late on as United beat Manchester City 2-1 away earlier this season, is determined to start in Bilbao and show his enduring worth.

"It's a really good feeling to be back on the team, to try to help the team try to win something at the end of the season,” said Amad, who suffered his recent injury in training.

"I was pressing Andre Onana, then I think my left foot stayed on the grass and turned. In that moment I knew it wasn't really good, because I knew I'd miss some games.

"I didn't know if my season was really over. So after my operation, I kept believing, I kept praying to be back before the end of the season. I'm always positive, I'm always smiling. That's me, that's Amad, so I always try to grow up with positive things.

"I believe in my potential. I believe I can be one of the best in the world. I just have to give my best every game. That's it. But I think I believe in my potential.

"I think the manager believes in me, too. He believes in my potential. I'm trying to repay his confidence every time I'm on the pitch."

Tottenham could sack Ange Postecoglou regardless of Wednesday's Europa League outcome and had eyed Ajax boss Francesco Farioli, who has just announced his departure from the Dutch club

Tottenham are eyeing Francesco Farioli as Ange Postecoglou's replacement and could get a free run at the Italian after his exit from Ajax. The 36-year-old has just announced his departure after missing out on the Dutch title.

Postecoglou faces an uncertain future and could have just two more games in charge of the north Londoners. He could yet leave in a blaze of glory with the club in the Europa League final on Wednesday before their final Premier League game on Sunday.

Victory in midweek in Bilbao will see Tottenham land a return to the Champions League, but the Australian could soon be out of a job amid reports the Tottenham hierarchy have decided to move him on regardless of how this next week pans out.

Farioli has been eyed as a replacement, report the The Sun. His compatriot Fabio Paratici is set to return following his ban from the game and is a fan. Farioli took charge of Ajax at the start of this season having previously managed French side Nice and Turkish team Alanyaspor.

He remains in the frame despite an horrific final month in charge in Amsterdam. Ajax had led the Dutch league by nine points with seven games to go, but a poor set of results in the run-in allowed rivals PSV to claim the title. Farioli oversaw a run of one win in five to miss out on league glory.

Just days later and Farioli has confirmed his exit from the European giants. He became the first Italian to coach the Dutch side but claimed his timeframe and methods did not align with the Ajax hierarchy and he made the decision to step away.

He said: "The management and I have the same goals for the future of Ajax, but we have different visions and timeframes about the way we should work and operate to achieve those goals. Given these differences in the principles and foundations of the project, I feel deep in my heart that this is the best moment to part ways."

Tottenham will now consider him should they make a change in the dugout. Daniel Levy has never been shy to make managerial changes and European glory may not save Postecoglou from the club's worst Premier League season in two decades.

The north Londoners currently sit 17th having lost for the 21st time on Friday night against Aston Villa. Not since 1977 have Tottenham suffered that many defeats in a season - and they could exceed that on the final day when they host Brighton.

Manchester United will face Tottenham in Wednesday's Europa League final but a number of players could be missing through injury as Ange Postecoglou sweats on Pape Matar Sarr

The Europa League final could be missing up to 13 players with both Manchester United and Tottenham juggling some serious injury woes. The victor will land themselves a spot in next season's Champions League, but selection may prove difficult.

Ange Postecoglou knows he will definitely be without James Maddison. The playmaker scored in the semi-final victory that landed Tottenham their place in Bilbao. He was also on target when the north Londoners beat United earlier this season, but he'll miss out through with a knee issue.

Dejan Kulusevski is another major absentee for Tottenham - his injury was confirmed recently and will deprive Postecoglou of one of his major attacking weapons. Radu Dragusin and Lucas Bergvall are also sidelined, as is loanee Timo Werner. Dane Scarlett, who has only just begun featuring in the first-team, is also denied the chance of playing in the final.

Ruben Amorim's two major misses have long been on the casualty list. Lisandro Martinez's knee issue has sidelined him for a lengthy period whilst a thigh problem has kept Joshua Zirkzee out.

Beyond that the United both is sweating on several issues in his backline. Matthijs De Ligt is struggling with a knee and Leny Yoro hobbled off in the loss to West Ham eight days ago. Amorim said on the defensive pair: "I don't know if they're going to be available, we'll try to push, it's a final, all the players want to play really bad."

Diogo Dalot's calf needs to be monitored but the defender said "so far so good" whilst Jonny Evans, albeit way down the pecking order, wasn't in the squad that headed to Chelsea on Friday.

Tottenham are hoping for some good news regarding Pape Matar Sarr, who walked down the tunnel with medical staff against Aston Villa on Friday. "Pape felt something in his back, so we took him off as a bit of a precaution," Postecoglou said afterwards. "I don’t think it’s anything too significant, speaking to him afterwards but he just felt something in his back.”

Tottenham have already beaten the Manchester outfit on three occasions this season - twice in the league and once in the Carabao Cup. However they are looking to end a trophy drought that dates back to 2008 and has hung over the club throughout that time.

United meanwhile have continued to be dire in the Premier League and have lost six of their last eight games. Amorim can restore some pride with victory on Wednesday night, but has already claimed his side are "not ready" to be competitive domestically and in the Champions League.