Daily Express

Man Utd squad to face Tottenham confirmed with three key men left at home

Submitted by daniel on
Picture
Remote Image
Man Utd squad to face Tottenham confirmed with three key men left at home - Daily Express
Description

Manchester United's travelling squad for the Europa League final in Bilbao against Tottenham Hotspur has been confirmed. The Red Devils are looking to end a disappointing season on a high with a victory against their Premier League rivals.

United have won this competition once before, triumphing back in 2017 under then-manager Jose Mourinho. The three-time European champions once again reached the final in 2021, but lost on penalties to La Liga outfit Villarreal.

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

Ahead of Wednesday's all-Premier League showdown, Ruben Amorim has named his travelling squad for the Europa League final. Lisandro Martinez and Matthijs de Ligt are the only first-team regulars to miss out, while Chido Obi is ineligible for the competition.

Full Manchester United travelling squad for the Europa League final:

Goalkeepers

Altay Bayindir, Tom Heaton, Dermot Mee, Andre Onana

Defenders

Harry Amass, Patrick Dorgu, Diogo Dalot, Jonny Evans, Tyler Fredricson, Ayden Heaven, Victor Lindelof, Harry Maguire, Noussair Mazraoui, Luke Shaw, Leny Yoro

Midfielders

Casemiro, Toby Collyer, Christian Eriksen, Bruno Fernandes, Kobbie Mainoo, Mason Mount, Manuel Ugarte

Forwards

Amad, Alejandro Garnacho, Rasmus Hojlund, Joshua Zirkzee

Read more... Mystery as David Beckham appears to thank King Charles for special gift [LATEST]

Stay up-to-date with the latest Man Utd news Join us on WhatsApp

Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. Read our Privacy Policy

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy

Amorim believes reaching the final alone isn't a good enough achievement. He explained: "Something that I learned as a player is you need to win. Nobody is going to say 'I was a finalist', especially in this kind of club. So we need to win the final.

"It's really important, massive for us, and we want to give that to our fans. It's a mixed feeling. I'm really excited but, at the same time, I know my responsibility as a Manchester United coach. I have always that feeling of frustration for the season, so I want really bad to help the team to win this final. We've got to give something to the club, to the fans, to the staff, to everybody."

On the power of the supporters, he added: "It's hard. It's not enough, winning the Europa League. It's not enough for all the support the fans gave us this season. They will go swimming [to Bilbao] if needed to, even without a ticket! I already know. A big thank you for everything they did during the season. We will do our best to give something to them."

More than just a trophy is riding on the result for United, given the Europa League represents their last shot at qualifying for next season's Champions League. The 20-time English champions sit 16th in the Premier League table, having lost 18 of their 37 matches so far this term. Following Wednesday's clash against Spurs, United will round their campaign off with a home match against Aston Villa on Sunday afternoon.

Source

Europa League final LIVE: Tottenham vs Man Utd branded 'scandalous'

Submitted by daniel on
Picture
Remote Image
Europa League final LIVE: Tottenham vs Man Utd branded 'scandalous' as complaint issued - Daily Express
Description

Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur supporters booking last-minute trips to the Europa League final are being charged thousands of pounds.

Direct return flights from the UK to Bilbao in northern Spain cost from more than £1,000, hotel rooms are at least £1,200, while match tickets are available on resale websites from about £500.

The final kicks off at 9pm local time (8pm BST) on Wednesday.

EasyJet is charging £1,823 to fly from Gatwick to Bilbao on Wednesday morning and return on Thursday morning. A return trip from Heathrow with British Airways - out on Wednesday morning, back on Thursday afternoon - costs £1,288.

Spanish airline Vueling is offering flights from Gatwick on Tuesday night, returning on Thursday night, for £1,179. A return trip on the same route a week later is available from just £116.

Tickets for the match at the San Mames Stadium are being sold on marketplace Ticombo from about £500. Some Man Utd and Spurs supporters were able to buy tickets through official channels from just £34.

The cheapest hotel rooms in central Bilbao on the night of the match are being sold on Booking.com for about £1,200. That is compared with £78 on Thursday night.

Airline pricing is generally driven by demand, with fares rising for a flight as more seats are filled. Booking.com, which does not control the pricing of accommodation listed on its website, previously urged providers to "act fairly".

