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UEFA has announced the referee line-ups for all major finals set to take place later in the coming weeks, including Manchester United's Europa League showdown against Tottenham Hotspur. United and Spurs will clash in an all-English affair at San Mames Stadium as both clubs eye season-saving silverware and Champions League qualification.

On Monday, UEFA revealed that Germany's Felix Zwayer will be the man in the middle in Bilbao, with compatriots Robert Kempter and Christian Dietz named as his assistants. Italy's Maurizio Mariani and Daniele Bindoni have been appointed the fourth official and reserve assistant referee, respectively.

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Bastian Dankert will serve as the video assistant referee (VAR), with fellow German Benjamin Brand his assistant. Carlos del Cerro Grande of Spain is set to be on VAR support duty.

Zwayer is a seasoned professional and well qualified to take charge of a match of the magnitude of the Europa League final on May 21.

The 43-year-old has been an international referee since 2012 and will be officiating his second UEFA final after the 2023 Nations League meeting between Croatia and Spain.

He has worked seven Champions League matches this season, including the semi-final second leg between Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal at the Parc des Princes.

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Zwayer has also been the referee for two Europa League games and one Conference League outing.

His international experience extends further to Euro 2024, where he was man in the middle in four matches, including England's semi-final victory against the Netherlands.

Zwayer was a real estate broker living in Berlin before starting refereeing in 2004. However, a year later, he was involved in a match-fixing scandal that stalled his career.

The German joined several other referees in reporting 2. Bundesliga official Robert Hoyzer for taking bribes to fix matches.

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But Zwayer himself was hit with a six-month ban, having admitted to also accepting a bribe worth £252 (€300) to favour German club Wuppertaler SV.

He left the controversy behind him to enjoy a successful refereeing career in Germany and across the world, but the incident has resurfaced in recent years.

In December 2021, Jude Bellingham referenced Zwayer's past after Borussia Dortmund were denied a penalty and coach Marco Rose saw red in a match against Bayern Munich.

The outburst prompted Zwayer to take a break from football before returning in February 2022 to officiate in 2. Bundesliga.

Manchester United's season has been a tumultuous journey, yet there remains a glimmer of hope for a triumphant finale as they clinched their place in the Europa League final. Ruben Amorim's troops annihilated Athletic Club with a staggering 7-1 aggregate win, paving the way for a face-off with Tottenham Hotspur in Bilbao in a mere 10 days.

Spurs also enjoyed a commendable run, trouncing Bodo/Glimt 5-1 over two matches. Despite their domestic woes, Ange Postecoglou's squad have managed to find victory over the Red Devils on three occasions this term. For Spurs, hoisting the trophy would end a 17-year dry spell, while for United, it could offer a silver lining to an otherwise lacklustre season. It's worth bearing in mind that the victors of the Europa League automatically secure a berth in next season's Champions League. However, for United, this might not be a foregone conclusion.

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Under previous UEFA regulations, two clubs under the same ownership cannot participate in different European tournaments. Given Sir Jim Ratcliffe's stakes in both Man United and Ligue 1 outfit Nice, it would have been unfeasible for both teams to compete in Europe.

Despite suffering a 2-0 defeat to Rennes on Saturday, Nice are well-placed to qualify for next season's Champions League as they currently occupy fourth spot in the Ligue 1 standings. Regulations have shifted last year to allow ownership of multiple clubs, assessing each case on an individual basis. This is the case with Manchester City and Girona, both under the City Group umbrella, playing in this season's tournament.

United has run into complications from Ratcliffe's ties with Nice, exemplified by the blockade of Jean-Clair Todibo's potential transition to Old Trafford. Nonetheless, United retains grounds for optimism about the predicament.

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Ratcliffe is rumoured to be mulling over the sale of the French outfit. A sale before a distinct cut-off date, paired with United clinching the Europa League title and a Champions League slot for Nice, would avert issues. Moreover, UEFA has spelled out that the approach isn’t universally applicable. Even if Ratcliffe keeps stakes in both squads, affiliation in European competition could still happen for both, as implied by a UEFA release.

The statement articulated that "no one is simultaneously involved, directly or indirectly, in any capacity whatsoever in the management, administration and/or sporting performance of more than one club participating in a UEFA club competition; and no one has control or decisive influence over more than one club participating in a UEFA club competition."

Hence, all that's truly needed is proof that the two clubs aren't managed simultaneously. Ratcliffe's plan to sell his stake in Nice could undoubtedly bolster their case should the worst occur.

