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Man United forced into kit change for Europa League final against Tottenham

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Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur face off in the Europa League final on Wednesday evening

Manchester United will don a slightly altered strip for the upcoming Europa League final, where they face fellow Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur in Bilbao on Wednesday evening.

Ruben Amorim and Ange Postecoglou are set to lock horns in a bid for silverware after challenging seasons, with the additional prize of a Champions League spot next term also at stake. Both teams have set foot in Spain in anticipation of Wednesday night's clash.

Yet, when United step onto the San Mames pitch, their players will be wearing black shorts in lieu of the usual white, paired with their iconic red shirts and black socks.

This change has been necessitated by Spurs' longstanding European tradition. The club from North London has donned an all-white getup in Europe since 1961, a custom established by then-manager Bill Nicholson.

As the 'home' team for the finale, Tottenham's kit preference holds sway over that of United's. Spurs' choice to wear all-white dates back over 60 years, initiated by Nicholson to aid player visibility in poorly lit stadiums, reports the Mirror.

The tradition commenced during an away match against Polish team Gornik. "We just turned up in the dressing room for the game and there was the all-white kit," recollected former Spurs winger Cliff Jones.

"No-one said anything; nothing was said to us. We just focused on the game coming up."

Ricky George, who was an apprentice at the time, reflected: "The all-white kit was for visibility. It was Bill Nick's way of looking for those marginal gains. Those nights at White Hart Lane, under the lights, were just very special.

"We loved playing in all-white," Jones commented. "I honestly cannot say for certain it made any difference in making us see each other better under the floodlights, but we did love playing in it. European nights we felt fresher, the air was different."

United's choice to tweak their kit isn't unprecedented this season; they donned black shorts for their away fixture against Real Sociedad in March, a match that concluded with a 1-1 draw following strikes from Joshua Zirkzee and Mikel Oyarzabal.

Yet, they reverted to their classic white shorts for the return leg at Old Trafford, where the Red Devils triumphed 4-1, buoyed by a Bruno Fernandes hat-trick. Regardless of their attire, United are eager to claim victory in the final and secure their spot in next season's Champions League.

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turn in Man United vs Tottenham Europa League final prediction

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Roy Keane makes sharp U-turn in Man United vs Tottenham Europa League final prediction - Manchester Evening News
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Roy Keane makes sharp U-turn in Man United vs Tottenham Europa League final prediction

The latest Manchester United news as Ruben Amorim's side take on Tottenham in the final in Bilbao, Spain, on Wednesday night.

Both Roy Keane and Jamie Redknapp have made their predictions for the Europa League final as Manchester United gear up to face United in a crucial match.

Both teams have had a poor season in the Premier League with United sitting in 16th and Spurs in 17th place in the table. But the two sides have the chance to be playing Champions League football next season.

The winning team won’t only lift European silverware this season but will have the chance to play in the prime European competition in the 2025/26 campaign.

Speaking on Sky Sports on Friday night following United’s loss against Chelsea, Keane has backed his former club to edge the contest, and has picked out who could be the difference maker.

“You still have to fancy United. I still think someone like Bruno [Fernandes] will produce, the history of Manchester United…” he said.

When asked by presenter David Jones what history has to do with the game, he added: “I think it carries a little bit of weight. If you look at our league performance there's not a lot between them, they've both been desperate.

“I just think, come the crunch, come the final, United's history in finals and even winning a few cups in the last few years you'd like to think they have a bit more knowledge around the big game more than Spurs. I'm not confident and saying Man United are going to win I just think that might edge it for them and I just think somebody like Bruno can produce that bit of magic.”

Keane’s prediction that Fernandes could be the match-winner is somewhat of a U-turn following his criticism of the United captain so far this season. The former midfielder has questioned Fernandes’ leadership on more than one occasion.

Fellow pundit Jamie Redknapp was less willing to make a prediction for the game. He did however speak about Tottenham and the chance to win their first silverware in several years.

“I would say if Kulu [Dejan Kuluveski] was playing then for sure. He's a massive blow for them [Tottenham],” he said.

