Daily Mail

Tottenham face Manchester United in the Europa League final next Wednesday

James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski and Lucas Bergvall have picked up injuries

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Ange Postecoglou has vowed to take no risks in Tottenham's last match before the Europa League final and angrily rejected accusations he is threatening the Premier League's integrity.

'I'm not sure what people are talking about when they talk about the integrity of the game, I don't know what that means,' said the Spurs boss ahead of Friday night's game at Aston Villa, who are among those competing for the top five and a place in next season's Champions League.

'We have certainly put out teams this year that because of our injury situation were not the strongest, but we still needed to play those games and it's the same with other clubs.

'If anyone thinks we are going to go out there and not do our absolute best to win - that's the only time when integrity gets questioned.'

Postecoglou recalled his clashes with Tottenham fans a year ago, when they celebrated losing to Manchester City because it stopped Arsenal winning the title.

'Apparently I was in the wrong for trying to win a game of football,' he said. 'That's where integrity comes into it. That's why I was so strong on it.

'When you put a line-up out there, you are trying to win a game of football but at the same time every club has its own interests and you have to prioritise what's important for your club.

'Champions League is very important for all those clubs fighting for it at the moment, I can see how important it is and every game and every decision is crucial but we are in exactly the same boat.

'We've got Champions League qualification plus a trophy to win. It would be negligent of me if I wasn't doing the best thing for our football club to make sure we achieve that.'

Spurs, who face Manchester United in the Europa League final on Wednesday in Bilbao, have suffered from injuries all season and the latest victim is Dejan Kulusevski, set for months out after damaging a kneecap in an innocuous collision with Marc Guehi against Crystal Palace on Sunday.

Kulusevski has undergone surgery and his absence leaves Postecoglou short of midfield creativity with James Maddison out for three months with a knee injury and Lucas Bergvall not yet back from an ankle injury.

'We can't lose another player to an injury,' the Spurs boss added. 'It's just too finely balanced for us considering what's at stake. Villa are obviously going for Champions League football and you see how important it is to them and we're doing the same.'

Dejan Kulusevski has undergone knee surgery and will not play in the Europa League final.

It is the latest blow to Tottenham who are already without creative midfielders James Maddison and Lucas Bergvall for the showdown with Manchester United in Bilbao on Wednesday.

Maddison and Bergvall will not play again this season and although Spurs have not specified a timeframe for Kulusevski’s absence his season is also most likely to be over.

The 25-year-old Sweden international was Tottenham’s best player by some distance during the first half of the season until February when a foot injury ruled him out for six weeks.

He has not recaptured the same form since and was selected to start against Palace, when most of the first team were rested, in the hope it might help him find his rhythm again.

Kulusevski lasted only 19 minutes before he had to be replaced and, although boss Ange Postecoglou said he was hopeful it was nothing more than a knock, it has turned out to be more serious.

Maddison damaged knee ligament in the first leg of the Europa League semi-final against Bodo/Glimt and is expected to be out for three months. Bergvall injured an ankle in training on the eve of the same game.

This leaves Postecoglou short of specialist midfielders. Rodrigo Bentancur, Yves Bissouma and Pape Matar Sarr are his senior options. Archie Gray, 19, will also come into the equation.

Manchester United and Tottenham supporters have been warned to expect eye-watering prices for alcoholic beverages in Bilbao for the Europa League final.

The message comes after hotel accommodation in the city that will host the finale next week shot up by 900 per cent after the Red Devils and Spurs confirmed their spot in the showpiece.

Bilbao is expecting some 80,000 supporters to descend on the Basque city for the event with the city's residents braced for an invasion the likes of which they have 'never faced' before, according to reports in Spain.

Rather predictably, local vendors will be keen to exploit the explosion in their prospective customer base and raise prices to maximise their profits. However, Basque Consumers and Users Organization delegate Kepa Loizaga has criticised the practice that has seen prices balloon '7, 8, and even 9 times'.

Loizaga urged bars and restaurants to 'not sell pints of beer for 10 euros' as was the case during the European rugby cup finals in 2018.