Former Manchester United defender Paul Parker has blasted both teams in the Europa League final for their miserable campaigns.

He insists that victory in Bilbao offers little relief because of their disasters in domestic competitions, though he does think that the Red Devils will edge Tottenham on the night.

He told Betfred: “The players from both sides have a lot to prove to their fans and themselves, so whichever side wins it, in theory they should hang their heads in shame because they’ve let themselves down domestically and that’s what’s important.

"Tottenham have beaten them three times already this season, so can they beat them four times? I don’t believe one side could beat a team four times in a season, especially when you’re talking about Manchester United.

"Look at Celtic and Rangers, are we saying that one of those sides is going to beat the other four times in a season? Manchester United can’t let this happen, so for that reason I’m going to say Manchester United will win it.”

Both sets of travelling supporters have hit out at the "scandalous" nature of getting to Bilbao and stopping overnight.

Flights have been raised by thousands of pounds from England to the Spanish area, forcing some to travel by boat, while accommodation prices have gone through the roof. Some hostels cost in the region of £550 per night.

One Manchester United fan, Dale O'Donnell, told the Independent: “Planning the trip was made difficult by the scandalous pricing of direct flights and limited accommodation. We looked at all the routes, before deciding to fly to Bordeaux. We’ll leave in the early hours after the game.”

Barney Chilton of the Red News fanzine added: “There is profiteering everywhere but, with so little time to book, it’s just wrong that this happens every final. I’m not sure what Uefa can do, but surely something. The majority get royally done over just wanting to see their team in a rare European final.”

Several complaints have been raised that Bilbao is not equipped to handle a final of such magnitude, with 80,000-plus fans expected to make the trip from England.

Source

Tottenham squad to face Man Utd confirmed with surprise additions

Submitted by daniel on
Picture
Remote Image
Tottenham squad to face Man Utd confirmed with surprise additions - Daily Express
Description

James Maddison has been named in the Tottenham Hotspur squad travelling to Bilbao for the Europa League final against Manchester United. In a video shared on the club's social media platforms, 21 players were seen boarding the bus en route to their flight to Bilbao on Monday evening.

Despite manager Ange Postecoglou previously stating that Maddison would be out for the rest of the season due to a knee injury, he was spotted among the travelling party.

Several senior players including Son Heung-Min, Micky van de Ven, Cristian Romero and Dominic Solanke were also part of the travelling team, alongside young talents Callum Olusesi, Damola Ajayi, Mikey Moore, Dane Scarlett and Will Lankshear.

Matthys Tel, who chose to sign with Spurs over United from Bayern Munich during the January transfer window, was also included in the travelling squad.

Source

Marcus Rashford shows true feelings about Man Utd facing Tottenham in Europa League final

Submitted by daniel on
Picture
Remote Image
Marcus Rashford shows true feelings about Man Utd facing Tottenham in Europa League final - Daily Express
Description

Marcus Rashford has made his feelings known ahead of Manchester United's Europa League final against Tottenham Hotspur this week. The attacker endured an unceremonious exit from the Red Devils earlier this year, joining Aston Villa on loan until the end of the season.

Rashford managed 17 appearances during his time with the West Midlands outfit, scoring four goals and registering six assists. But his campaign was cut short after the 27-year-old picked up a hamstring injury last month, forcing him out for the remainder of the season and potentially meaning he's played his final match in Aston Villa's claret and blue.

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

As such, speculation surrounding his future has once again sparked up, with Rashford likely set for an awkward return to United ahead of talks over the summer. However, that hasn't stopped him from wishing his former team-mates good luck ahead of Wednesday's Europa League final against Spurs.

The three-time European champions travel to Bilbao for the end-of-season showpiece, with the competition representing the final route into the Champions League for Ruben Amorim's men. Replying to an official Manchester United post on Instagram, the English international wrote: "Good luck guys," followed by a single sparkling stars emoji.

Read more... Tottenham vs Man Utd final called 'scandalous' as Europa League complaint issued [LATEST]

United might need more than luck on their side, given they've won just two of their previous seven matches across all competitions. The good news for Amorim and co. is that those two matches came in the Europa League - a competition United are unbeaten in this season.

However, Amorim has urged his players to go out and win the trophy, as "nobody remembers a finalist". Speaking ahead of the clash in Northern Spain, he said: :Something that I learned as a player is you need to win. Nobody is going to say 'I was a finalist', especially in this kind of club. So we need to win the final.