“I wouldn't say there's a great deal between them. It feels like a 50-50 game to me this one. You can turn around and say you can have more players getting in one team or the other.

“I feel, for Tottenham, this is a chance to change the narrative, change the history of the club. If they win a cup this year it will end up being - we will forget about that league position, it will be irrelevant, because all of the celebration will be off the back of that.”

When asked by Keane who would win the game, and tournament, Redknapp said: “I haven't got a clue. Be honest, how can you call this game?

Keane then reiterated his thoughts, saying: “I think United will edge it.” To which Redknapp replied: “I wouldn't back Man United after watching them tonight.”

Both pundits were then asked which manager edges it. “Again, there's not much in it. There's not much in it,” Keane said.

Redknapp then added: I've listened Ruben this last six or eight weeks having a go at his team, I dread to think what he'll say if they lose this one.”

Again reiterating his prediction, Kenane says: “I think Bruno will produce something. I just think Bruno will turn up.” To which Redknapp added: “Oh alright you go United, I'll go Tottenham then.”

up as Manchester United and Tottenham fans clash in Bilbao

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Manchester United vs Tottenham live early team news, kick-off time and how to watch Europa League final - Manchester Evening News
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United should make huge Hojlund call this evening

United have some genuine dilemmas. Yoro's availability is significant and Noussair Mazraoui merits a start. It should be a point of principle not to start Luke Shaw when he has lined up four times within three weeks on the eve of a final. Ideally, United would not play Rasmus Hojlund. We know he will start but he shouldn't. United won a trophy last season because Hojlund was taken out of the team for the FA Cup final and Bruno Fernandes would be an upgrade. You can play Fernandes anywhere and he will have an impact. United need to balance pragmatism with proactivism and not have the starting XI overloaded with defensive players.

Samuel Luckhurst's United XI:

United and Tottenham fans clash in San Sebastian

United and Spurs clashed last night in San Sebastian, 48 miles away from Bilbao, on the eve of the Europa League final.

Spanish publication El Diario Vasco report the disturbances began around 9:20pm.

Their report read:

According to witness accounts and videos shared by residents, the incidents began with shouts and insults between groups of fans. The situation quickly escalated when one of the individuals punched another, causing the other to fall to the ground. Several fans subsequently began throwing objects taken from terrace tables, overturning one and using it as a weapon against another group. Drinking glasses and trash cans were also thrown, creating chaos and danger for passersby and local businesses.

We will have more updates on this story as and when we get them.

Gary Neville: United don't deserve a parade if they win Europa League

Gary Neville does not believe Manchester United deserve a parade if they win the Europa League.

Speaking to the Stick to Football podcast, former United defender Neville said:

“If Manchester United win, they’ll celebrate a trophy but there will be a cautious celebration tomorrow – not by the fans, though, because they’ll obviously go crazy.

“Their interviews will be along the lines of them saying that they’re so happy and delighted for the fans, but it’s been a difficult season.

“That will be the tone of it. I don’t think there should be a parade through the city for them winning the Europa League.”

Last night's press conference couldn't have gone better for United

If it was strategic of Manchester United to allow Tottenham Hotspur to hold their pre-match duties first, it had the desired effect.

Ange Postecoglou rounded on a reporter who suggested he could be remembered as a "clown". He dismissed concerns over his future, urging another reporter not to lose any sleep over it. He also reminded his audience he had lifted a trophy and exited stage left at his previous clubs.

Sub-editors could design their back-page splashes hours before deadline. United's timekeeping for press conferences on the continent can be tardy but even if they were late Ruben Amorim was never going to be as quotable as his opposite number.

Postecoglou entered the endgame some time ago. Sources have said he has known for months that he will not be managing Tottenham next season.

Then there is Amorim, seemingly safe whatever the outcome in San Mames. Amorim is partial to a zinger but he was so relaxed that he joked Bruno Fernandes, sitting to his right, was after his job.

Read the full story, here.

up vs Man United as stars return and Dominic Solanke starts

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Tottenham predicted line-up vs Man United as stars return and Dominic Solanke starts - Manchester Evening News
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Tottenham Hotspur will be out to ruin Ruben Amorim's hopes of winning a trophy in his first season at Manchester United when they meet in Wednesday night's Europa League final.

