Manchester Evening News

The latest Manchester United news as we take a look at the latest team news from Wednesday night's Europa League final opponents.

Tottenham Hotspur boss Ange Postecoglou has given the latest update on two injury worries ahead of the Europa League final against Manchester United.

The two teams meet in Bilbao, Spain, on Wednesday night. The prize for the winners will be European silverware as well as a place in next season’s Champions League, despite a poor domestic season for both sides.

Both United and Spurs were in action in the Premier League on Friday night. While United fell to a 1-0 away loss against Chelsea, Spurs were beaten 2-0 by Aston Villa at Villa Park.

That game also saw Tottenham handed two potential injury worries ahead of the final against United. Midfielder Pape Matar Sarr was taken off in the second half, the midfielder was replaced by Yves Bissouma and went straight down the tunnel with a member of the Spurs medical team.

Youngster Mikey Moore was also replaced in the closing minutes of the game, after going down and appearing to be in pain. Following the match, Postecoglou gave the latest on both players.

“Pape felt something in his back so we took him off as a bit of a precaution,” the Spurs boss said in his post-match press conference, via football.london.

“I don’t think it’s anything too significant speaking to him afterwards but he just felt something in his back and I think Mikey (Moore) was okay. It was fatigue as much as anything else. He hasn’t played that sort of amount of minutes before.”

If Sarr is unavailable then he will join Radu Dragusin, Dejan Kulusevski, Dane Scarlett, James Maddison, Timo Werner and Lucas Bergvall on the sidelines for the final.

Moore has played 19 times in all competitions for Spurs so far this season, but has mainly been used as a second half substitute. Sarr has however been a more regular fixture in the Spurs team, having made 53 appearances in all competitions so far this season.

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Yoro, Dalot, Zirkzee - Manchester United injury news and return dates before Europa League final

Man United were beaten 1-0 by Chelsea on Friday night and their next game is the Europa League final against Tottenham in Bilbao.

Manchester United were beaten 1-0 by Chelsea in the Premier League at Stamford Bridge on Friday night and now their attention turns to the Europa League final.

United will face Tottenham in Bilbao with European silverware and a spot in next season's Champions League up for grabs. Both sides have been shocking this season but a win on Wednesday would rescue their campaign.

The two teams have injury issues to contend with ahead of the final, with Matthijs de Ligt and Leny Yoro picking up injuries in recent weeks and Spurs confirming earlier this week that they would be without Dejan Kulusevski after he picked up a knock in the defeat to Crystal Palace.

Ahead of the Europa League final, here's the latest on the United injury front:

Diogo Dalot

Injury: calf

Dalot suffered a muscle injury in the 1-0 defeat to Wolves at Old Trafford on Easter Sunday.

United head coach Ruben Amorim confirmed his fellow countryman would miss the next block of games, but he refused to rule him out for the remainder of the season.

On Wednesday, Dalot was spotted doing an individual training session at Carrington before the main group session took place.

Amorim said: "Dalot is trying really bad. I don't want to risk Dalot, when you start getting one injury, a second injury is a big thing. We cannot have these kind of problems in our squad. He's working really hard to get in the final."

Possible return date: May 21 (Tottenham Hotspur, N).

Matthijs de Ligt

Injury: knee

Making his first start since recovering from a previous injury, De Ligt was forced off 35 minutes into United's 4-3 defeat to Brentford with a knee issue.

Absent from training again on Wednesday morning, Amorim has confirmed De Ligt is in a race against time to be fit for the clash with Spurs.

"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," said the United boss.

Possible return date: May 21 (Tottenham Hotspur, N).

Leny Yoro

Injury: foot

Yoro was forced off in the second half of the defeat to West Ham United last weekend with a foot problem. He went down clutching his left foot and was substituted.

He was later spotted limping out of Old Trafford. He was not involved in Wednesday morning's open training session, instead doing fitness work in the gym.

Possible return date: May 21 (Tottenham Hotspur, N).