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy

"It's really important, massive for us, and we want to give that to our fans. It's a mixed feeling. I'm really excited but, at the same time, I know my responsibility as a Manchester United coach. I have always that feeling of frustration for the season, so I want really bad to help the team to win this final. We've got to give something to the club, to the fans, to the staff, to everybody.

"It's hard. It's not enough, winning the Europa League. It's not enough for all the support the fans gave us this season. They will go swimming (to Bilbao) if needed to, even without a ticket! I already know. A big thank you for everything they did during the season. We will do our best to give something to them."

Kick-off from the San Mames Stadium in Bilbao is scheduled for 8pm on Wednesday evening.

Source

Arsenal need unlikely ally to rescue summer transfer plans as 'Man Utd ready hijack'

Submitted by daniel on
Picture
Remote Image
Arsenal need unlikely ally to rescue summer transfer plans as 'Man Utd ready hijack' - Daily Express
Description

Arsenal need a favour from Tottenham Hotspur in the Europa League final as Manchester United reportedly circle one of Mikel Arteta's top summer transfer targets. Spurs meet United at the San Mames Stadium on Wednesday night, with both clubs battling to salvage their dreadful seasons.

In the case of the lesser of two evils for Arsenal supporters, the vast majority will hope Ruben Amorim's side come out on top in Bilbao. However, Arteta might need the Gunners' North London rivals to end their 17-year trophy drought, last lifting the 2008 League Cup. United are believed to have their sights set on Sporting striker Viktor Gyokeres, also targeted by Arsenal.

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

Stay up-to-date with the latest Man Utd news Join us on WhatsApp

Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. Read our Privacy Policy

United would likely only be able to attract a player of Gyokeres' calibre if they have Champions League football on offer.

With the M16 giants slumped in 16th after 37 Premier League games, Europa League glory represents the last remaining path.

Champions League qualification would also add at least £100m to Amorim's transfer kitty, funding further attacking reinforcements beyond their priority target.

United are reportedly set to sign Wolves' Matheus Cunha once the summer transfer window opens on June 1, having entered an advanced stage in discussions over personal terms.

It's claimed the Old Trafford outfit's budget covers the arrival of Cunha and a striker, with Ipswich Town's Liam Delap in Amorim's sights.

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy

Whether a surprise admission into next season's Champions League would alter the Portuguese tactician's current transfer targets remains to be seen.

If Spurs lift the Europa League and secure their Champions League spot, Gyokeres would almost certainly go beyond United's reach, leaving Arsenal in pole position.

After helping fire Sporting to historic back-to-back titles earlier this month, Gyokeres remained coy on his future.

"It's football, I'm still here," the Sweden international said. "I don't know what's going to happen. Nobody can predict the future."

Source

Man Utd: Meet the WAGs jetting to the Europa League final - including a doctor and ex-ref

Submitted by daniel on
Picture
Remote Image
Meet the Man Utd WAGs jetting to the Europa League final - including a doctor and ex-ref - Daily Express
Description

Manchester United's players will heavily rely on the backing of at least 15,000 supporters helping back the San Mames Stadium for Wednesday's Europa League final. But they will also have the support of their friends, families and WAGs as they battle to salvage their season against Tottenham Hotspur in Bilbao.

Who are those WAGs, you ask? Read on to learn more about several of their partners likely heading for Spain.

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

Dr Melanie Kamayou - Andre Onana's wife

As her title suggests, Melanie Kamayou is a doctor after earning a doctorate degree from the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health in May 2022.

Kamayou - also an influencer, entrepreneur and model - was in the headlines after Andre Onana's nine-month ban for violating anti-doping regulations.

The United goalkeeper had accidentally ingested the banned substance Furosemide, which had been prescribed to his wife.

Claudia Pinto - Diogo Dalot's fiancée

Claudio Pinto is often spotted at Old Trafford supporting Diogo Dalot and was pictured alongside him when he signed his new contract in May 2023.

The pair had announced their engagement two months earlier before Pinto gave birth to their daughter, Clara, later that year.

Fern Hawkins - Harry Maguire's wife

Harry Maguire and Fern Hawkins got married in the south of France in 2022, having been engaged since 2018.