Both United and Spurs have endured forgettable Premier League campaigns, sitting 16th and 17th in the table respectively, meaning the clash at the San Mames Stadium in Bilbao represents an opportunity for both of them to restore some pride.

As well as silverware being up for grabs, a place in next season's Champions League is also on offer, and that could be game-changing for both clubs ahead of this summer's transfer window.

Spurs, just like United, head into the game on the back of successive league defeats without scoring, meaning they will be determined to revert to the form that has secured them a place in a European final.

Goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario has played every minute of Spurs' Europa League knockout campaign, meaning he is a shoo-in to start in goal. The Italian has kept three clean sheets in the competition this season and will be determined to add a fourth to his collection.

Unlike Amorim, Spurs head coach Ange Postecoglou rested several key players against Aston Villa on Friday evening, meaning he is expected to recall a crop of regular starters to his starting line-up, including defenders Pedro Porro, Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven and Destiny Udogie.

None of them featured against Villa, with only Porro making the bench. It means the aforementioned quartet are likely to make up the back-four and be fresh after being rested for the trip to the Midlands.

They last started as a quartet in defence when Spurs sealed their place in the final with a 2-0 win over Bodo/Glimt in the second leg of their semi-final triumph almost a fortnight ago.

Despite being forced off in the second half of the defeat at Villa with a back problem, midfielder Pape Sarr is available for selection, meaning he is likely to start in midfield. Postecoglou hosted his pre-match press conference on Tuesday afternoon and said the 22-year-old is "fine".

With that in mind, he is likely to be joined in the engine room by Rodrigo Bentancur and Yves Bissouma. They both started the defeat at Villa on the bench before being introduced in the second half.

Bentancur and Bissouma started alongside each other in midfield for both legs of Spurs' semi-final triumph over Bodo/Glimt.

In attack, Brennan Johnson and Son Heung-min are expected to operate from out wide and support Dominic Solanke through the middle.

The latter, who has scored in all of his last three Europa League appearances, is competing with Richarlison to lead Spurs' attack.

up in Europa League final vs Tottenham

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Man United predicted line-up in Europa League final vs Tottenham - Yoro and Garnacho calls made - Manchester Evening News
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Manchester United will be eyeing European success when they face Tottenham Hotspur in tonight's Europa League final at the San Mames Stadium in Bilbao.

United progressed to their third Europa League final in nine seasons earlier this month with an eye-catching 7-1 aggregate victory over Athletic Bilbao at the semi-final stage, keeping their season alive in the process.

A forgettable Premier League campaign means they are under immense pressure to come out on top in Bilbao, win a third trophy in as many seasons and secure a place in next season's Champions League.

Regarding the team news, United have taken a 26-man squad to Bilbao, featuring Diogo Dalot, Leny Yoro and Joshua Zirkzee, who have all recovered from injury issues in time for the final.

As has been the case throughout United's knockout campaign, Andre Onana is expected to start in goal and make his 13th Europa League appearance of the season. He will be keen to add to the clean sheet he earned when United faced Athletic at the San Mames Stadium earlier this month.

Yoro's availability must be tempting head coach Ruben Amorim to throw him straight into the starting XI. He was in excellent form prior to being forced off against West Ham United just over a week ago, meaning if he is deemed fit enough to start, Amorim might take the gamble for a game of such importance.

Harry Maguire has played a key role in United's run to the final and is poised to be one of the first names on the teamsheet, meaning he is likely to start in the centre of the back-three.

Should Yoro and Maguire occupy two of the three centre-back berths, Luke Shaw and Victor Lindelof will compete for the final spot, and Shaw could get the nod to provide a left-footed presence.

Despite being included in the squad, Dalot might have to settle for a place on the bench, leaving Noussair Mazraoui to start at right wing-back. He has been one of United's most consistent performers this term and he started both legs of United's semi-final triumph over Bilbao at right wing-back.

Patrick Dorgu is a shoo-in on the opposite flank, meaning he is expected to maintain his record of starting every Europa League game since joining United from Lecce earlier this year.

