The Mirror

Manchester United and Tottenham come together in Bilbao on Wednesday evening in the Europa League final with both Rubem Amorim and Ange Postecoglou facing tricky decisions

Manchester United and Tottenham’s seasons boil down to just one game on Wednesday evening. The two Premier League rivals come face-to-face in the Europa League final in Bilbao.

The winner will of course claim the much-desired silverware but also a crucial spot back in the Champions League. And given the rotten seasons that each have endured in the Premier League - United and Spurs sitting 16th and 17th respectively - that is even more important.

It would make the teams that both Ruben Amorim and Ange Postecoglou pick to take to the pitch at San Mames even more crucial. So with a number of tricky decisions ahead of them, Mirror Football has attempted to predict what each of the managers will do:

Tottenham

Starting with Spurs, Italian goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario looks sure to start in goal, while Pedro Porro is surely going to be the starting right-back given he was part of the North London side’s pre-match press conference.

After starting Ben Davies and Kevin Danso in the recent defeat to Aston Villa, both Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven also look likely to return this weekend. Destiny Udogie has faced competition from Djed Spence this season but the former appears to have done enough to secure a starting spot.

Moving into midfield, Postecoglou has seen his options limited by injury. Lucas Bergvall and James Maddison will not play a part.

That should see a partnership of Yves Bissouma and Rodrigo Bentancur in midfield. Pape Matar Sarr was also a slight doubt but Postecoglou has confirmed that he is ready to return.

Who will win the Europa League? Share your predictions in the comments below

Spurs’ attack also looks set to be dictated by injuries. Dejan Kulusevski and Timo Werner are both ruled out which means Spurs’ Europa League hero so far Brennan Johnson should start.

Dominic Solanke should regain his starting position from loanee Mathys Tel. Meanwhile, captain Son Heung-min will surely start.

Spurs predicted XI: (4-2-3-1) Vicario; Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Udogie; Bissouma, Sarr; Johnson, Bentancur, Son; Solanke

Man Utd

When it comes to the United team, Amorim also sees his options limited by injury. Andre Onana is one of those who is fit and being United’s number one option, is sure to start between the sticks.

Lisandro Martinez and Matthijs de Ligt are both missing so Leny Yoro and Harry Maguire should also be named on the teamsheet. Noussair Mazraoui should potentially round off the back three.

Moving to wing-back, Diogo Dalot should start ahead of Luke Shaw, with Patrick Dorgu stationed the other side. There’s then a tricky decision to make over midfield.

Mason Mount has shown some excellent form over recent weeks so could be considered but Casemiro’s experience might see him move to the front of the queue. He will likely partner Manuel Ugarte - the former PSG star having emerged as a key player over recent months.

Looking at attack, Bruno Fernandes will likely be the first name on the teamsheet after his starring performances this term. There is then a decision over who will support him.

Joshua Zirkzee has recovered even quicker than expected so could be an option but Amad should really be stationed behind their solitary number nine. Despite a tricky season, Rasmus Hojlund will surely be that man.

Man Utd (3-4-2-1): Onana; Yoro, Maguire, Mazraoui; Dalot, Casemiro, Ugarte, Dorgu; Amad, Fernandes; Hojlund

Tottenham have travelled to Bilbao for their huge Europa League final against Manchester United on Wednesday night, with the club desperate to end their 17-year wait for silverware

Tottenham legend Jurgen Klinsmann believes the Europa League Final could be the game that makes or breaks Ange Postecoglou. Spurs face Manchester United in Bilbao on Wednesday night with a place in next season’s Champions League up for grabs.

Both Postecoglou and Reds’ boss Ruben Amorim will finish the Premier League campaign in the lower reaches of the table after suffering defeats at Aston Villa and Chelsea respectively on Friday night.

And Klinsmann said: “It’s such an interesting game because both clubs have been so disappointing in the Premier League this season. Of course it is an important moment for both clubs because there is a place in the Champions League for the winners.

"But it is also a huge game for both managers - and especially Ange. I think Amorim will be given more time to establish his own team at United, but for Postecoglou it is clear that he is in a completely different position at the end of his second year.

"If he wins the Europa League then I hope it will buy him more time to get things right because I know that Spurs is such a fantastic club.

“There is so much on the line in this final and because the teams have been so inconsistent, it’s impossible to predict what would happen.”

Klinsmann became a Premier League pioneer in the one season he spent at White Hart Lane before blazing the trail that would eventually be followed by Harry Kane by joining Bayern Munich in 1995.