"Everyone got through OK the other night. Half hopeful that we get Sonny some minutes tomorrow so he'll be the only one that sort of can come back in," Postecoglou revealed.

"I think what we do know about Thursday night, playing on an artificial pitch takes a lot out of the players, it's fair to say they were sore.

"I remember when we played Tamworth, we actually got a couple of injuries in the game straight after that, I think, because of the surface. So, we've got to be really careful about tomorrow's game, but next Friday it's a bit different.

"I think we've just got to make decisions we think (are right). Ultimately we want to be in a great condition come the final of Europa, so we'll use that."

Defenders Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven and Destiny Udogie are expected to be rested against Palace, which will be Postecoglou's 98th match in charge of Spurs.

The Australian will bring up a century of fixtures as Tottenham boss in the Europa League final against Manchester United and reflected on their achievements during a roller coaster season.

"I think it is quite a significant achievement, you know, we've got ourselves to a European final and it hasn't been without its challenges for sure," Postecoglou said.

"It hasn't been a smooth run. It's well chronicled but irrespective of all that, just to reach a final of a major tournament, it's hugely satisfying, but also, like I said after the game, really proud of the way this group has found a way.

"It'd be a nice little bow there for that 100 and it's been a really full 100. It's fair to say I've experienced just about every emotion in it and hopefully the one main emotion we're all after will be the joy at the end of it.

"We have had a ridiculous injury-riddled season coupled by the fact we've done really well in two competitions and that is 60 games.

"So, it has felt - and certainly for me personally it has felt - like a really, really long season, but you just get energy and realise what happened the other night and you're so close to achieving something special that it all dissipates into the background, so you get the energy you need."

Tottenham centre-back Micky van de Ven insists his team will walk into the Europa League final without a shred of fear against Manchester United. The rock-solid Dutchman, instrumental in Spurs' string of European clean sheets including their most recent outing in Norway against Bodo/Glimt, is bullish about facing Ruben Amorim's outfit in Bilbao later this month.

He said of the Red Devils: "They played Athletic Club, a really good team and it was 7-1 over the two games. So they've also shown some real quality in Europe. We knew it's going to be a different game, everything can happen in a final but we're not going there with fear, of course. We know our qualities, we know it's going to be a difficult game as Man United have also shown their quality in this European campaign."

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Spurs are on a path to shatter a 17-year trophy drought while also harking back to a bygone era – it's been 41 years since Tottenham last hoisted European silverware (the UEFA Cup). Yet, van de Ven is certain that coach Ange Postecoglou's side can overturn their fate by capping off a turbulent season with the ultimate prize.

He declared: "Everybody goes to Bilbao to win a trophy. It has been a tough season and it will only be successful if we win the Europa League and get that trophy.

"To be in a European final with Tottenham is a big thing for the fans, the club and me personally, I'm really proud to be part of it."

Recovering from an early-season hamstring setback which reduced his group stage contribution to just 135 minutes, Van de Ven returned to form, pairing up with the influential skipper Cristian Romero for a commanding performance in the Arctic Circle.

Van de Ven lavished praise on the exceptional Argentine, acknowledging his leadership qualities in Son Heung-min's absence.

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Van de Ven remarked: "Cuti's an unbelievable player. You can see that mentality wise. With the ball, without the ball, he knows how it is to play these types of games.

"You can see it in how he is, he shows so much to the rest, he helps the whole team. About our partnership, with Cuti we feel each other, he knows what to do, I know what to do, we back each other."

Meanwhile, Dominic Solanke, who scored in both legs of the semi-final, cautioned his team-mates against complacency, despite having defeated Manchester United three times this season.

Solanke commented: "Yeah, a little bit, but obviously it's going to be a completely different game, different circumstances. Finals are never easy.

"We're both in the final for a reason, we've both done well in Europe, so we know it's going to be a difficult game. Pressure is a privilege, when you're at big clubs, you always want to be fighting for silverware."

Ruben Amorim has made it clear that Manchester United's key players will not be given a complete rest ahead of their Europa League final clash with Tottenham. Despite planning to rotate his squad for Sunday's match against West Ham at Old Trafford, Amorim emphasised the need for his star players to maintain their sharpness for the final in Bilbao on May 21.