Manuel Ugarte and Casemiro have occupied the two midfield berths for each of United's last four Europa League games, meaning they are highly likely to maintain their partnership in the centre of midfield. Casemiro started Friday night's 1-0 defeat to Chelsea while Ugarte was introduced from the bench in the second half.

With Amorim having refused to experiment with a striker-less formation in recent weeks, the expectation is that Rasmus Hojlund will spearhead United's attack and be supported by Bruno Fernandes and Amad in the two No.10 positions.

The prospect of the latter starting in attack means Alejandro Garnacho could be forced to start on the bench.

Tottenham injury news and return dates ahead of Man United fixture

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Maddison, Sarr, Kulusevski - Tottenham injury news and return dates ahead of Man United fixture - Manchester Evening News
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Maddison, Sarr, Kulusevski - Tottenham injury news and return dates ahead of Man United fixture

All the very latest on the Tottenham Hotspur injury front ahead of Wednesday night's Europa League final against Manchester United.

Tottenham Hotspur will be dreaming of winning their first trophy since 2008 when they face Manchester United at the San Mames Stadium in the Europa League final on Wednesday night.

Spurs progressed to the final with a semi-final triumph over Bodo/Glimt earlier this month, meaning they are on the cusp of ending their long wait for a trophy and securing Champions League qualification for next season.

Spurs' players and coaching staff flew out to the Basque Country on Monday and playmaker James Maddison was a surprise inclusion in the travelling squad after originally being tipped to miss the rest of the season through a knee injury.

However, the likelihood of him making a premature comeback appears to be slim after head coach Ange Postecoglou made no reference to him in his pre-match press conference on Tuesday afternoon.

Ahead of their clash with United in Bilbao, here is all the very latest on the Spurs injury front:

James Maddison

Injury: knee

Maddison has been ruled out for the rest of the season because of a knee injury. The former Leicester City man was forced off in the first leg of Spurs' Europa League semi-final triumph against Bodo/Glimt at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium at the start of this month and it was later confirmed last week he will not play again this season.

"Madders tweaked his knee in the first leg," Postecoglou said. "He's out, he'll miss the rest of the season."

However, Maddison was spotted among the members of the Spurs squad that travelled to Spain on Monday, generating chatter that he may have recovered ahead of schedule.

Postecoglou, though, did not mention Maddison in his pre-match press conference, suggesting that his situation has not changed.

Possible return date: pre-season.

Pape Sarr

Injury: back

Sarr was substituted in the second half of Spurs' 2-0 defeat to Aston Villa in the Premier League at Villa Park last Friday evening. He went off with 53 minutes on the clock and headed straight down the tunnel.

Speaking after the game, Postecoglou said: "Pape felt something in his back so we took him off as a bit of a precaution. I don't think it's anything too significant, speaking to him afterwards, but he just felt something in his back."

He was included in the travelling squad that jetted off for the Basque Country on Monday and Postecoglou, hosting his pre-match press conference, said he is "fine".

Possible return date: May 21 (Manchester United N).

Mikey Moore

Injury: fatigue.

Moore was also withdrawn ahead of full-time against Villa. However, Postecoglou immediately played down fears of an injury being involved, meaning he should be available for selection in Bilbao.

"I think Mikey was okay," said the Spurs boss in his post-match press conference. "It was fatigue as much as anything else. He hasn't played that sort of amount of minutes before."

Possible return date: May 21 (Manchester United N).

Dejan Kulusevski

Injury: knee

Kulusevski will miss the Europa League final after having to undergo knee surgery last week. He was forced off in the first half of Spurs' 2-0 defeat to Crystal Palace just over a week ago and Postecoglou was hopeful it was nothing more than a knock.

However, after the Manchester Evening News reported last Wednesday that it was feared he could be out of the final, it was confirmed later in the day by Spurs that he had undergone surgery.

Speaking last Thursday, 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."

Possible return date: Unknown.

Lucas Bergvall

Injury: ankle

Bergvall will also miss the clash with United after being ruled out for the rest of the season with an ankle injury. He damaged ligaments in his ankle in training ahead of Spurs' Europa League semi-final first leg win against Bodo/Glimt three weeks ago.

