Daily Express

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.

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.

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.

Manchester United defender Noussair Mazraoui has insisted that the club can still hold their heads high this season if they clinch Europa League glory - and says he's a big fan of Ruben Amorim. United have decided that they will not sack the Portuguese head coach regardless of what happens against Tottenham in Bilbao despite a dismal run in the Premier League.

The Red Devils have endured their worst ever Premier League campaign, languishing in 16th place under Ruben Amorim after suffering 18 losses. But United's boardroom do not blame Amorim and all is not lost as United could yet salvage some pride by defeating Spurs in the upcoming Europa League final. The victors will not only lift the trophy but also secure a spot in next season's Champions League, potentially raking in up to £100 million in revenue.

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

Despite their woeful domestic performance, Mazraoui believes that a win against Spurs would overshadow their Premier League shortcomings. "Winning a trophy is never easy," the defender stated. "I think in any case you don't downgrade that, because you have to fight hard to get into the position to win a trophy.

"You have to beat opponents who are strong and who are also really hungry to be in that final. When you look back at your career, you will look back at this season and you're going to be proud of winning the Europa League, if we win on Wednesday, more than you're going to look at the failure in the Premier League. You can be sure, for sure, you can be proud."

Mazraoui was brought to Old Trafford by former United manager Erik ten Hag, but has welcomed the direct approach of current boss Amorim. "I like him a lot in that respect," Mazraoui said. "He's really honest, really straightforward, he's not hiding from anything."

"That's how I am as well. I'm not hiding behind anything and that's the manager as well. He takes responsibility, he knows he's the head of the club eventually, because he's the manager. That's something I like a lot about him."

In stark contrast to their Premier League form, United remain unbeaten in the Europa League, a fact that defender Mazraoui is keen to highlight. The Moroccan international said: "That's something really tough to say, because we always manage in the Europa League to eventually win.

"I think the biggest example was Lyon, where we were almost dead in the last 10 minutes of the game. Extra-time, everybody's tired and everything, and you still manage to win. We maybe have that kind of fighting spirit in the Europa League that we maybe lack in the Premier League."

Despite Tottenham having bested United in all three of their encounters this season, Mazraoui dismissed the idea that this would influence Wednesday's crucial showdown. "I don't think so, because this is a whole different competition," he explained.

"It's the Europa League, it's a final, so the context around it is so different that you can't really compare any previous games with this final."

It’s the game that neither side can afford to lose. For Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United, the season hinges on next Wednesday night’s Europa League final in Bilbao, which for one club will help salvage an otherwise torrid season.

It remains to be seen whether a European trophy and Champions League qualification will be enough to save the positions of Ange Postecoglou or Ruben Amorim. However, either manager must improve on domestic form. They also have a host of injury worries to deal with just three days out from the final.

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

Spurs are currently sweating over the fitness of Lucas Bergvall, who faces a race against time to be fit following an ankle injury. United, meanwhile, will give Diogo Dalot, Matthijs de Ligt, Leny Yoro, and Ayden Heaven as long as they need to prove their fitness

Regardless, neither Premier League side will be at full strength, and some pivotal figures have already been ruled out. Express Sport brings you the lowdown on who will be missing from Bilbao…

Tottenham: James Maddison

The influential midfielder limped off during the semi-final first leg of his side’s 3-1 win over Bodo/Glimt. Postecoglou initially played down fears over the extent of the knock to the 28-year-old, only to later reveal he will miss the remainder of the season with a knee injury. He’ll be in the stands in Spain.

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

Tottenham: Dejan Kulusevski

If Maddison’s omission is a hammer blow to Postecoglou, then Dejan Kulusevski’s absence could be a seismic one. The Swedish forward has arguably been his side’s most creative attacking force this season, and yet was risked in the league game with Crystal Palace on Sunday.

The 25-year-old duly hobbled off after only 19 minutes. Again, Postecoglou initially played down injury fears, but now it’s emerged the star has undergone knee surgery and will be sitting next to Maddison in Bilbao.

Tottenham: Radu Dragusin

The Romanian centre-back has long been ruled out until the summer, after undergoing surgery for an ACL injury in February. His Australian boss has long admitted that the start of pre-season in July is his most realistic target date to return.

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

Man Utd: Lisandro Martinez

Ever since the Argentine centre-back was stretchered off in tears against Crystal Palace in February, it looked as if his season was over. That duly proved the case when scans revealed an ACL injury, and like his opposite number, Draguisin, the focus has long been on being fit for next season.

Man Utd: Joshua Zirkzee

The Dutchman was showing signs of improvement under Amorim when his season took a cruel twist, quite literally. He was moving sharply on the ball against Newcastle last month before pulling up as he turned with the ball, and the Dutch forward’s worst fears were realised days later when he was ruled out for the remainder of the campaign with a thigh problem.

Despite a disappointing Premier League campaign, Manchester United bosses have no plans to sack manager Ruben Amorim, even if they lose the upcoming Europa League final. But the boardroom are concerned that the Portuguese head coach could make the decision himself to walk away.