Jonny Evans

Injury: unknown

Evans trained on Wednesday morning but he was not part of the squad that travelled to the capital.

The experienced centre-back last played for United when he came off the bench to score in their 4-3 defeat to Spurs in December.

Possible return date: unknown.

Lisandro Martinez

Injury: anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)

Martinez is a long-term absentee after rupturing his ACL in United's 2-0 defeat to Crystal Palace at Old Trafford at the start of February. He soon underwent successful surgery and is well underway with his recovery.

United have not put a specific timeframe on how long he will be out for, but he will not feature again this season. ACL injuries usually take around six months to fully recover from.

Possible return date: August.

Joshua Zirkzee

Injury: hamstring.

Zirkzee was forced off with a hamstring injury in United's 4-1 defeat to Newcastle United last month.

"Joshua is out for the season, so he's not going to play any more this season," Amorim said. "Let's prepare him for the next one."

However, he has since said he is pushing to return in time for the final. It remains to be seen whether he will make the flight to Spain.

The latest Manchester United news as Tottenham were in Premier League action ahead of the Europa League final on Wednesday.

Manchester United have been given the latest update on the Tottenham Hotspur squad ahead of next week's crucial Europa League final between the two teams.

Just five days before the final, both teams are in Premier League action on Friday night. While United are taking on Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, Spurs also had an away game against a Champions League chasing club in Aston Villa.

It could be forgiven if both sides had an eye on the final in Bilbao. Especially given that it’s a chance of qualifying for the Champions League themselves next season.

Eyes of both teams will also be on any potential injury blows in the build-up to the match. For Tottenham, there was an update even before kick-off with the news that forward Son Heung-min was starting.

He made his comeback from a foot injury in last weekend's 2-0 loss against Crystal Palace as a second half substitute. In a bid to build up game time ahead of the final, the Spurs captain was named in the starting XI against Villa.

Explaining the decision before the game to Sky Sports, Ange Postecoglou said: "I though it was better to start him off. Coming to Villa, it's a difficult place, with his experience, the line up is fairly inexperienced so it will help us."

Tottenham were handed a potential injury worry during the game with midfielder Pape Matar Sarr being replaced by Yves Bissouma in the 52nd minute. After being replaced Sarr was spotted heading straight down the tunnel with a member of the Spurs medical staff.

Youngster Mikey Moore also went down before being replaced in the 87th minute. He was, however, able to walk off the pitch unaided when being substituted.

Both Sergio Reguilon and Son were replaced just after Villa's second goal, in the 2-0 defeat, but it didn't appear to be sue to any injury concerns and was tactical. The same goes for Wilson Odobert who was replaced later in the game.

It was confirmed in the week that Spurs will be without Dejan Kulusevski, who has suffered a knee injury. He joins Radu Dragusin, Dane Scarlett, James Maddison, Timo Werner and Lucas Bergvall on the sidelines.

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All the latest Manchester United news as Ruben Amorim's side prepare to return to Bilbao for the Europa League final against Ange Postecoglou's Tottenham Hotspur

Tottenham Hotspur have been dealt an injury scare ahead of the UEFA Europa League final. Manchester United will lock horns with the Lilywhites at the San Mamés Stadium in Bilbao on Wednesday night, with a piece of silverware up for grabs.

Pape Matar Sarr was prematurely substituted during Spurs' clash against Aston Villa on Friday night, sparking concern that he's picked up a knock. Rather than seating himself on the bench, the 22-year-old midfielder was ushered down the tunnel by a member of the Tottenham medical staff.

Yves Bissouma replaced Sarr shortly after the break and, just moments later, Ezri Konsa fired Aston Villa into the lead. The 27-year-old defender latched onto a loose ball in the six-yard box following a deep corner, hooking it past Antonín Kinský.

Rooted to the spot, Bissouma was nutmegged by the strike. Sarr could join a long list of injured players at Tottenham ahead of the Europa League final; Dejan Kulusevski recently suffered a knee injury, which required surgery.