Captain Bruno Fernandes, defenders Harry Maguire and Noussair Mazraoui, midfielder Casemiro, and winger Alejandro Garnacho will all be rested from the starting line-up against the Hammers. However, they will all take part in the match against Chelsea prior to the Europa League final. Amorim conceded that they cannot risk entering such a crucial game without maintaining their match fitness and rhythm. "No, they will play, because sometimes it's better to play," stated Amorim. "What I will protect is those players who can get an injury.

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"The last game before Tottenham, away to Chelsea, was moved to Friday, so we will have time to recover. Bruno doesn't have the problem of any injury, but Harry has, so we will have to manage that. But they have to play and it's better to play than to stay out."

United's impressive 4-1 semi-final second-leg victory over Athletic Bilbao, securing a 7-1 aggregate win, saw several players return to form after lengthy injury absences.

Mason Mount, who scored twice after coming off the bench, along with Amad and Luke Shaw, continued their recovery from injury and are expected to start Sunday's game and vie for a place in the final.

"With some players, we have some doubts that they will recover, but they will push forward a little bit," Amorim revealed. "We have to manage that, not to take risks and then to have big issues. Of course, they will fight for a place in the final.

"They will be ready, excited. That's a good thing, not just for the final, but also to prepare for the games of the Premier League, with something in our minds that we can win. It's going to be massive.

"I think it's a good thing for the players that we will not have a lot of training sessions. They will fight for their places in the final in these next two games. Against Brentford, we made some mistakes and I felt that some of our players were thinking about this game [against Bilbao]."

With three Premier League fixtures remaining this term, Amorim has acknowledged the Europa League as the main focus but recognises the importance of fielding a team that can triumph in domestic matches too.

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"We have to acknowledge that we are Manchester United," Amorim asserted. "We need to win games also in the Premier League.

"We have to use every game to improve, even to prepare for the final, but especially to prepare for the future.

"Of course, I will try to manage everything. They don't need a lot of load now, so the training sessions are going to be soft in that department. But of course they will push each other."

Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou took a thinly-veiled dig at Arsenal after reaching the final of the Europa League. Spurs got the job done in the Arctic Circle, winning 2-0 away to Bodo/Glimt after already beating the Norwegian side in north London. They will face Manchester United in the final.

There have been some complaints raised that either Tottenham or United will be in the Champions League next season, courtesy of winning the Europa League, despite their disastrous Premier League campaigns. United and Spurs are 15th and 16th respectively, with just 21 combined wins in 70 matches, causing legendary Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger to lead furious calls asking if they deserve a spot in Europe’s premier competition next year.

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But Postecoglou has hit back, claiming that those inside the top three league positions, including Arsenal, should simply win a trophy “if it’s so easy to get to a final”. He claimed that those critics are trying to diminish Spurs’ European run.

"It's going to upset a lot of people isn't it,” Postecoglou said in his press conference. “The debate's now raging, the latest one is that neither of us will be able to get a trophy if we win, they're just going to take a team photo because we're not worthy.

"I mean, who cares if we're struggling in the league? Why is that important? If it's so easy to get to a final, then why doesn't everyone who finishes in the top three do it? It's a separate thing. It's got nothing to do with league form.

"We understand our league form hasn't been great. We understand the struggles we've had. A lot of them are because of the situation we've been in. But how that diminishes the achievement of getting to a final. Like I said, this club and others have finished in first, second or third in the Premier League and haven't made finals.”

Postecoglou argued that his side have beaten teams who will likely be in the Champions League next season, including Eintracht Frankfurt, and that Spurs’ potential accomplishments are already being undermined.

The Aussie asked: “Why should that be diminished? I couldn't care less who's struggling and who's not. I think both us and Manchester United have earned the right to be there.

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"I think we've probably beaten teams who will be in the Champions League next year, on our road to getting there. So looking forward to it, should be a great game.

"What do I care what Man United think? Why is that relevant to me? You [media] know better than me, you follow this club more than I have. What do you think a trophy would do for this club?

"People are fearing that it might actually happen. They're trying to tear it down and diminish it and try to compare us to Man United."

Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim admits he is uncomfortable with the level of support he has received throughout a torrid first season at Old Trafford. The Portuguese tactician would prefer to earn fans' love, and he has the opportunity to do that in the Europa League final against Tottenham Hotspur.

United booked their place in the Bilbao showdown by thrashing Athletic Club 4-1 on Thursday, completing a 7-1 aggregate triumph. Spurs, meanwhile, produced a professional showing in the Arctic Circle to defeat Bodo/Glimt 2-0 after a 3-1 victory in the first leg. The all-English final offers the opportunity for unlikely silverware and qualification for next season's Champions League.