Additionally, he hit out at the 'disproportionate and exorbitant' pricing policy carried out by many of Bilbao hoteliers and also issued a warning to the city about the image it is projecting to the world.

'We already know that almost all businesses operate according to supply and demand, both flights and accommodations,' he told Bilbao outlet El Correo. 'There are no limits on increases or decreases. Everyone sells their product as they wish.'

He added: 'What we are conveying to the rest of the world is very negative.'

The two Premier League sides booked their spot in the final following impressive wins against Athletic Bilbao and Bodo/Glimt respectively, and will look to salvage their seasons at San Mames after less than impressive league showings.

Ange Postecoglou's side currently sit 17th in the Premier League standings, with Ruben Amorim's players just one spot above them in 16th place.

However, the road to securing both a ticket and a bed to sleep in on the night of May 21 continues to be exceptionally challenging, with fans set to pay thousands for travel and accommodation.

Despite the obstacles, scores of British fans will make the journey, with El Correo suggesting that Man United and Spurs fans are set to 'colonise' the Basque city.

As per the Spanish outlet, at least half of the fans making the journey to Bilbao will likely arrive without a ticket, with Joseba Goirigolzarri, the president of three-to-five-star hotel union Destino Bilbao suggesting that British fans will 'negotiate with sponsors, federations, and specialized travel agencies and explore every possible avenue to gain entry to San Mames'.

Other voices interviewed in the report, such as Hector Sanchez who manages the Bizkaia Hotel and Restaurant Association (AHB) has stressed that 'the volume of people this match will attract is unique.

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'We've never faced anything like this in the city.'

However, the influx is likely to be welcomed by the city's hoteliers, vendors, and restauranteurs, with one hospitality business owner delighted by the two teams that have made it to the final.

'They have high purchasing power, and are bigger spenders and drinkers than others,' said Felix Parte.

Whether that remains the case after expenses have been paid for the journey to and from the coastal city remains to be seen, with Mail Sport reporting on Friday morning after confirmation of the final that the cheapest flight to get from London to Bilbao on May 21 would run Spurs fans a whopping £355 for a one-way ticket.

Gary Neville took a sledgehammer to Manchester United's Europa League final hopes by admitting Tottenham are the pound-for-pound favourites.

The Old Trafford legend believes only one United star would be a definite starter in Ange Postecoglou's side.

And Neville revealed that he is 'really worried' about the long-term consequences of losing next week's final - so much so that he has a 'sickly feeling'.

United and Spurs meet in Bilbao to compete for silverware and a place in the Champions League, a chance to salvage their seasons.

They are, by their league placements, the worst ever Europa League finalists. But seldom has a final in Europe's second competition felt grander in terms of the heritage of its competitors.

'I've genuinely got a sickly feeling about this game next Wednesday,' Neville told The Overlap Fan Debate, brought to you by Sky Bet.

'The biggest reason is when I look at every single player in the Tottenham team, when you look at (Dejan) Kulusevski, Son (Heung-min), Brennan Johnson, (Dominic) Solanke, if (James) Maddison was there, (Yves) Bissouma and (Pape Matar) Sarr, (Cristian) Romero and (Micky) Van de Ven, (Pedro) Porro and (Destiny) Udogie, when you look at those players, like-for-like with United's, only Bruno (Fernandes) would get into the first 11 of Spurs.

'I would select every single Tottenham player. The goalkeeper is a 50-50 split because I don't like (Guglielmo) Vicario and I'm not a fan of (Andre) Onana.

'Honestly, Udogie, Porro, Van de Ven, Romero, Bissouma, Sarr, Johnson, Maddison, Solanke, Kulusevski, Son, I would choose every single player of Tottenham's over Manchester United's next Wednesday. That's my worry.

'The one thing that keeps me alive - the likes of a Casemiro, a Bruno, they've got something in them that will step up for a one-off game that means I think that we'll win.

'But if the players play as they should do, pound-for-pound, Tottenham should win that game.'

He added: 'When I look now at what's going on, it's really worrying. If they don't win the Europa League, that means they won't have the players they want next season which means they might not get the Champions League again, which means they literally kick it on for another two or three years.'