Speaking to reporters ahead of the trip to Villa Park, Ange Postecoglou announced the setback. The Tottenham boss said: "Disappointing news. Initially, we thought it wasn’t too serious.

"The medical team were worried structurally about how the knee was, but it blew up the day after, and we knew there was an issue there. He has had surgery, and it will put him out for at least a few months."

On whether he'll be fit for the start of next season, Postecoglou added: "We will see. To be honest, I have only got basic information at the moment in terms of recovery but it will certainly put him out for a while."

Meanwhile, Lucas Bergvall is nursing an ankle injury. On whether the 19-year-old midfielder has made a 'miraculous recovery', Postecoglou said: "No, it is still the same sort of timeframe.

"He was never a long-term one, but he has literally just got out of the boot and taken his first tentative steps on the grass, but he won’t be available [for the Villa clash on Friday]."

On whether the flurry of injuries has affected morale ahead of the United clash next week, Postecoglou said: "Look, I guess because it’s been a constant with us during the year, we’ve kind of become almost accustomed to it.

"It would probably be a bigger issue if we had a smooth run all year and got hit with injuries now and deal with missing key players, but we’ve pretty much been without key players all season.

"There hasn’t been a time where we had a three or four week spell with our strongest line-up, so the boys are getting on with it. They’re disappointed for the people involved and Deki being the latest one because he had a fantastic first part of the year for us and was just working his way back into it.

"At the same time as I keep saying to the group all along, you can’t pick and choose when these opportunities come along. There could be other years where we don’t have these disruptions and injuries, but we don’t get to a final.

"The reality of it is now the opportunity is there and whatever happens between now and then, we’ve got to make sure we’re ready for it..."

Another injury to a Tottenham player could throw a spanner in the United works ahead of the Europa League final. Ruben Amorim may find it difficult predict Spurs' lineup, thus complicating his own preparation.

Roy Keane launches furious Man United and Tottenham Europa League attack - 'It's a disgrace!'

Roy Keane did not hold back on his comments when discussing Manchester United's domestic season

Roy Keane has criticised Manchester United for their handling of this season’s Premier League campaign, calling it 'nothing short of a disgrace'.

United are set for their worst league finish since the 1973/74 season - currently languishing in 16th place in the Premier League. Ruben Amorim's side have only won ten of their 36 games and lost 17.

Despite a disastrous campaign, Manchester United will face Tottenham - who have also had a challenging season - in the Europa League final.

During his habitual appearance on Sky Sports ahead of Friday night's clash against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, Keane did not hold back when addressing his former club's domestic campaign. When asked if there is more pressure on Chelsea ahead of the game, Keane launched into a furious attack on his former club.

"Chelsea have coped with that a few weeks ago when Liverpool came down and had won the league and they turned up and put in a good performance, particularly in the second half with some of their star men turning up," he said.

"That's why everything points to home victories. I agree with Jamie [Redknapp], I think the way United and Spurs have handled their league campaigns and European football is, from United's point of view, I think it's been nothing but a disgrace I really do. The lack of effort in some of the games, they've not put up enough of a fight.

"It's not the Champions League they're not demanding games, they've played lesser opposition, how they've not been able to balance it and cope with the demands of being at a big club, I just don't understand it.

"I really don't get it. But from Chelsea's point of view, you'd be rubbing your hands playing United tonight."

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Why Man United, Chelsea and Tottenham are in action on Friday night - kick-off details explained

Manchester United will take on Chelsea ahead of next week’s Europa League final

Manchester United and three other Premier League teams are in action on Friday night in a rare double-header.

Usually, only one game is featured as part of Sky Sports' Friday Night Football, but this time around, United will take on Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, while Tottenham travel to the West Midlands to face Aston Villa. In addition to Ruben Amorim's team, Spurs and Chelsea have their eyes on bigger priorities.