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United and Tottenham are slumped in 15th and 16th in the Premier League, respectively. However, the former's fanbase routinely chants for Amorim despite his early struggles.

During his post-match interview on Thursday, the Red Devils boss agreed with a suggestion that he was uncomfortable with his treatment because he hasn't met his lofty standards thus far.

"Of course [it's uncomfortable]. I know [they love me], I know, but I can see that I should be a better manager at this moment.

"The team should be better at this moment, but we are trying, and I think we have done quite well in Europe. [But] we struggle a lot in the Premier League, so let's see."

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Amorim shared that he was already anxious for the Tottenham clash, knowing his entire maiden campaign at the helm rests on the result in Bilbao.

He said: "It's the least we can do for these fans, for all the support that they gave us in this tough season.

"But I'm stressed already because of the final, because if you don't, don't win it in the end, it's nothing. So we are happy to be there. Let's see."

United have tasted defeat against Spurs three times already this term, twice under Amorim. However, he cheekily noted that the odds suggest a fourth consecutive loss was improbable.

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Amorim added: "First of all, if you think of the odds, it's hard for a club to lose [against the same team] four times in a row. So we can think that way.

"I think we have to have a full squad, that is really important. And we need to study the game quite well.

"And then we need to have a little bit of luck, because today you felt we suffered a goal, but we had so many transitions to score a goal, and we didn't score, we have to be clinical in that game."

United and Spurs have two Premier League games to essentially use as warm-ups before clashing at the San Mames Stadium.

Tottenham booked their spot in the final of the Europa League with a 2-0 victory over Bodo/Glimt to secure a 5-1 win on aggregate, setting up an all-English clash with Manchester United in Bilbao. Dominic Solanke and Pedro Porro were on the score sheet in the Arctic Circle in what was an assured performance from Ange Postecoglou’s side.

Spurs rose to the occasion with a professional display, taking the sting out of every Bodo/Glimt attack where possible, and their resilience was rewarded in the 63rd minute when Dominic Solanke diverted Cristian Romero’s header into the back of the net. Porro then put the game to bed just minutes later when his cross looped over the head of Nikita Haikin, onto the post and into the back of the net.

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Express Sport takes you through how each Spurs star performed on the night…

Tottenham player ratings vs Bodo/Glimt (4-3-3)

Guglielmo Vicario: 7

A smart performance from the Italian, ensuring he was an option in possession and running down the clock where possible – much to the frustration of the home crowd.

Pedro Porro: 8

The full-back shone for Spurs, working hard at both ends of the pitch, particularly with his driving runs forward to relieve pressure from his defensive teammates. Despite the fortunate nature of the goal, it was deserved.

Cristian Romero: 8

Professional performance from the Argentine, reading danger well and managing the game well by frequently slowing play down. Rose highest to provide the assist for Solanke’s goal and did not allow the occasion to get the better of him.

Micky Van de Ven: 7

Similarly, a confident display from the Dutchman. Stepping out when required to attempt to build from the back and using his recovery pace to cover Destiny Udogie when he roamed forward.

Destiny Udogie: 7

Like Porro, the fullback was Spurs’ other key creative outlet. The 22-year-old impressed defensively too, showing maturity to ensure he was not caught too high up the pitch despite being given that licence to bomb forward.

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Yves Bissouma: 8

The midfielder grew into the game impressively, intercepting passes and slowing down Bodo/Glimt’s counter-attacks. Has risen to the occasion in both semi-finals.

Rodrigo Bentancur: 8

Covered plenty of ground to mop up danger throughout. Highlighted his experience and nous by resisting the urge to fire passes forward in favour of retaining possession, much to the frustration of his opponents.

Dejan Kulusevski: 6

Slow performance from the usually-influential Swedish playmaker. Kulusevski’s defensive work warrants credit, but he faded out of the game for significant periods.

Brennan Johnson: 5 (68', Sarr)

Offered very little throughout, with his most notable moment coming in the 33rd minute when he was booked for a late challenge on Jens Petter Hauge. Withdrawn after going down with what appeared to be a minor injury.

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Dominic Solanke: 6

On what was a tough night for the striker after being starved of any true service from his wingers, he continued to press, remained alert and was rewarded with his goal.