The club's hierarchy believe it would be ludicrous to hold Amorim accountable for a disastrous season that has seen the Red Devils finish in their lowest Premier League position in half a century. They are prepared to give the 40-year-old another season to implement his tactics, although there is some discontent within the Old Trafford boardroom regarding Amorim's candid admission that the job may be too big for him.

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

This comes at a time when United have an opportunity to salvage their season by defeating Tottenham in Bilbao on Wednesday night to secure a spot in the Champions League next season.

The club's recruitment team has prepared two lists of potential transfer targets - one to be pursued if Amorim's team secure Champions League football and a £100million windfall by beating a Spurs side that has performed even worse than they have this season.

The other list will be less ambitious if there is no European football next season. Both lists aim to shape a squad capable of executing the tactical plan that has resulted in 13 losses in 26 Premier League games since Amorim took over from Erik ten Hag in November.

However, Amorim's harsh self-critique, suggesting he might be the worst manager in the club's history, has raised concerns that he may resign at the end of the season.

He has since backtracked on the notion that he might pay the price for failing to secure results with a squad that isn't up to scratch.

United are set to seek assurances that the ex-Sporting coach isn't considering an exit before they make any summer transfer market moves.

The club's outspoken owner, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, is reportedly impressed with his manager's honesty.

Ratcliffe has been extremely critical of the infrastructure he found when he invested £1.27billion for a stake in the club 14 months ago, much to the chagrin of the Glazer family who remain as co-owners.

Andre Onana has revealed that Manchester United's dressing room is in a 'bad moment' just days before facing Tottenham in the Europa League final. Both clubs have endured painful seasons but will have the opportunity to win a trophy in Bilbao on Wednesday night. A win for United would at least give them something to celebrate after months of disappointment in the Premier League.

The Red Devils had the chance to gain some winning momentum on Friday night against Chelsea, but they came up short once again. Marc Cucurella scored the only goal of the game in the second half as the Blues took all three points. It saw United miss a golden opportunity to give themselves a much-needed boost ahead of next week's Europa League final.

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

Speaking after the final whistle, Onana hinted that United's dressing room was not particularly confident in a worrying post-match assessment.

He said: "We're in a bad moment, we're not playing our best football, we're not winning games. We move on. If we continue working and we are working every day, we'll turn this situation. If it's not tomorrow, it's after tomorrow.

"It's most important to give the fans that cup and trophy. It's very important for the club and the players. So far the fans have been the best.

"It's not the season we all want, we are used to playing better than what we're showing. We know the importance of this game. We will give everything."

Don't miss...

FA Cup final will affect European qualification for Premier League clubs [NEWS]

Frank Lampard shows credentials for Premier League job after promotion failure [OPINION]

Wrexham make huge offer to Premier League star after Championship promotion [GOSSIP]

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

United boss Ruben Amorim offered a more positive outlook, pointing to his side's improved form in Europe when compared to the Premier League. He also claimed the defeat to Chelsea had given him some food for thought in terms of the starting line-up.

"The good news is in the Europa League, we are scoring many goals," said the Portuguese head coach. "We have to deal with a lot of things in the summer, but today it was a really good game to prepare for the final.

"If we put some players out in the feeling of the last game, almost 10 days without playing, it would be a mistake. It was a good thing for them to play, that they feel they can do it, that we can have possession, can push the opponent.

"In this club, you need to win and we are not winning games. It helped me a lot to choose the starting XI for the final, so we'll see."

Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou has revealed Pape Sarr came off with a back problem against Aston Villa tonight. With the score still 0-0 early in the second half, the Senegalese midfielder headed straight down the tunnel with a member of the medical staff.

Postecoglou is already without key players Dejan Kulusevski and James Maddison for the Europa League final with Manchester United in Bilbao next Wednesday. However, the Australian manager still opted to start players like Sarr, Son Heung-min, and Mathys Tel at Villa Park. The hosts eventually ran out 2-0 winners, but it was the condition of Sarr, not the result, that could prove pivotal to Tottenham's hopes in Spain.

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

"Pape felt something in his back," he admitted afterwards. "We don't think it's anything significant, having spoken to him, but we'll see."

Teenager Mikey Moore also appeared in discomfort as he was replaced before the final by Brennan Johnson, although his manager downplayed any injury fears, saying: "I think Mikey was okay. It was fatigue as much as anything else. He hasn’t played that sort of amount of minutes before."

Despite fielding a much changed line-up, Spurs frustrated Villa for almost an hour before John McGinn's corner was headed down by Ollie Watkins into the path of Ezri Konsa, who slotted in. Boubacar Kamara made sure of the points with a drilled shot past Antonin Kinsky, condemning the visitors to a 21st league defeat of the season.

It followed the tame 2-0 defeat to Crystal Palace on Sunday, but Postecoglou still praised his side for being resolute, adding: "I thought up until they scored the boys had worked hard, they were really disciplined and organised.

Don't miss...