United and Spurs will face each other in the Europa League final while Chelsea will take on Real Betis in the Europa Conference League final.

But why are all four teams playing on a Friday night? Here, MEN Sport brings you all the information you need to know.

Why the Friday night kick-off?

The Reds' match was originally scheduled for Friday, but following a request from Spurs, their Premier League moved their game against Villa forward.

Spurs' match was initially scheduled for Sunday afternoon (May 18), which would have given them just 72 hours' rest before the final on May 21.

As a result, Spurs requested their game be rescheduled to the same evening as United's, who would otherwise have had extra days of rest.

Furthermore, last season the Premier League and Football Association reached an agreement to set aside a specific day for the men’s FA Cup final, ensuring no Premier League fixtures take place on Saturday.

The FA Cup final between Manchester City and Crystal Palace will take place at Wembley Stadium on Saturday afternoon, kicking off at 4.30pm.

When announcing details for this season’s final, the FA stated the fixture would be held on an ‘exclusive Saturday’ with no Premier League matches scheduled until Sunday, and no top-flight games the night before, to ensure full focus on the build-up to the showpiece event.

In a statement confirming changes to this season’s Cup, the FA said last year: "The Emirates FA Cup Final will now take place on the penultimate weekend of the Premier League season, on an exclusive Saturday with no Premier League fixtures taking place on the same day.

"Additionally, there will be no Premier League games on the Friday night before the final, to allow focus on the build-up to the showpiece event."

On Sunday, Chelsea and United will meet in the Women’s FA Cup final. As a result, both clubs asked for their Premier League fixture to be moved to avoid detracting from their women’s teams.

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Tottenham confirm major injury blow ahead of Man United Europa League final - 'Out for a while'

Tottenham Hotspur will be without Dejan Kulusevski for the Europa League final against Manchester United.

Tottenham Hotspur head coach Ange Postecoglou has confirmed winger Dejan Kulusevski will be "out for a few months" after undergoing knee surgery.

The Swede was forced off in the first half of Spurs' 2-0 Premier League defeat to Crystal Palace on Sunday, sparking fears he could miss next Wednesday's Europa League final against Manchester United at the San Mames Stadium in Bilbao.

Postecoglou played down suggestions he could miss the tussle with United, describing it as a "knock". However, the Manchester Evening News revealed on Wednesday morning that Spurs were fearful he could miss the final.

It was confirmed later in the day by Spurs that he had undergone surgery.

"We can confirm that Dejan Kulusevski suffered an injury to his right patella in our Premier League fixture against Crystal Palace last weekend," a club statement said.

"Following further specialist consultation, the midfielder has undergone surgery today and will commence his rehabilitation with our medical staff immediately. We're all with you, Deki."

Now, ahead of their trip to Aston Villa in the Premier League on Friday night, Postecoglou has confirmed the winger faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

Postecoglou said: "Disappointing news. Initially, we thought it wasn't too serious. It seemed pretty good but it kind of blew up the day after.

"He has had surgery and it will put him out for a few months. We will see.

"To be honest, I have basic information on recovery. It will put him out for a while."

Kulusevski has been a ray of light in a disappointing season for Spurs, contributing ten goals and 11 assists in all competitions.

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Manchester United travel to Bilbao next Wednesday to face Tottenham Hotspur in the final of the Europa League

TNT Sports will be broadcasting Manchester United's Europa League final against Tottenham Hotspur for free next Wednesday.

The television network has announced that fans will be able to watch the game for free in the UK via their Discovery+ app. This decision has been forced upon the broadcaster as UEFA insists that all of their major finals must be free-to-air regardless of their broadcast agreements.

Previously, TNT Sports has live streamed the match on YouTube to accomodate this clause by UEFA. However, it is unclear whether that option will be available in the UK next week when United travel to Bilbao.

Along with the Europa League final, the Conference League final against Chelsea and Antony's Real Betis as well as the Champions League final between PSG and Inter Milan will be shown for free on the app too. As we move ever closer to the finale, TNT Sports have also confirmed their punditry team for the final in Bilbao.