Like Kane, he left to win trophies - and both men have a Bundesliga title medal after Bayern clinched the title last weekend. Tottenham have won just two League Cups in the 30 years since the German World Cup star was in London.

And Klinsmann said: "This is such a massive opportunity for Spurs. First of all then can end that long wait for a trophy - and that would open the door for the Champions League. There is also the added factor that they can win a trophy during a season when Arsenal haven’t won anything.

"Look, Arsenal are a much better team than Spurs. But football is about those moments when you see your team win something, so this is a huge deal in North London."

Spurs are currently 17th in the Premier League table after 21 defeats and they come into the final following a run of five defeats in their last six Premier League games.

Manchester United, meanwhile have won just once in their last eight league games, losing six of those ahead of their trip to Bilbao.

Son Heung-min admits Europa League final might be last chance to end Spurs trophy woe

Tottenham's captain has never won a trophy during his 10 years at the club, but he has a chance to skipper the side to a longed-for success on Wednesday night

Son-Heung Min is determined to make history with Tottenham by beating Manchester United to lift the Europa League trophy.

Tottenham ’s last trophy was the League Cup in 2008 under Juande Ramos, while their last European title was the UEFA Cup back in 1984. Against that backdrop, captain Son has vowed to end the club’s 17-year wait for silverware.

“I hope we can make it a historic day that I will never forget,” said Son. “It would be very special and would be a historic moment.

“I’ve been here 10 years and I just want to win a trophy, which no-one has done in that time. So it’s going to be a massive day for me, for all the players, the club and the fans. If we can win the trophy, we can change the mentality and the history, and hopefully go on to win other trophies.

“I don’t need to motivate the players, just because it’s a final. I will just be telling them we need to stay together, be calm and do the right things.”

Son knows Spurs will have the full support of their former striker Harry Kane, who won the first title of his career this season when Bayern Munich won the Bundesliga.

Although Son has not spoken to Kane in the build-up to the final, he knows his best friend will be rooting for his former club to win.

“Harry is my best mate and it was huge honour playing alongside him,” said Son. "When he won his first title we had a chat about it, but he’s already on holiday and I’m sure he doesn’t want me texting him! But I’m sure Harry will be supporting us from his holiday.”

Son has a year left on his contract and admitted the final could be his last shot at winning a trophy with Spurs, which is why he is determined not to be on the losing side.

“We never know the future,” said Son. “We might win and play in the Champions League next season and maybe we can get to other finals.

“But what we have now is real - the final we are going to play. This could be my last chance or there could be another chance , but I just want to lift the trophy and celebrate together with the boys.”

Manchester United have included Leny Yoro and Joshua Zirkzee in their squad for the Europa League final despite both men being injury concerns ahead of the clash with Tottenham

Manchester United have named Leny Yoro among those who will travel to Bilbao for the Europa League final despite his recent injury scare. The centre-half was forced off in the loss to West Ham just over a week ago, but may yet recover in time.

Yoro has been impressive during his debut season and having him back in contention is a plus for Ruben Amorim, who is looking to salvage the club's season with success in Europe, which would ensure a route into next term's Champions League.

Bruno Fernandes, the tournament's top scorer, will need a big performance if the Manchester outfit are to down Tottenham despite going in as favourites. Joshua Zirkzee is another man who has travelled to the Basque country despite his injury issues.

Amorim previously said the Dutch forward was "out for the season" but he has travelled to Spain. Diogo Dalot has also been nursing an injury issue but will be part of the squad.

As expected the likes of Kobbie Mainoo, Mason Mount and Alejandro Garnacho are all included. Amad has recently made a timely return from his spell on the sidelines and could feature on Wednesday.

Luke Shaw, the only member from the team who won the Europa League back in 2017, is also part of the group that are looking to deliver European glory. It is the squad's second visit to the San Mames in less than a month - enjoying the experience last time out.

They beat Athletic Bilbao 3-0 in the first-leg of their semi-final before completing the job at Old Trafford, eventually winning 7-1 on aggregate. United are unbeaten in all 14 of their European games this term.

Amorim has endured poor preparation for the final, seeing his team lose again as Chelsea beat them on Friday night. They're in the midst of a poor run of Premier League form, but have found solace on European nights and are 90 minutes away from a third trophy in three years.