Mo Salah 'sad and surprised' at Liverpool fans as he defends Alexander-Arnold [LATEST]

Everton announce 'worst stadium name ever' for new Bramley Moore Dock home [LATEST]

Gary Lineker ‘on brink of BBC sack’ as presenter sweats over FA Cup final call [LATEST]

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

"We had our moments as well, going the other way, but once they scored we lost a little bit of belief. We got a little bit fatigued. A lot of those guys haven't played a lot and we looked like we were fatiguing and then the game just got away from us."

Both sides made a raft of changes before the final whistle as the contest petered out. Tottenham's season and Postecoglou's future now seemingly hinge on Wednesday's final, which could bring Champions League qualification despite the club's worst-ever Premier League campaign.

Chido Obi has become a full-time member of Ruben Amorim's Manchester United senior squad in the second half of the season, but he may not be in action again until next term. The 17-year-old is popular among fans after he snubbed a new contract at Arsenal to join United's academy last summer, having smashed records in youth football.

Obi became the Red Devils' youngest ever Premier League starter in the 4-3 defeat at Brentford on May 4, aged 17 years and 156 days. The teenage striker has shown promising glimpses without scoring in his first seven first-team appearances as he adapts to the step up. However, he looks likely to continue his development next season as Amorim switches his focus towards the Europa League final.

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

Obi wasn't among the 21 United players who travelled down to Chelsea on Thursday.

Amorim's side visit Stamford Bridge on Friday night, in what is essentially a warm-up fixture ahead of next Wednesday's Europa League final against Tottenham Hotspur.

Rasmus Hojlund, Alejandro Garnacho and Amad were the only forwards spotted among the squad, indicating that Obi won't be involved.

That is likely because the Danish starlet isn't eligible for the Europa League final after United didn't register him in their A list, and he didn't fit the criteria for the B list.

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

Obi's absence in the Europa League has left Hojlund as Amorim's only natural striker throughout an unbeaten campaign in Europe.

And the Portuguese head coach will want to ensure those in line to start the mammoth clash against Spurs enter in optimum sharpness and fitness.

Other likely starters in Bilbao, including Harry Maguire, Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes, should join Hojlund in starting at Chelsea.

Obi could feature in United's final game of the season, when Aston Villa visit Old Trafford to wrap up a dreadful Premier League campaign.

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

But that will be viewed as a glorified friendly, regardless of whether the hosts are on a high from Europa League success or still recovering from heartbreak.

Obi's transition into senior football has come sooner than expected, while partly supported by United's continued injury issues this season.

Amorim is expected to sign a new striker in the summer transfer window, but Hojlund's future is far from certain. Obi will play a role again next term.

However, the pressure is on Hojlund to deliver against Chelsea and Spurs as United look to salvage another tumultuous campaign.

It’s not just this season that Manchester United could save by winning their Europa League final with Tottenham on Wednesday. Victory for Ruben Amorim’s side will go a long way to appeasing fans after a wretched Premier League campaign, and secure a first European trophy since Jose Mourinho prevailed in the same competition eight years ago.

Furthermore, Europa League glory would also mean qualification for next season’s Champions League. That would provide the club with a much-needed financial windfall and inevitably alter Amorim’s summer transfer plans. It would also enable the Portuguese boss to follow through on the club’s interest in a leading Serie A star.

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

United have been linked with another move for Atalanta midfielder Ederson, after failing to land the Brazilian last year. The 25-year-old has excelled in Italy this season, pivotal in helping the club already guarantee third place with just two league games remaining.

That position signifies their best Serie A campaign in the past four years. It also means Gian Piero Gasperini’s side will dine at Europe’s top table in 2025/26, meaning United almost certainly have to match that feat if they are to hold out any hope of snaring Ederson.

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 25-year-old still has two years left on his current deal and is likely to command a fee of around £50million. United’s failed pursuit last summer was followed by the signing of Manuel Ugarte from PSG, but the Uruguayan international has struggled to settle in England.

Revitalising their interest in Ederson appears to be a sign that the club is already prepared to cut their losses on the 25-year-old. If the ex-Salernitana star can be persuaded to head to Manchester, Ugarte is unlikely to be the only midfield casualty either.

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

Don't miss...

Sean Dyche makes his case for Man Utd job and vows to play 4-4-2 [LATEST]

Chelsea to launch internal investigation as Maresca baffled by dressing room [LATEST]

Jordan Henderson suffers major embarrassment as tempers boil over at Ajax [LATEST]

Christian Eriksen’s contract expires this summer, and he is widely expected to leave Old Trafford. The arrival of Ederson is also likely to accelerate Casemiro’s exit, as the Real Madrid icon has struggled badly with consistent form and fitness these past two seasons.

Amorim’s insistence upon his favoured 3-4-3 formation means he only tends to deploy two central midfielders. Signing Ederson would still mean a healthy depth in that position, even if the trio were released, with skipper Bruno Fernandes, Kobbie Mainoo, and Mason Mount already in his squad.