One thing that will soothe Neville somewhat is the fact that Maddison will not be available.

The Spurs creator admitted he is 'gutted' to miss out on the clash after sustaining a knee injury in the first leg of their semi-final against Bodo/Glimt.

Ruben Amorim admitted he was 'worried' about keeping all of his stars fit.

Captain Fernandes, scorer of 19 goals this season and provider of a further 19, is particularly important to their chances.

'We have to have a full squad [against Tottenham], stay in the game and have a bit of luck and we have to be clinical,' said Amorim.

‘It’s quite similar for me and Ange [Postecoglou]. It is a tough moment [for us both] and one of us is going to win. It's going to be a big final and we will try to win.’

Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur fans attending the Europa League final in Bilbao are facing further travel chaos as one of the city's main stations will be closed on the day of the match.

Supporters of both sides have already had to fork out for expensive flights and hotels to get to the Spanish city for the clash at San Mames on May 21.

Authorities are expecting more than 80,000 fans in Bilbao for the final - thousands of whom will be without tickets.

Each club has been allocated nearly 15,000 seats but many more are set to travel to soak up the atmosphere and be part of a momentous occasion for both teams.

Those in the city will have to find alternative routes to the stadium as San Mames metro station, which serves the stadium, will be closed from 3pm on matchday.

It comes amid fears of a 'crush' and overcrowding at the station, according to Bilbao daily newspaper El Correo.

The publication reported that it would be the first time the station will be fully shut on the day of a major event, with fans not allowed to enter or exit.

More frequent trains will run on the metro until 3am, while the stadium is within walking distance from the city centre.

But the closure adds to the issues supporters will encounter when they are in the city.

Local authorities will aim to keep United and Spurs fans apart on the day of the match. Their respective fan zones are on opposite sides of the relatively small city to prevent mixing before the game.

Residents are braced for an invasion the likes of which they have 'never faced' before, according to reports in Spain, with El Correo suggesting that Man United and Spurs fans are set to 'colonise' the Basque city.

Fans are set to spend thousands on flights and accommodation, with airlines and hoteliers hiking up the price to capitalise on demand.

Direct return flights to Bilbao are available but are costing up to £1,700, according to Skyscanner.

Fans may have spotted a more cost-effective method of travel and booked an £108 one-way coach - but the 26-hour journey time and fixed London departure may not appeal to the majority of travelling fans.

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Other supporters may be making the journey by car, but could still face just under £200-worth of costs, with journeying through the pricey Channel Tunnel the only fastest route available.

When in Bilbao, the city is likely to be overflowing, with El Correo citing the hotel industry's ability to sleep just 15,000 people in their 5,000 hotel rooms.

Prices for rooms of any kind have soared ahead of next Wednesday's showpiece, with almost every hotel in the city reportedly sold out, and those available priced some way above their regular value.

The winner of the final will also qualify for next season's Champions League.

Tottenham fans are expected to significantly outnumber Manchester United supporters in Bilbao, Mail Sport understands.

While both clubs have been allocated 15,000 seats for the Europa League Final on Wednesday, it is believed that around 15,000 Spurs fans without tickets will travel to the Basque country, compared to around 2,000 followers of United in a similar position.

While Spurs did go to the Champions League final in 2019, it is thought the novelty value is behind more numbers of their supporters travelling to sample the atmosphere.

Before 2019, their last appearance at a European final came in 1984. Meetings were held between both clubs on Friday and Saturday to plan for the match at the 53,000-capacity San Mames stadium.

Officers in Bilbao have travelled to Wembley where their British counterparts provided information on how to provide a ring of steel around the perimeter of the ground.

Following the wake of harrowing disorder outside the national stadium at the 2021 European Championship final, when ticketless fans stormed the venue ahead of England’s clash with Italy, a series of new security measures were introduced.

Similar to Wembley, Athletic’s home is located in a mainly built up area with bars and restaurants close to turnstiles. There is, however, a confidence that those without tickets will not be able to find a way inside for the season-defining clash.

Officers from Greater Manchester Police, Met Police and the UK Football Policing Unit will be in Bilbao for the fixture and have been working with the local force, the Ertzaintza, with whom they enjoy a strong relationship.

