United In Focus

There is now less than one week until the Europa League final, and Tottenham’s chances of success have taken a blow, handing Manchester United the advantage.

It is the season decider for both clubs, after terrible domestic campaigns see Manchester United 16th and Tottenham 17th in the league table.

It is an unprecedented low for United, and for Spurs in the past 15 years, which makes it a potentially massive blow for whichever side loses the Europa League final in Bilbao next week.

Ruben Amorim will therefore have full attention on the game, with the expectation of winning his first trophy for the club and also securing Champions League football and the cash influx it allows.

There will be a quiet confidence around United for the final, considering Tottenham are known for losing in big games, but Gary Neville has admitted Spurs’ team is drastically better on paper, which means they have the quality to win.

Despite this, Neville did suggest two United players would step up and not allow the Red Devils to be defeated on the night due to their winning experience. In addition, Spurs’ chances will have taken a hit with injuries.

Tottenham rule out Dejan Kulusevski with injury

It was last week that Spurs ruled out James Maddison for the Europa League final, with the midfielder’s season over. This was a big blow for Spurs, and saw him join Lucas Bergvall and Radu Dragusin on the injured list.

More United News

These three severely weakened Postecoglou’s side, yet now there has been another star ruled out in the form of their star winger Dejan Kulusevski.

Spurs have confirmed that Kulusevski has now undergone surgery on his injured right patella, which he sustained last weekend.

The confirmation continues that Kulusevski will now commence rehabilitation with medical staff, missing the Europa League final with his season now written off.

The Spurs X account followed this announcement with an image of Kulusevski in a hospital bed with his thumbs up.

This is an absence that will definitely be felt by Spurs, but it will benefit Amorim.

Manchester United will benefit from Dejan Kulusevski missing from the final

This season has already seen United lose three times to Tottenham, which makes this game nerve-wracking and one Amorim must win. Therefore, he will be slightly relieved by Spurs’ weaker line-up.

In addition to the Spurs blow, United have players fighting to be fit like Diogo Dalot and Leny Yoro, meaning Amorim will have a stronger defence to cope with a weaker attack.

Kulusevski joining Maddison on the absentee list means two of their five best attacking outlets are now ruled out, with Son Heung-min, Dominic Solanke, and Brennan Johnson likely to be the starting front three.

Brennan Johnson, 17 goals, 7 assists

Dominic Solanke, 15 goals, 8 assists

James Maddison, 12 goals, 11 assists

Son Heung-min, 11 goals, 12 assists

Dejan Kulusevski, 10 goals, 11 assists

This takes some of the teeth out of this Spurs side, who United have lost narrowly to twice under Amorim, with Maddison the difference in February’s 1-0 defeat and a first 54-minute league cup collapse involving one Kulusevski goal leading to a 4-3 loss.

United won’t have wished injury on anyone, but with the importance of a win, Amorim will be feeling more confident knowing that Spurs’ best player won’t be on the field, giving Patrick Dorgu an easier time.

Gary Neville has dropped an early hint at which Premier League team will come out on top between Manchester United and Tottenham in the 2025 Europa League final.

Manchester United reached the Europa League final after the Red Devils overcame La Liga outfit Athletic Club in the semi-finals of the UEFA tournament.

Ruben Amorim’s men travelled to Spain for the first leg of the semi-finals earlier this month and United defeated 10-man Athletic Club at the San Mames Stadium.

Following United’s 3-0 win over Athletic Club in Spain, the Red Devils hosted the Spanish club at Old Trafford for the return leg in the last four of the Europa League.

United came from behind against Athletic Club in the second leg and the Red Devils thumped the La Liga side 4-1 in the match at Old Trafford last Thursday.

Ruben Amorim’s side punched their ticket to the Europa League final and the 40-year-old United manager is within touching distance of major silverware this season.

United must lift the Europa League trophy on 21st May if the Red Devils want to ensure their place in Europe in the 2025-26 season and in the Champions League.

More United News

Why Gary Neville spotlighted Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes for Man Utd’s 2025 Europa League final clash vs Tottenham

Tottenham defeated Norwegian side Bodo/Glimt in both legs of the Europa League semi-finals to reach the final and to set up an all-English showdown in Spain.

Spurs secured a 3-1 victory over Bodo/Glimt in the first leg at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium before picking up a 2-0 win away from home last Thursday.

The Europa League final will be held at San Mames Stadium in Bilbao, with the match between Manchester United and Spurs slated for an 8pm kick-off time in the UK.

Ruben Amorim has seen United play better in the Europa League and both Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes have impressed for the Red Devils in their 2024-25 run.