Jules Breach and Lynsey Hipgrave will be presenting the coverage from the San Mames Stadium and will be joined by ex-Tottenham stars Gareth Bale and Glenn Hoddle and United heroes Rio Ferdinand and Paul Scholes. Robbie Savage will also be part of the expert panel with Darren Fletcher and Ally McCoist in the commentary booth.

The crucial fixture will be imperative for United and Spurs, not only for the trophy but also for Champions League qualification. The winner next week will enter the league phase of the top-tier European competition and will be the sixth club from the Premier League competing in the Champions League.

As well as on the Discovery+ app, fans will be able to watch the final on TNT Sports 1 and TNT Sports Ultimate.

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Ruben Amorim spoke to journalists yesterday as he previewed Manchester United's Europa League final against Tottenham Hotspur.

Manchester United are preparing for their most important game in years as they face Tottenham in the Europa League final next week.

However, before then they must make the trip to Stamford Bridge to face Chelsea, with Ruben Amorim desperate for his squad to leave the capital unscathed ahead of Wednesday's final.

The United boss spoke to the media yesterday to preview the clash with Spurs, and he was asked to elaborate on the comments he made about his future at the club after the defeat to West Ham on Sunday.

Along with that and another injury blow for Spurs ahead of the final, here are your latest United headlines:

Amorim on future

Amorim insists he has no plans to walk away from United after hinting on Sunday that someone should replace him if results don't improve.

United have won just six of Amorim's 25 Premier League games in charge and sit 16th in the table with two fixtures to play. Sunday's 2-0 defeat to West Ham means they have failed to win any of their last seven league games.

Speaking in his post-match press conference, Amorim said someone else should sit in his seat if things didn't change but in his press conference to preview next week's Europa League final, he clarified that he had no intention of quitting.

Read on here >>>

Kulusevski blow for Spurs

Tottenham Hotspur have confirmed Dejan Kulusevski has undergone surgery ahead of their Europa League final against United.

The Manchester Evening News reported on Wednesday morning that Spurs feared the Sweden international would miss the final in Bilbao after suffering a knee injury in Sunday's loss to Crystal Palace.

The club released a statement on Wednesday afternoon, saying: "We can confirm that Dejan Kulusevski suffered an injury to his right patella in our Premier League fixture against Crystal Palace last weekend.

Read on here >>>

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Manchester United face Tottenham Hotspur in the final of the Europa League in Bilbao next Wednesday in a huge match for both clubs

Manchester United are reportedly set to fork out more than £30m in bonuses if they win the Europa League final against Tottenham Hotspur next week.

United, who have been under the watchful eye of Ineos in terms of spending since they bought a minority stake in 2024, are contractually obliged to hand out salary increases if the Reds are playing in the Champions League. The Telegraph claims that the majority of the squad will receive a 25 per cent wage hike meaning the highest earner, Casemiro, would move from £350,000 per week to £437,500 per week by this metric.

The trouble for United is that this season's prize money is unlikely to be the amount that the club would have accepted for gaining Champions League qualification. Last season, a fifth-placed finish in the Premier League, which is enough for Champions League qualification this season, would have landed the club £44.8m.

However, should United finish in their current position of 16th, they will bag just £14m from the Premier League and £10.95m for winning the Europa League, according to last season's figures. This is considerably short of the more than £30m that United owe to their squad for being in the Champions League.

Of course, next season United would have the chance to recoup some of that money from Champions League prize money. This campaign, teams that merely qualified for the league phase of the Champions League bagged £15.7m.

As for Tottenham, it is reported that they will also be due a lump sum of cash for winning the Europa League. It is thought that a sum of £3m will be shared between the squad if they lift the trophy in Bilbao.

Ange Postecoglou is in line for £2m bonus alone if Spurs are victorious. Ruben Amorim has also been reported as being in line for a bonus but that figure is unknown.

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