The Ertzaintza has a reputation for a more light-handed approach than forces in many other Spanish cities and their trip to London has been seen as a measure of their willingness to co-operate.

Officials at United and Spurs have often worked closely together in the past and there is a keen desire to ensure fans do not experience the issues suffered at recent Champions League finals in Istanbul and Paris.

Two separate fan zones will be set up, and no issues with locals are expected. Those who live in Bilbao are passionate about football and are known for their warm hospitality.

Over 80,000 fans of Manchester United and Tottenham are expected to descend on Bilbao for this year's Europa League final next week, with the city's residents braced for an invasion the likes of which they have 'never faced' before, according to reports in Spain.

The two Premier League sides booked their spot in the final following impressive wins against Athletic Bilbao and Bodo/Glimt respectively, and will look to salvage their seasons at San Mames after less than impressive league showings.

Ange Postecoglou's side currently sit 17th in the Premier League standings, with Ruben Amorim's players just one spot above them in 16th place.

But both sides have an opportunity to seize a place in next season's Champions League cohort despite missing out on top-five status in Bilbao, with fans clamouring for tickets to take in the occasion.

However, the road to securing both a ticket and a bed to sleep in on the night of May 21 continues to be exceptionally challenging, with fans set to pay thousands for travel and accommodation.

Despite the obstacles, scores of British fans will make the journey, with El Correo suggesting that Man United and Spurs fans are set to 'colonise' the Basque city.

As per the Spanish outlet, at least half of the fans making the journey to Bilbao will likely arrive without a ticket, with Joseba Goirigolzarri, the president of three-to-five-star hotel union Destino Bilbao suggesting that British fans will 'negotiate with sponsors, federations, and specialized travel agencies and explore every possible avenue to gain entry to San Mames'.

Other voices interviewed in the report, such as Hector Sanchez who manages the Bizkaia Hotel and Restaurant Association (AHB) has stressed that 'the volume of people this match will attract is unique.

'We've never faced anything like this in the city.'

However, the influx is likely to be welcomed by the city's hoteliers, vendors, and restauranteurs, with one hospitality business owner delighted by the two teams that have made it to the final.

'They have high purchasing power, and are bigger spenders and drinkers than others,' said Felix Parte.

Whether that remains the case after expenses have been paid for the journey to and from the coastal city remains to be seen, with Mail Sport reporting on Friday morning after confirmation of the final that the cheapest flight to get from London to Bilbao on May 21 would run Spurs fans a whopping £355 for a one-way ticket.

At the time of writing, a return flight leaving London Gatwick on May 21 and returning on May 22 starts at £668, as per Skyscanner.

In the aftermath of Thursday's fixtures, fans may have spotted a more cost-effective method of travel and booked an £108 one-way coach - but the 26-hour journey time and fixed London departure may not appeal to the majority of travelling fans.

Your browser does not support iframes.

Other supporters may be making the journey by car, but could still face just under £200-worth of costs, with journeying through the pricey Channel Tunnel the only fastest route available.

When in Bilbao, the city is likely to be overflowing, with El Correo citing the hotel industry's ability to sleep just 15,000 people in their 5,000 hotel rooms.

Prices for rooms of any kind have soared in the countdown to next Wednesday's tournament crescendo, with almost every hotel in the city reportedly sold out, and those available priced some way above their regular value.

The report notes that increases have climbed as high as seven-fold in both Bilbao and neighbouring towns, with one hotel, Letoh Letoh, offering an economy room without breakfast for £2,795 via Booking.com.

Airbnbs or private rooms for rent are no cheaper, with El Correo finding one room in a shared apartment available near San Mames for over £841 (€1,000) with eight days to go until the final.

Bilbao's hospitality industry could also be hit with challenges from the city as they seek to police the final, with the newspaper reporting that a meeting at the AHB on Monday failed to offer clarity over whether the security plan will allow for businesses around San Mames to stay open.

Restaurants have been closed in the build-up to Athletic Club's last three home matches, and those working in the vicinity of the final are keen not to miss out on what could be a bumper day's trade.