Speaking on The Overlap, Gary Neville admitted that Amorim’s United side can “step up for a one-off” match thanks to players like Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes.

However, the 50-year-old United legend said that he could see Spurs lifting the Europa League trophy if the Red Devils cannot improve their performance.

“United do have a couple of players, the likes of Casemiro and Bruno, they have something in them that will step up for a one-off game,” he explained.

“But if the players play like they should, Tottenham should win that game.”

Bruno Fernandes sends warning to Man Utd players ahead of the Europa League final vs Tottenham

Following United’s 2-0 Premier League defeat to West Ham on Sunday, Bruno Fernandes insisted that the Red Devils must first focus on their next match.

“We have some days to recover, to prepare well for that game,” he told MUTV, as per Manchester United’s official website.

“We know it’s going to be a very tough game; Chelsea is fighting for a place in the Champions League, but we want to finish the season in the best way possible.

“So, we need to go to Stamford Bridge and do that, to get the best result there.”

United will face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in the Premier League on Friday ahead of travelling to Bilbao for the Europa League final against Spurs next Wednesday.

Thousands of Manchester United and Tottenham fans will be finding their way to Bilbao for next Wednesday.

Manchester United fans have already travelled to Bilbao for the Europa League semi-finals this season, whereas it will be a completely new experience for a lot of Tottenham’s travelling support.

The Red Devils booked their place in the Europa League final after beating Real Sociedad, Lyon and Athletic Club in the latter stages. Tottenham had a more straightforward route after beating AZ Alkmaar, Eintracht Frankfurt and Bødo/Glimt.

It promises to be entertaining and all-English in Bilbao, with a lot of factors to consider for those making the eagerly awaited trip.

That is why we have put together a fan guide for those travelling to Bilbao.

Getting to Bilbao

Fans are having mixed experiences getting to and from Bilbao for the Europa League final. The main difficulty for many is finding accommodation due to the prices and lack of availability, with many choosing to stay in neighbouring towns like San Sebastian or Santander.

Those same fans have found many ways to fly to Bilbao, although not all of them were fortunate enough to get direct flights. Another possibility is to fly to Bordeaux before driving on French roads to Bilbao.

If you are still struggling to find accommodation in or near Bilbao, we recommend checking camping sites in the area.

Separate fan zones

The fan zones for Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur fans have been announced ahead of the final. United have got the fan zone in Etzebarria Park, while Tottenham have got the Pozas area which is nearer to the San Mames Stadium.

Places to eat

Bar snacks are popular in Spain. In Bilbao, these are called pintxos – and United fans are expected to try these over the course of next week. They involve a small slice of bread stabbed by a toothpick, with anything of the bar’s choosing attached. These usually involve jamon iberico, tuna paste, stuffed anchovies and chunks of chorizo.

People can also visit the largest covered food market in Europe, the Mercado de la Ribera, which was built in 1929. The elegant art deco building has a surface of 108,000 sq ft and is full of stalls selling local produce, from fresh fish to Basque cheese and cured meats.

It won’t come as a surprise that the biggest football club in Bilbao is Athletic Club. United fans know a great deal about their side already having knocked them out of the competition in the semi-final stages.

However, this time for the final, they will get a chance to mingle with some of the locals.

Top things to do in Bilbao

The first thing on everyone’s agenda next week will be making it to the final on Wednesday night. That will be the biggest show in town, but there will be plenty for people to do in the city ahead of the game or in the days that follow.

People can stroll from the Guggenheim museum to the casco Viejo as the Nervion bends toward the Arenal Bridge. You can also visit Plaza de las Mujeres to see the world go by.

Also take time to relax and enjoy your stay in the Basque region.

Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou has provided a major update on one Spurs star amid the build-up for the 2025 Europa League final against Manchester United.

Manchester United reached the Europa League final and the Red Devils are now within touching distance of securing major silverware in their 2024-25 campaign.

The Europa League is crucial to United’s lacklustre season and the Red Devils must lift the trophy if they want to secure a return to Europe for the 2025-26 campaign.

Ruben Amorim’s men ensured their place in the 2025 final in Spain on 21st May after United knocked Athletic Club out of the Europa League semi-finals last Thursday.

United defeated Athletic Club 3-0 in the first leg of the semi-finals at the San Mames Stadium in Bilbao before hosting the La Liga outfit at Old Trafford for the return leg.

Ruben Amorim’s side came from behind in the second leg of the Europa League semi-finals and United defeated Athletic Club 4-1 on the night at Old Trafford.

The Europa League title would open the path back to Champions League football for United next season after a woeful 2024-25 Premier League season.