Hawkins follows Maguire all over the world and is a qualified physiotherapist. Earlier this year, she was reportedly planning a career change.

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy

Stay up-to-date with the latest Man Utd news Join us on WhatsApp

Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. Read our Privacy Policy

Maja Nilsson - Victor Lindelof's wife

Maja Nilsson, a content creator and designer, boasts more than 250,000 followers on Instagram.

She also founded the fashion line Lis Bonne Atelier and is a UNICEF ambassador, a SENSAI makeup ambassador and a blogger for ELLE Sweden.

The Swede tied the knot with compatriot Victor Lindelof in 2018.

Anouska Santos - Luke Shaw's girlfriend

Luke Shaw and Anouska Santos have been together since 2017 and have three children together.

Santos is known to be a close friend of Love Island winner Molly-Mae Hague, with Shaw previously spotted in a video featuring Tommy Fury's partner.

Anna Mariana Casemiro - Casemiro's wife

Anna Mariana Casemiro loves supporting her husband at his football matches. She was recently filmed joining in with United fans' chants for the Brazilian midfielder at Old Trafford.

The pair got married during his Real Madrid days in 2014, and her support for him has strengthened since.

Anna Mariana has never been shy to hit back at Casemiro's critics during his time in England.

Ana Pinho - Bruno Fernandes' wife

Bruno Fernandes' romance with wife Ana Pinho started when he was a teenager. Now 30, he has been happily married since 2015.

The United captain has previously revealed that Pinho is a former futsal referee and had to pay for their early dates because she was financially better off.

Sabrina Kvist Jensen - Christian Eriksen's partner

Christian Eriksen and his Danish partner Sabrina Kvist Jensen got it on in 2012, but there is little public information about their relationship.

Eriksen and Kvist Jensen have been through a lot, including when the United midfielder suffered a cardiac arrest while representing Denmark against Finland in June 2021.

She would love to see the former Spurs midfielder celebrate European glory against his old club.

Eva Garcia - Alejandro Garnacho's girlfriend

Eva Garcia and Alejandro Garnacho went public with their relationship in 2021 and welcomed their first child, Enzo, into the world in October 2023.

The pair are both from Madrid, despite Garnacho's decision to represent Argentina alongside one of his idols, Lionel Messi.

Source

Man Utd: Amad makes strong vow after double setback as fresh injury details emerge

Submitted by daniel on
Picture
Remote Image
Amad makes strong Man Utd vow after double setback as fresh injury details emerge - Daily Express
Description

Amad is determined to strike it lucky in the Europa League final with Manchester United, setting his sights on a win after two previous disappointments.

The winger has twice tasted defeat in the Europa League finals, once while donning the United shirt and then during his loan spell at Rangers, both times ending in penalty heartache.

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

He endured the agony of the 2021 final loss to Villarreal and the subsequent season's defeat by Eintracht Frankfurt from the sidelines as an unused substitute.

Now, after bouncing back from an injury that could have ended his season, Amad is eager to break into Ruben Amorim's first eleven for the Tottenham clash, with more than just silverware at stake – a Champions League spot and a £100million prize are also on the line.

Amad shared his aspirations: "I've already lost two Europa League finals, so I hope to win this one. I keep praying for that one.

"It will be really good for me, but also for the team, because at the end of the day, we want some things at the end of the season.

"I was on the bench before. I was young. I had no experience, but it was a good experience for me to be in my first Europa League final with the team.

"At the time, we had great players like Paul Pogba and Edison Cavani. It was a dream for me, honestly.

"But now it's my moment. It's the moment for the club, it's the moment for the players, for everyone, for the fans, because they deserve this moment.

"We will give everything, we will give our best to try and win this competition."

Stay up-to-date with the latest Man Utd news Join us on WhatsApp

Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. Read our Privacy Policy

The impending face-off between United and Spurs stands as a landmark clash in the annals of both clubs, with an extraordinary amount riding on what is tantamount to a do-or-die encounter.

Amad has been a shining light in an otherwise calamitous season for United, right until he sustained a grave ankle injury back in February, which was anticipated to sideline him for the remainder of the season.

However, after a gruelling three-month recovery period, Amad has made a timely return for a match that is not just crucial for United's ambitions but also pivotal for manager Amorim's tenure at the helm.