'The Ertzaintza (city's) police arrive without any prior warning, ask us to evacuate customers, and then immediately prevent others from entering. In practical terms, for us, it's like being closed,' one source told the outlet.

Meanwhile, the outlet also confirmed the location of the two fan zones for the tie, with Tottenham's located in the south of the city, in Parque Ametzola.

Manchester United fans will be housed in the Parque Etxebarria, on the east side of Bilbao.

Amorim will remain in charge of United even if they lose the Europa League final

United bosses believe the Portuguese manager deserves a summer window

LISTEN NOW: It's All Kicking Off! Why Liverpool fans must not let Trent Alexander-Arnold row spoil their title party

Ruben Amorim will remain in charge of Manchester United even if they lose the Europa League final to Tottenham Hotspur and miss out on next season's Champions League.

United have endured a deeply disappointing domestic campaign and currently sit in 16th in the Premier League, a mere two places above the relegation zone.

The Red Devils have lost 17 league games, their worst display in 51 years, while Amorim's win record of 24 per cent is the lowest of any manager since Sir Alex Ferguson.

Under the Portuguese boss, they have won just six of their 25 league matches, while he has overseen an FA Cup exit to Fulham and a League Cup loss against Spurs.

Following their 2-0 home defeat to West Ham, an 'embarassed' Amorim admitted he may need to quit if he can't turn around his side's woeful form.

However, his job remains safe for next season with the club's hierarchy believing he needs a summer transfer window to build his squad and sign his own players, according to The Guardian.

Wolves's Matheus Cunha and Ipswich striker Liam Delap have been identified as key targets in Amorim's rebuild.

But United need to sell players to raise funds to sign the pair, with Cunha's release clause costing £62.5million and Delap's priced at £30m.

Cunha has been one of the breakout stars of the season with 15 goals and six assists in the Premier League despite Wolves' largely poor form throughout the current campaign.

Moreover, his performances have been a key reason for Wolves' resurgence in the top-flight under Vitor Pereira.

One of the key reasons behind United's pursuit lies in his familiarity with Ruben Amorim's preferred 3-4-2-1 formation.

Meanwhile, United legend Rio Ferdinand believes as many as 50 per cent of Manchester United's current squad could be cut in a summer rebuild.

Ferdinand, who believes Amorim needs at least two transfer windows to construct a squad capable of carrying out his vision, said: 'I think he looks around the dressing room and thinks "If I could wave a magic wand, in the next five years at least 50 per cent of this team wouldn't be here"

'Because they're not good enough and they're not right for the way he wants to play.'

'I look at him and think that he needs, minimum, two good windows of getting rid of the ones he doesn't require but also getting in players that he really needs.'

Despite fuming at a lack of 'urgency' in his side following the defeat to West Ham and accusing his players of not caring about losing matches anymore, Amorim said he knows how to fix United.

'I talk with the board, with everybody and even with the fans in every moment,' he said. 'I have a clear feeling that I know what this team needs to be so much better, and that has helped me to maintain that level of not go down so much and not so high in some moments.'

United travel to Stamford Bridge on Friday before concluding their season by welcoming Aston Villa to Old Trafford.

They face Spurs in the Europa League final on May 21, knowing a win will seal Champions League qualification and give fans something to cheer about after a miserable campaign.

Real Madrid are set to appoint Xabi Alonso as Carlo Ancelotti's successor

The Spanish giants are keen to rebuild their defence after the Spaniard's arrival

LISTEN NOW: It's All Kicking Off! Why Liverpool fans must not let Trent Alexander-Arnold row spoil their title party

Real Madrid are preparing to launch a shock summer move for a Tottenham defender this summer, a report has claimed.

The LaLiga giants, whose trophy-laden era under Carlo Ancelotti came to an end on Monday after the Italian was confirmed as the new manager of Brazil's national team, are gearing up for a crucial summer in the transfer market.

Former Los Blancos star Xabi Alonso is imminently expected to take over at the Bernabeu following an impressive stint at Bayer Leverkusen, where he won the Bundesliga undefeated last campaign.