More United News

Ange Postecoglou speaks out on Tottenham captain Son Heung-min ahead of the 2025 Europa League final vs Man Utd

Tottenham punched their ticket to the 2025 Europa League final after knocking Norwegian side Bodo/Glimt out of the semi-finals last Thursday.

Spurs beat Bodo/Glimt 3-1 in the first leg of the Europa League semi-finals at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium before picking up a 2-0 win away from home.

Tottenham, much like Manchester United, have endured an awful Premier League campaign and their season now hinges on lifting the Europa League trophy.

Ange Postecoglou has now said that it is vital for Tottenham to carefully manage the fitness of Spurs ace Son Heung-min after the player’s return from injury.

“We’ve got enough injuries, I’m putting them in cotton wool for the next 10 days,” he said at a media day on Monday ahead of the Europa League final, as per BBC Sport.

“From a physical standpoint, [Son] is good. It’s important he got some minutes yesterday, more for himself psychologically.

“He had a good session today, didn’t do the whole session because he played yesterday. He feels good and we’ve got eight or nine days to go.

“We can build him up.”

Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou on Son Heung-min’s fitness in the preparation for the Europa League final against Man Utd

Spurs star Son Heung-min has scored 11 times and picked up 12 assists in 44 matches across all competitions for Tottenham in the 2024-25 campaign.

Postecoglou has said that he is hopeful that the 32-year-old South Korean forward can now ‘kick on’ in the remainder of the season for Spurs amid his fitness concerns.

“We’ll get him some minutes on Friday and if he trains right through, he’ll be OK,” he said.

“He’s worked hard to get back. It’s a bit of a funny injury. It was just how he progressed and how he felt.

“Hopefully, he kicks on now.”

United and Tottenham’s showdown in the Europa League final is slated for an 8pm kick-off time in the UK at Athletic Club’s San Mames Stadium in Bilbao on 21st May.

Paul Scholes made the call to leave Son Heung-min out of his combined XI featuring Manchester United and Tottenham players ahead of the 2025 Europa League final.

Manchester United reached the Europa League final after the Red Devils overcame La Liga club Athletic Club in the semi-finals of the tournament this season.

Ruben Amorim’s men came from behind last Thursday and United secured a 4-1 win over Athletic Club at Old Trafford in the second leg of the Europa League semi-finals.

United initially beat Athletic Club 3-0 in the first leg at the San Mames Stadium earlier this month and the Red Devils have now punched their ticket to the final.

Tottenham, meanwhile, secured their place in the Europa League final in Spain after beating Norwegian side Bodo/Glimt across both legs of the semi-final.

Spurs picked up a 3-1 win at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in the first leg before travelling away and Ange Postecoglou’s men sealed a 2-0 win last Thursday.

Ruben Amorim’s United side will now be heading back to Athletic Club’s San Mames Stadium for the Europa League final on 21st May in Bilbao.

More United News

Paul Scholes wanted Man Utd ace ahead of Tottenham captain Son Heung-min in his combined XI ahead of the Europa League final

Manchester United and Tottenham languish in 16th place and 17th place respectively in the Premier League table after woeful seasons for both clubs.

The two Premier League sides now need to lift the Europa League trophy if they want to secure their place in Europe and in the Champions League for next season.

Ange Postecoglou’s Tottenham future is uncertain after Spurs’ season and Ruben Amorim could end his campaign with his first piece of silverware as United manager.

Speaking to TNT Sports’ TikTok account, Paul Scholes took part in a challenge where he built his combined United and Tottenham XI ahead of the Europa League final.

The 50-year-old United legend made the controversial decision to snub Tottenham ace Son Heung-min for the left wing spot and he instead picked Alejandro Garnacho.

Posted below is Scholes’ combined XI for United and Tottenham players.

Paul Scholes raises a major Man Utd criticism under Ruben Amorim ahead of the Europa League final showdown with Tottenham

Scholes suggested that United manager Amorim should not have “sacrificed” the Red Devils’ Premier League campaign to now focus on the Europa League run.

“Manchester United should be able to play in two or three competitions at once without sacrificing something, and they’ve clearly sacrificed the league,” he said in his column for TNT Sports.

“I don’t like it and I don’t agree with it and I believe there has to be some sort of standards required in a Premier League team.”

Paul Scholes has admitted that he “wouldn’t be surprised” if he saw one thing happen in the Europa League final between Manchester United and Tottenham.

The Red Devils punched their ticket to the 2025 Europa League final after Manchester United defeated Athletic Club 4-1 at Old Trafford in the semi-finals.

United beat 10-man Athletic Club 3-0 in the first leg of the Europa League semi-finals earlier this month before hosting the Spanish side for the return leg.