Ready to demonstrate his value once more, the 22-year-old, who bagged a memorable brace in United's surprise 2-1 triumph over Manchester City away earlier in the campaign, is intent on claiming a starting spot for the decisive battle in Bilbao.

"It's a really good feeling to be back on the team, to try to help the team win something at the end of the season," remarked Amad about his comeback from an injury he incurred during training.

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy

Detailing the incident, he said: "I was pressing Andre Onana, then I think my left foot stayed on the grass and turned. At that moment, I knew it wasn't really good, because I knew I'd miss some games.

"I didn't know if my season was really over. So after my operation, I kept believing, I kept praying to be back before the end of the season.

"I'm always positive, I'm always smiling. That's me, that's Amad, so I always try to grow up with positive things.

"I believe in my potential. I believe I can be one of the best in the world. I just have to give my best every game. That's it. But I think I believe in my potential.

"I think the manager believes in me, too. He believes in my potential. I'm trying to repay his confidence every time I'm on the pitch."

Source

Gary Lineker LIVE: BBC presenter has hit out at chief as audacious ITV switch backed

Submitted by daniel on
Picture
Remote Image
Gary Lineker LIVE: BBC presenter backed for audacious ITV switch as final day 'decided' - Daily Express
Description

Gary Lineker has admitted he has concerns about the direction of travel at the BBC under director of sport Alex Jay-Kelski.

Days before hosting the FA Cup final, the presenter aimed fire at Jay-Kelski over his planned changes to Match of the Day.

"I think [a regime change] has [happened], and that's what I was alluding to [in an earlier interview]," Lineker told the Telegraph last week.

"He has his reasons. He wants to change Match of the Day a bit. Ultimately, I don't think they will, because I don't see how you move a highlights show away from being about highlights.

"I think he wants more journalists - he has come from that background. He has got no television experience."

Gary Lineker's social media actions and the fact he wasn't dismissed as a result reportedly sparked a revolt among the BBC's Jewish staff.

One staff member, who had previously claimed anti-semitism had become normalised within the organisation, told The Telegraph: “It is quite simply disgusting that the BBC has not kicked Lineker out.

"His repeated offensiveness to Jewish people has clearly brought the BBC into disrepute. The interpretation of Zionism he has shared is anti-Semitic, and the fact that the BBC thinks it’s acceptable is deeply upsetting to its Jewish staff, myself included.”

Gary Lineker has been backed to switch sides and feature on ITV once his BBC exit is confirmed.

Coral has slashed the odds for the Match of the Day presenter to appear on their popular reality show, I'm a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here.

The bookmakers have also backed Lineker to appear on Strictly Come Dancing and helm ITV's own 2026 World Cup coverage.

In the heat of the backlash, Gary Lineker publicly apologised for sharing the controversial post on Instagram.

“On Instagram, I reposted material which I have since learned contained offensive references,” the former England player’s statement read.

“I very much regret these references. I would never knowingly share anything antisemitic. It goes against everything I believe in.

“Whilst I strongly believe in the importance of speaking out on humanitarian issues, including the tragedy unfolding in Gaza, I also know that how we do so matters.

"I take full responsibility for this mistake. That image does not reflect my views. It was an error on my part for which I apologise unreservedly.”

Why is Gary Lineker leaving the BBC early, you may ask?

Well, it would appear like the 64-year-old's outspoken social media activity has ruffled one too many feathers.

Lineker has received intense backlash for sharing a pro-Palestine video featuring a rat on his Instagram story, which he later deleted.

He then apologised and insisted he wasn't aware of how rats have been used in anti-semitic propaganda throughout history, including by the Nazi Party.

Source

Man Utd face Europa League defeat to Spurs if Ruben Amorim sticks with two players

Submitted by daniel on
Picture
Remote Image
Man Utd face Europa League defeat to Spurs if Ruben Amorim sticks with two players - Daily Express
Description

Ruben Amorim faces one of the biggest matches of his young managerial career to date on Wednesday. Manchester United face Tottenham Hotspur in the Europa League final at Athletic Club's San Mames Stadium - a venue in which his side have already triumphed this season.

There is much more at stake than a third trophy in as many years for United. Champions League qualification could boost Amorim's summer transfer budget from peanuts to paradise. The Portuguese tactician's torrid fortunes in the first six months of his reign at Old Trafford have highlighted how urgent a rebuild is.