Ahead of the Spaniard's arrival, Real Madrid chiefs are already lining up a summer swoop for Cristian Romero — with the manager reportedly a huge fan of the centre-half.

According to The Sun, Alonso is confident Romero would be the perfect addition to Real Madrid's squad and help him win silverware in his debut season at the Bernabeu.

The Spanish club are set to finish the campaign without success in the Champions League, Copa del Rey or LaLiga, having slipped seven points behind Barcelona with three games to go following a 4-3 defeat in El Clasico on Sunday.

Real Madrid's Champions League title defence was cut short by Arsenal at the quarter-final stage, while Ancelotti's side were beaten again by Barcelona in the Copa del Rey final.

Despite Real Madrid's pursuit of Romero, the report claims that Spurs have no interest in selling the World Cup winner.

Tottenham, who themselves have endured a woeful season and currently sit 17th in the Premier League with just two matches to play, may struggle to convince Romero to stay if Real Madrid come knocking.

The north London club can still qualify for the Champions League by winning next week's huge Europa League final against fellow strugglers Manchester United, which could prove significant ahead of the summer transfer window for Tottenham.

Real Madrid are reportedly keen to rebuild their defence this summer ahead of the imminent arrival of Liverpool right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold.

The Los Blancos defence has been criticised and questioned throughout a below-par season at the Bernabeu, and the club are keen to reshape their back line beyond just the signing of Alexander-Arnold.

It is claimed that Romero would partner Antonio Rudiger at the heart of defence should Real Madrid be successful in their pursuit of the Argentine.

Meanwhile, Alexander-Arnold was loudly booed by supporters when introduced as a substitute midway through Liverpool's 2-2 draw with Arsenal on Sunday.

A significant proportion of Liverpool fans feel let down by the right-back's decision to run his contract down and orchestrate a move to the Bernabeu.

Speaking on Alexander-Arnold's exit on Monday, Reds captain Virgil van Dijk urged there is 'no better place' than Liverpool having himself agreed a deal to stay at Anfield beyond their title-winning triumph this term.

'For me there is no other place to be at this point,' said the Dutchman. 'Everyone shares different opinions and he feels like he has done it all – and he did it – and he wants to try something different.

'You are speaking about one of the biggest clubs of all in Real Madrid, who he might go to as I read in the media! The decision is made. We are all gutted, players as well, as he is a fantastic player.'

Man United head into next Wednesday's Europa League final knowing that victory over Tottenham would give them a triumphant end to a miserable season, a ticket to the Champions League and an estimated dividend of £85million.

The club are in desperate need of something to cheer after a dismal Premier League campaign which has included 17 defeats and sees them just two places above the relegation spots in 16th.

Lifting the Europa League in Bilbao would go some way to atoning for that form and give their supporters cause to celebrate.

In March, Newcastle marked their first piece of domestic silverware since 1970 with a raucous bus parade through the city centre. Liverpool will do likewise on May 26 to celebrate their Premier League triumph.

However, according to reports, Man United plan commemorate their potential trophy win with a low-key barbeque at the club's Carrington training ground which is undergoing major building works.

The Times are reporting that Old Trafford chiefs have decided that the club's schedule would make an open-top bus parade through Manchester unviable.

Ruben Amorim's men face Aston Villa in the league four days after their final with the whole first-team flying off on a post-season tour to Asia straight afterwards.

They play in Kuala Lumpur on May 28 before another game in Hong Kong on May 30 and then the players will need to report straight for international duty.

Tottenham, on the other hand, are expected to go ahead with a parade should they win their first piece of silverware since the 2008 League Cup. That would take place before their final league game of the season against Brighton.

It is the latest party-pooping news from Old Trafford after Mail Sport revealed last week that the club would not be handing free tickets to staff for final. United are holding a ballot with a small number of tickets available for their staff.

For the majority, they are hosting a screening in Manchester with the invite open to plus-ones. Mail Sport understands the member of staff will be given two free drinks, while their guests will have to pay for theirs.

The last time Man United had an open-top bus parade was in 2013 to mark the club’s 20th top-flight title and Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement. That year an estimated 100,000 people lined the streets to celebrate their success.