Ruben Amorim’s men fought back against the La Liga outfit in the second-leg tie last Thursday and United came from behind to beat Athletic Club at Old Trafford.

United have reached the 2025 Europa League final and the Red Devils will meet Premier League side Tottenham for an all-English showdown on 21st May in Spain.

Tottenham secured their place in the final of the Europa League this season after Spurs beat Norwegian side Bodo/Glimt across both legs in the semi-finals.

Ange Postecoglou’s men beat Bodo/Glimt 3-1 at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium earlier this month before picking up a 2-0 victory away from home in the return leg.

The Europa League final between United and Spurs will be played at Athletic Club’s San Mames Stadium in Bilbao, with kick-off slated for 8pm UK time.

More United News

Paul Scholes’ prediction for the best team between Man Utd and Tottenham in the 2025 Europa League final

The Europa League is the last chance for Ruben Amorim to secure major silverware as Manchester United manager in the current campaign before the season is out.

United must also lift the Europa League trophy on 21st May if they want to secure Champions League football and a route back to Europe for the 2025-26 campaign.

Paul Scholes has admitted that he could see United winning the Europa League, despite suggesting that Tottenham would “probably be the best team” on the night.

Speaking in his column for TNT Sports, the United legend said: “The way that Man Utd win games these days is that they have little bursts where they play well.

“They’ll have long periods of not playing well and then, all of a sudden, they’ll have a spell of 10–15 minutes which wins them the game, and that’s what happened in the semi-final second leg at Old Trafford.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if something similar happened in the final. Tottenham will probably be the best team on the night, but I just think that United will have enough to win.

“The worry is Man Utd are playing a Premier League team in the final but can’t win a Premier League game, and that’s the biggest issue.

“I suppose if it [were] a league game, they’d stand no chance, but it’s in the Europa League and it seems to be different and gives them a chance of winning a game.”

Paul Scholes now speaks out on Man Utd ahead of Europa League showdown with Tottenham

Paul Scholes has suggested that United’s “experience” of playing in finals and winning trophies is a “big” boost for the Red Devils for the Europa League final.

“A lot of people will favour United for the final,” he explained.

“When you look at the recent matches between the two teams, then you’ll probably have to make Tottenham the slight favourites, but Manchester United are used to being in finals.

“Even in recent bad periods, they’re still reaching finals and winning trophies and I think that experience is big.

“Tottenham have always been a good team. They were during my playing days, and they’re a good team now, although they’ve had this reputation of not being the best mentally.

“But I enjoy watching Ange Postecoglou’s Spurs team now, and we can talk about history all we want, but United have to perform better than they have in the past to win it.”

United will face Chelsea in the Premier League on Friday at Stamford Bridge before the Red Devils travel to Spain for their Europa League final against Tottenham.

Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur booked their places in the Europa League final on Thursday night.

Manchester United breezed past Athletic Club, winning 7-1 on aggregate over two legs, while Tottenham had few problems in their semi-final tie against Bodø/Glimt.

With both teams sitting in the bottom half of the Premier League, the final match-up has drawn some controversy, but it also proves how strong English football is right now.

Ruben Amorim has two weeks to prepare his United first-team to take on Tottenham in Bilbao.

United’s head coach will be looking to avoid any additional injury setbacks after Matthijs de Ligt suffered a setback against Brentford last weekend.

The opposing manager, Ange Postecoglou, faces the same problems after losing James Maddison for the remainder of the season.

Some of the leading pundits are getting their Europa League final predictions in early.

Owen Hargreaves predicts Europa League success for Man Utd

Former United midfielder, who was part of the Champions League-winning side in 2008, Owen Hargreaves believes the Red Devils will taste European success this season.

More United News

Hargreaves discussed the narrative that has been built around the showdown on TNT Sports.

In agreement with his former United teammate Paul Scholes, Hargreaves suggested United are in a good position to beat Tottenham in the final.

“It’s going to be fascinating,” said Hargreaves.

“For Ange, a European trophy: Champions League football. So much at stake for everyone.

“But if United can win a trophy in a down season, it tells you what this club is all about.

“Momentum is with United, with the energy around the club at the moment.”

Tottenham seeking first trophy since 2008

It’s no secret that Postecoglou is under pressure to deliver trophies at a club that rarely wins trophies.

Tottenham last won a trophy on 24th February 2008, in a 2-1 victory over Chelsea at Wembley Stadium in the League Cup.

They will be looking to end that drought this year, despite an abysmal showing in domestic competitions throughout the campaign.

On the other hand, United will be looking for their second Europa League triumph since 2017.