Bergvall, 19, has been a key player for Spurs this season, racking up 45 appearances. He had featured in all of their Europa League outings this season prior to the semi-finals.

Possible return date: pre-season.

Radu Dragusin

Injury: anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)

Dragusin is a long-term absentee after rupturing his ACL in Spurs' 3-0 win over Elfsborg in the Europa League at the end of January. He underwent surgery and has been working on his recovery since.

ACL injuries usually take around six months to recover from, meaning he could be back in time for the start of pre-season in July. He did share an encouraging update on his social media last week, posting a picture of a bag of footballs and commenting: "Off the radar, on a mission."

How Manchester United should line up in Europa League final vs Tottenham

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How Manchester United should line up in Europa League final vs Tottenham - Manchester Evening News
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Manchester United will be targeting Europa League glory when they face Tottenham Hotspur in the final at the San Mames Stadium in Bilbao tonight.

United have made it all the way to their third Europa League final in nine seasons boasting an impressive unbeaten run in the competition, winning nine and drawing five of their first 14 games, meaning they will be determined to jump the final hurdle and return to Manchester with silverware.

Just like Spurs, United have endured a wretched Premier League campaign, meaning the opportunity to win the Europa League and secure Champions League qualification for next term would salvage something from their campaign.

Regarding the team news, United head coach Ruben Amorim has taken a 26-man squad to Bilbao with him, which includes Diogo Dalot, Leny Yoro and Joshua Zirkzee, all of whom have recovered from injury issues to be involved.

Below, our writers have had their say on how they would like to see United line up in the final:

Samuel Luckhurst:

United have some genuine dilemmas. Yoro's availability is significant and Noussair Mazraoui merits a start. It should be a point of principle not to start Luke Shaw when he has lined up four times within three weeks on the eve of a final.

Ideally, United would not play Rasmus Hojlund. We know he will start but he shouldn't. United won a trophy last season because Hojlund was taken out of the team for the FA Cup final and Bruno Fernandes would be an upgrade.

You can play Fernandes anywhere and he will have an impact. United need to balance pragmatism with proactivism and not have the starting XI overloaded with defensive players.

Tyrone Marshall:

The big unknown here is the fitness of the three players who have returned to training this week. Well, two of them really, Zirkzee surely won't be fit to start.

Yoro seems the most likely to get the nod from the beginning. As a centre-back his workload is smaller and he has only really missed a week of training. That means Lindelof can drop to the bench and Yoro can line up alongside Shaw and Maguire.

Dalot is a valuable option off the bench but after a month out with a hamstring injury, I wouldn't risk starting him. He can influence the game as a sub, so Mazraoui plays on the right and Dorgu on the left. Playing Mazraoui is balanced by Fernandes dropping into a deeper midfield role alongside Casemiro, with Ugarte the unfortunate fall guy.

Moving Fernandes back will allow Amad and Mount to fill those No. 10 roles, with Garnacho primed for a role off the bench. Hojlund has to start as the striker.

Steven Railston:

The biggest game of United's season is finally here - the talking has ended and it is time for the players to deliver on the pitch. Amorim named a 26-man travelling squad for the game, but three players are guaranteed to miss out, and perhaps that's evidence of him playing mind games with Ange Postecoglou.

I'd start with Mazraoui, Maguire and Yoro in the back three, who should be able to limit Tottenham's threat. It also makes sense to start Dalot and Dorgu at wing-back.

Amad must start and I prefer him in the No.10 position for now, which means Dalot gets the nod at right wing-back in my team and Fernandes is dropped back into midfield alongside Casemiro.

Tottenham will have prepared to face an out-of-form Hojlund in the Europa League final, so starting Zirkzee would provide some unpredictability and give United a slight advantage.

George Smith:

Amorim has some tough calls to make in just about every position. Yoro's availability means he must start somewhere in the back-three, but there will be some debate about exactly where.

I would start him on the left, as that was where he was flourishing prior to his recent injury. Maguire should start in the middle and Mazraoui is a logical candidate to start on the right amid Dalot's return.