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

United are also playing for whatever slither of pride they have left after a second successive record-low Premier League finish.

Erik ten Hag and Amorim's team of the 2024/25 season is already considered one of the worst in the club's history.

They sit 16th with one league game remaining, having failed to win back-to-back games since last term.

But the mere prospect of losing a European final to a club of Tottenham Hotspur's continental stature would further damage this team's reputation.

And being the side that allows Spurs to end their 17-year trophy drought would be the nadir of the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era.

Amorim is as under pressure as Ange Postecoglou - yet. While his record as United boss is abhorrent, there is an acceptance that he needs a summer to revamp his ranks.

Stay up-to-date with the latest Man Utd news Join us on WhatsApp

Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. Read our Privacy Policy

But questions will continue to emerge if he names two players in his starting lineup that could easily cost the Red Devils in Bilbao.

"It helped me a lot to choose the starting XI for the final," Amorim said after Friday's 1-0 defeat to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

During United's 18th league loss of the campaign, Victor Lindelof was partly culpable in a lack of marking for Marc Cucurella's winner.

Meanwhile, Rasmus Hojlund produced one of his worst performances since his ill-fated £72million arrival from Atalanta in 2023.

Both players have proven time and time again that they can't make a difference against Premier League opposition.

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy

Lindelof will be released in the summer once his contract expires for a reason. A half-fit Leny Yoro or Matthijs de Ligt would be less of a liability. Ayden Heaven returned to the pitch against Chelsea.

Hojlund has scored four goals in 31 league games this season. The Dane's goal record in Europe since joining United is respectable, but he can't make an impact against English teams.

Amorim needs to find a plan B, whether that's reintroducing Alejandro Garnacho as a makeshift striker or using Bruno Fernandes, Mason Mount or Kobbie Mainoo as a false nine.

If the Chelsea match helped him pick his Europa League final team and Lindelof and Hojlund are involved, he will deserve all the scrutiny he receives if Spurs are victorious.

Source

Europa League supercomputer predicts Man Utd vs Tottenham winner after 10,000 simulations

Submitted by daniel on
Picture
Remote Image
Europa League supercomputer predicts Man Utd vs Tottenham winner after 10,000 simulations - Daily Express
Description

Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur will battle to salvage something sweet from their disastrous seasons in Wednesday's Europa League final in Bilbao. Athletic Club's San Mames Stadium will host the high-stakes affair between the Premier League strugglers, with silverware and a Champions League spot up for grabs.

Ruben Amorim and Ange Postecoglou are in similar positions after overseeing nightmare campaigns that have applied pressure on both. United and Spurs are 16th and 17th, respectively, only spared a relegation scrap by the dramatic inferiority of the three teams facing the drop.

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

The Europa League offers an opportunity for one club to enter a crucial summer on a high, while the other will face the reality of their embarrassing underperformance.

You'd be fortunate to find a definitive answer if you asked a room of football fans who they expected to come out on top in Bilbao.

And it turns out the outcome would be the same if you enquired 10,000 different times. That's what Opta have done, and the results emphasise how tightly matched the two teams are.

After 10,000 current simulations, United lifted the trophy 50.7 per cent of the time, while Spurs ruled supreme in 49.3 per cent.

Following Friday's 1-0 defeat against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, Amorim shared his confidence about the crunch clash.

Stay up-to-date with the latest Man Utd news Join us on WhatsApp

Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. Read our Privacy Policy

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy

"Of course, we have to believe. I am really confident," the Portuguese tactician explained.

"I feel that my players are ready for this game. They know what it means, not just for us but for our fans and for the club.

"After this season, we are ready to fight for the one thing that can help us remember this season in a different way.

"So I am really confident. We are living in a season that is really strange because we are doing so well in Europe, but in the Premier League, we struggle.

"But we will be prepared for the final. It's a different context and a different game. The most important thing is the change in mentality in my team. They compete, and that is the most important thing for me."

Meanwhile, Postecoglou has made no secret of the importance of lifting a trophy to end Spurs' 17-year drought since the 2008 League Cup.

The Australian boss' future beyond the summer is under intense uncertainty, regardless of whether he achieves glory in Bilbao.

But by beating United for a fourth time this season, he will etch his name in Spurs' history books and set the club up for improvement next term.

Source