Richarlison: 5 (61', Tel)

With speculation swirling about where his future lies next season, the Brazilian did very little to justify why Spurs should look to retain his services. He remains a player that Spurs can replace in the summer transfer window.

Substitutes

Mathys Tel: 6. Delivered a dangerous corner for Spurs’ goal and added a spark off of the left.

Pape Sarr: 6: Added energy centrally to avoid any late scares.

Manchester United will face Tottenham Hotspur in an all-English Europa League final after an incredible 7-1 aggregate victory against Athletic Club. Mason Mount scored twice off the bench on either side of Casemiro and Rasmus Hojlund's contributions as the hosts won the second leg 4-1, cruising into the May 21 showcase.

Express Sport runs through the player ratings on a celebratory night at Old Trafford...

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Man Utd player ratings vs Athletic Club

Andre Onana: 6

Beaten by a stunning long-range hit from Mikel Jauregizar, but replays showed he could have taken an extra step to get across.

Victor Lindelof: 6

He could mark his United exit with a trophy in Bilbao. A nervy start like in the first leg but played his part in riding the visitors' pressure.

Harry Maguire: 5

The hero in the last Europa League game at Old Trafford but almost became the villain in this one after giving the ball away cheaply for the opener. Recovered well.

Leny Yoro: 9

United have a superstar on their hands. Grown from strength to strength this season and was seemingly involved in everything against Athletic. Unbeatable defensively, confidently progressed the ball and provided the assist for Mount's equaliser.

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Noussair Mazraoui: 6

Most of United's attacks went through Patrick Dorgu on the left.

Manuel Ugarte: 4

Ruben Amorim's triple substitution on 62 minutes changed the game. The Uruguayan couldn't get a grip on the midfield battle and was deservedly taken off.

Casemiro: 7

Won 12 of 18 duels. Headed United ahead and was then promptly withdrawn after a few audacious lunges while on a yellow card. He will be crucial for Amorim in the final.

Patrick Dorgu: 7

A real attacking outlet for the hosts all evening. Displayed impressive pace and power, and should've had an assist for one of Alejandro Garnacho's misses.

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Alejandro Garnacho: 3

Missed two huge chances and was one of the three brought off just after the hour mark. Luckily United didn't pay the price.

Bruno Fernandes: 8

United look instantly better when he dropped deeper and got involved. He will be desperate to avenge that Europa League final defeat in Gdansk and lift European silverware.

Rasmus Hojlund: 7

A second goal in three games for the Dane. Amorim needs him to keep going for a few more weeks.

Substitutes

Luke Shaw: 6

Another half-hour in the tank.

Mason Mount: 9

His best night as a United player yet. Two sensational goals from the bench to fuel a joyous comeback. Has he finally arrived?

Amad: 8

A huge factor in the hosts turning the game around. So clearly technically superior to many of his team-mates. Notched an assist.

Harry Amass: 6

Over 10 minutes to shake off his struggles at Brentford.

Kobbie Mainoo: 7

Was on for just over 10 minutes but won three of three duels and completed two of two take-ons.

Ange Postecoglou has confirmed a significant injury blow, announcing that James Maddison's season has come to an abrupt end after sustaining knee ligament damage in the 3-1 first-leg triumph over Bodo/Glimt. The Tottenham and England midfielder felt severe pain which forced him off during the win, just after he had given his side a two-goal cushion.

While the creative maestro is expected to be sidelined for around three months, Postecoglou refrained from providing an exact return date: "It's disappointing for him. I'm disappointed for him more than anything else because he's been a big catalyst for us.

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"He'll miss out but that's been a constant of our season, dealing with these things, so we'll overcome that."

Amidst the unfortunate update on Maddison, there's optimism for Dominic Solanke as Postecoglou hinted at his swift return to spearhead the attack after his absence in the 1-1 stalemate with West Ham due to injury: "Dom's good, he's been able to train fully for the past couple of days, so he's no problem."

The Spurs boss also discussed Son Heung-min's condition, who didn't make the trip to Norway with the team: "It's also disappointing for Sonny. He was pushing hard.

"He has progressed, there's the possibility of him getting some game time on the weekend for us, but he hasn't trained with the team yet, but he is progressing, so we'll just wait and see how he goes."

Stepping into the void left by absentees, Dejan Kulusevski has earned Postecoglou's confidence, especially with Lucas Bergvall also out of action: "It's great that Deki's back. I feel like he's been getting stronger with every game."