Dalot, if his fitness allows, should start at right wing-back and Dorgu is an obvious pick on the opposite flank. Casemiro and Ugarte have developed a good midfield bond in the Europa League and ought to start together in the engine room.

Amad has to start after the season he has had, meaning he should operate in the right-sided No.10 role. Hojlund has struggled for goals all season and United, despite not testing the water recently, would be better off allowing Fernandes to lead the attack as a false-nine.

As Samuel has already said, Fernandes has the ability to make something happen from just about anywhere on the pitch.

Manchester United injury news and return dates before Europa League final

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

All the very latest on the Man United injury front ahead of Wednesday night's Europa League final against Tottenham Hotspur.

Manchester United will be targeting their first piece of silverware of the Ruben Amorim era when they face Tottenham Hotspur in Wednesday night's Europa League final.

Despite the wretched nature of their domestic form this season, an unbeaten Europa League campaign has seen United reach the final in Bilbao and put them on the cusp of clinching a first European trophy since 2017.

United know that a victory over Tottenham, who have also endured a miserable Premier League campaign, will also see them qualify for next season's Champions League, meaning that could have a game-changing impact on this summer's recruitment plans.

Ahead of the trip to Bilbao, United revealed their 26-man travelling squad, which featured Diogo Dalot, Leny Yoro and Joshua Zirkzee.

With that in mind, here is all the very latest on the United injury front ahead of the Europa League final...

Diogo Dalot

Injury: calf

Dalot is in contention to return from injury against Spurs after winning his fitness battle and being included in the travelling squad. The Portugal international has missed the last six games because of a calf issue.

Amorim said last week Dalot was "trying really bad" to get himself fit in time for the final. He is now in contention to feature.

It remains to be seen just how big a role he could play after more than four weeks since his last appearance.

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

Leny Yoro

Injury: foot

Yoro is also in contention to return from injury in Bilbao after being included in the travelling squad. Like Dalot, he participated in Tuesday morning's open training session at Carrington, giving United a massive boost.

The Frenchman was forced off in United's 2-0 defeat to West Ham United just over a fortnight ago after going down not long after half-time clutching his left foot, sparking fears he could miss the final.

Having played no part against Chelsea on Friday night, he is available to face Spurs in the Basque Country.

On him, Dalot and Zirkzee being available, Amorim said at his pre-match press conference: "They recover quite well. They push, of course, and we have to respect the feeling of the player but we push a little bit, as they wanted to be part of the team. That is a very good sign.

"Very good for us. Of course, they are limited in the minutes for the game but they can help us win the game."

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

Matthijs de Ligt

Injury: knee

De Ligt did not train alongside the rest of his teammates on Tuesday morning and will subsequently miss the clash with Spurs. He has missed the last three games after being forced off against Brentford earlier this month with a knee injury.

United wanted to give him as long as possible to try and prove his fitness, but he has failed to recover in time. He trained alone with a fitness coach on Tuesday morning.

He has travelled to Spain to support his teammates.

Possible return date: Unknown.

Jonny Evans

Injury: unknown

On each of the last two occasions United's players have trained in front of the media at Carrington, Evans has been part of the main group. However, he was not included in the squad that faced Chelsea last week.

The Northern Irishman has had his fair share of injury issues in recent months, so much so he was last included in the matchday squad on Boxing Day. His last appearance for United was when he stepped off the bench to score in their 4-3 defeat to Spurs in the Carabao Cup at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium back in December.

He has been included in the squad that has travelled to Bilbao.

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

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 side of the summer. ACL injuries usually take around six months to fully recover from.

Possible return date: August.

Joshua Zirkzee

Injury: hamstring

In a shock turn of events, Zirkzee is in contention to feature against Spurs after being included in United's travelling squad. The attacker was a surprise participant in the open training session the Reds hosted before flying to Bilbao.

Zirkzee was expected to be out for the remainder of the season after suffering a hamstring injury against Newcastle United last month, with Amorim saying the focus for him was on getting prepared for next season.

However, Amorim will be able to turn to him against Spurs if he is needed, either as a starter or via the bench.