Man Utd's Europa League final squad

Altay Bayindir, Tom Heaton, Dermot Mee, Andre Onana, Harry Amass, Patrick Dorgu, Diogo Dalot, Jonny Evans, Tyler Fredricson, Ayden Heaven, Victor Lindelof, Harry Maguire, Noussair Mazraoui, Luke Shaw, Leny Yoro, Casemiro, Toby Collyer, Christian Eriksen, Bruno Fernandes, Kobbie Mainoo, Mason Mount, Manuel Ugarte, Amad, Alejandro Garnacho, Rasmus Hojlund, Joshua Zirkzee.

Manchester United take on Tottenham in the Europa League final on Wednesday night, with Ruben Amorim needing all the help he can get amid a dreadful reign at the Red Devils

Manchester United have been handed a huge injury boost ahead of their Europa League final against Tottenham, with three players returning to fitness. United have endured a dreadful season and could finish as low as 17th in the Premier League.

A rare bright spot has been their European campaign, where they have reached the final of UEFA's second tier competition. The Red Devils will take on English rivals Spurs in Bilbao on Wednesday night.

Win and United will book their place in next season's Champions League, as well as picking up a third major trophy in three years. But lose and boss Ruben Amorim may find his position come under increasing pressure.

The 40-year-old will be desperate to see off Ange Postecoglou's side and claim his first trophy as United boss. As he aims for that goal, the Red Devils chief has been handed a triple boost.

Amorim has been dealing with a number of injury headaches in recent weeks, most concerningly in defence. The Portuguese boss has been forced to deploy left-back Luke Shaw at centre-back in recent weeks.

He also has problems up front, with no natural replacement for Rasmus Hojlund. But in a major boost for United's hopes of winning Wednesday's final, attacker Joshua Zirkzee, centre-back Leny Yoro and right-back Diogo Dalot all trained on Tuesday.

Zirkzee had been ruled out for the season after picking up an injury in April's hammering at Newcastle. Dalot meanwhile has been sidelined since the defeat to Wolves, with Yoro injured in the loss at home to West Ham.

It is positive news for United, though the club have admitted they there still have a number of other problems. A club statement read: "All three players were spotted taking part in the team's pre-flight session on the Carrington grass this (Tuesday) morning.

"While their availability for the final is still to be confirmed, the fact they were involved in the portion of training captured live on MUTV is surely an encouraging sign ahead of the expected announcement of Ruben Amorim's travelling group later today.

"Zirkzee's Dutch compatriot and fellow recent absentee Matthijs de Ligt wasn't seen in our last session before we head to the Basque Country, but did an individual workout elsewhere on the grass.

"Youngsters Toby Collyer and Ayden Heaven continued to build their fitness back up by training with the group, after returning to the matchday squad against Chelsea on Friday following some time out.

"Jonny Evans, who hasn't played since scoring in our League Cup defeat to Spurs in December, wasn't involved at Stamford Bridge but took part today too, as did Chido Obi despite his ineligibility for the final."

Ange Postecoglou has already guided Spurs to three wins over Manchester United this season and Brennan Johnson believes it is because the game plan has been different on every occasion

Brennan Johnson insists Tottenham’s domestic dominance over Manchester United will count for nothing on Wednesday night.

Spurs have won all three meetings this season, including a 3-0 triumph at Old Trafford and 1-0 win at home either side of a 4-3 EFL Cup win in which they were three goals ahead.

But Johnson says all of those victories were earned in a different manner and Ange Postecoglou must come up with another recipe tonight to secure Spurs’ most important win for almost two decades.

“We know we can’t rely on the fact that we’ve beaten them a few times this season,” the Welsh winger said. “I think it’s about now coming up with a plan because each time we’ve beaten them has been down to different reasons.

“I feel like we’ve done good work preparing for Man United so now it’s about coming up with how we want to win, things we want to do, things we want to stop them from doing so it’s a new opportunity.”

Johnson has already shown this season that his trademark far-post finish can hurt the Reds after a breakaway goal at Old Trafford that underlined the best of Postecoglou’s front-footed approach.

He has scored a team-leading 17 times in all competitions having been told at the start of the campaign to be more present at the back stick to meet crosses.

And Johnson added: “I think last season there were a few instances where I wasn’t in the right position and (Postecoglou) got frustrated.

“People think it’s a tap in but if you’re not there then it goes out for a throw in so he’s made it clear that he wants us to be at the back post. It seems an easy goal but it’s all about being there and being in the position to arrive.

"It’s just knowing who I am playing with, knowing the type of crosses I am going to get.

"Almost studying other players in the team, seeing what they like to do, what type of crosses and trying to be in the right position because I feel like previously I wasn’t so this season I made it clear that I had to be in the right positions to try and score."

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.