Six players ruled out of Manchester United vs Tottenham Europa League final

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Either Man United or Tottenham will be crowned Europa League winners this evening and secure a place in next season's Champions League.

It's matchday. Manchester United will face Tottenham Hotspur tonight with the Europa League trophy and a place in next season's Champions League up for grabs.

There was good news for United yesterday as Leny Yoro and Diogo Dalot both took part in training at Carrington before being named in Ruben Amorim's 26-man travelling squad for the trip to Bilbao.

The biggest surprise was they were joined by Joshua Zirkzee. The Dutchman has been out of action since the defeat to Newcastle on April 13 and even though he recently claimed it would not be "impossible" for him to recover in time for the final, it seemed very unlikely after Amorim had previously ruled him out for the season.

The United head coach said of the trio: "They recovered quite well. They pushed. Of course we respect the feeling of the player, but we pushed a little bit because they wanted to be part of the team and that is a very, very good sign.

"And it's very good for us. Of course they are limited in the minutes for the game, but they can help us to win the game."

There wasn't such good news on Matthijs de Ligt. The defeneder has travelled to Bilbao with his teammates but will play no part in tonight's game, meaning the Dutchman and Lisandro Martinez are the only two United players to miss out through injury.

While United will be missing just two players tonight, Spurs have bigger problems.

Dejan Kulusevski picked up a knee injury against Crystal Palace recently and will miss the final having undergone surgery, with James Maddison also set to miss out. The latter has travelled with the squad, sparking talk that he could make a return from injury having been ruled out for the season. However, Ange Postecoglou confirmed Spurs' injury situation hasn't changed and so Maddison remains out of action.

Postecoglou also confirmed that Lucas Bergvall is still sidelined. Radu Dragusin is a long-term absentee having ruptured his ACL in January and he will play no part tonight.

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Who does Roy Keane support as Man United legend prepares for Tottenham Europa League final

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Manchester United legend Roy Keane will be covering the Europa League final for CBS Sports on Wednesday night

Manchester United legend Roy Keane has already insisted that he will not have split loyalties on Wednesday night when he covers the Europa League final, but he may not be over the moon if the Reds are victorious.

Keane remains a legend at Old Trafford and his name is regularly sung by the Stretford End, even to this day. The Irishman made 479 appearances for United and won a host of accolades including; seven Premier League titles, the Champions League, four FA Cups and four Community Shields.

Despite such a historic run with United and him being a clear favourite with the fanbase, he has regularly admitted that he does not support the team. His loyalties as a child were actually with United's Europa League final opponents Tottenham Hotspur.

As quoted at a charity event by the Daily Mail in 2015, Keane explained: "Just because I played for Manchester United didn't mean I was a fan of the team. When I played for Rockmount, one of my teammate's fathers used to bring me to training and he supported Tottenham.

"That's where it started, I liked their players, the likes of Glenn Hoddle and Clive Allen. But after I'd come back from trial at Nottingham Forest, Spurs offered me a trial.

"I turned it down because Forest had been good to me, I liked the club and felt some loyalty to them. I had a soft spot for Spurs, and still do."

Keane would reiterate his support for Spurs in 2023 on the Stick to Football podcast when he told Ian Wright: "I am a Spurs fan. I played for Man United but Spurs are my team."

The 53-year-old has backtracked slightly on his support for Tottenham recently and instead named another team that he follows. Again though, that club was not United.

"I don’t have that [affinity] with the clubs I’ve played for," he told the Stick to Football podcast in February. "I don’t support Manchester United, absolutely not. I don’t support Nottingham Forest.

"No, you feel you have more of an insight with how it works at the club and the expectations, but I wouldn’t say that I’m a fan – their results don’t make or break my weekend. I wouldn’t go home going: 'Get in there, that was a great win.'

"You're going on about growing up watching teams, the team I have a soft spot for is Juventus. I like Juventus, I've always had a soft spot for Juventus."

Keane will be making his CBS Sport debut on Wednesday night when he joins their team for the Europa League final. He will be a pundit alongside Jamie Carragher and Micah Richards.

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