Ruben Amorim is looking to win his first-ever European Cup when Manchester United take on Tottenham Hotspur in the Europa League final.

After a convincing 3-0 win in the first leg, Manchester United beat Athletic Club 3-1 at Old Trafford on Thursday night to secure their place in an eagerly anticipated final against Tottenham.

A nervy first-half saw United trail 1-0 at the break, but four goals in the final 20 minutes settled the tension that was evident on another memorable night for European football.

Thanks to goals from Mason Mount (2), Casemiro and Rasmus Hojlund, United could enjoy the end of the game with their focus firmly on a Bilbao final.

Tottenham reached the final after overcoming Bodo/Glimt over two legs, winning 4-1 on aggregate. Ange Postecoglou is looking to deliver his promise of trophies, but he is facing a head coach in Ruben Amorim, who is eager to lay the foundations for future success at United.

Ruben Amorim not thinking about Champions League money

It will be an important summer transfer window for Amorim, after adding just two players to his squad in January, after becoming United’s head coach less than two months prior.

Ayden Heaven and Patrick Dorgu arrived in January as two defensive additions and their ability is already clear for United fans to see.

The Portuguese coach will be eager to add more quality to his squad when the 2024/25 season concludes, especially after such a turbulent campaign with United sitting in the bottom half of the Premier League season.

More United News

There is no denying that qualifying for the Champions League would be a huge bonus for United in terms of financial strength ahead of the transfer window.

However, Amorim has stressed that money is not the most important thing about potentially winning the Europa League. His intentions are clear as he wants to show that he can change things during his early days at the club.

“I think that is clear and I read the money is not the most important, even the title as a coach is the feeling that we can do good things,” Amorim told reporters in his post-match press conference.

“The feeling is to give something to our fans, even in this season, so I agree, it is not just playing Champions League next year, it is that feeling that we can change things.”

After failing to win the Premier League since 2013, it’s clear that things need to change at United and it’s a promising sign that Amorim is not shying away from that.

Amorim has compared himself to Ange Postecoglou ahead of the final.

Europa League triumph would be ‘massive’

Amorim won the Primeira Liga twice as Sporting CP manager, but he held back from ranking a potential Europa League triumph when questioned by reporters on Thursday night.

Still, Amorim did not hide away from how significant Europa League success would be for United after such a difficult campaign.

He added: “Every coach will say the next one is the most important. It is the title with more exposure, but I cannot say it is the most important title.

“Your first one is more important because you want to establish yourself as a coach and to win something, so you can say you have a title. But it would be massive, especially after this season in the Premier League. For me, it is important because it is the next one.”

Manchester United are looking likely to be involved in the Europa League final, which is just over a fortnight away, with Tottenham leading the race to be the opponent.

While Manchester United are not confirmed to be in the Europa League final just yet, it would take an absolute disaster for Ruben Amorim’s side not to progress.

After a brilliant 3-0 first leg victory over Athletic Club, all the cards are stacked against the Basque side overturning the deficit at Old Trafford.

Any chance of staging a comeback looks dashed on Wednesday as Athletic Club have suffered a double injury blow to both Inaki Williams and Nico Williams.

This should mean United have a relatively simple night on Thursday with Bilbao missing their three best players. Therefore, this should mean United are overwhelming favourites to return to San Mames in a fortnight.

As of now, it looks likely that it will be Tottenham Hotspur who join United in the final.

James Maddison suffers season-ending injury two weeks before Europa League final

In their first leg, Tottenham beat Bodo/Glimt 3-1 at home, setting up a frosty affair in the Arctic Circle this Thursday where the Norwegian side are rather formidable.

More United News

Ange Postecoglou’s side will have to do it all without James Maddison, as the extent of his recent injury has been revealed.

It comes according to Sami Mokbel and the BBC, who report that Maddison’s season is over and is even a doubt for pre-season at Spurs with a knee injury.

This, of course, will include the Europa League final, which Spurs will be hoping to play in two weeks over in Bilbao, with United the likely opponent.

Maddison does not require surgery on his knee, and the hope is that he will be fit for the start of the 2025/26 season in August.

This will weaken Spurs, with Maddison being the decider in the previous meeting between United and Spurs, in which Amorim lost 1-0.

Which Manchester United players will miss the Europa League final?

So, assuming it is Spurs who reach the final, they will be without a player who has 12 goals and 11 assists this season across all competitions.

In comparison, United look set to have a fairly healthy squad for the final, with Amad Diallo and Luke Shaw both recently returned from injury.

Absentees will, however, include Lisandro Martinez, Joshua Zirkzee, and potentially Diogo Dalot if he does not get fit in time. Additionally, the race will be on for Ayden Heaven and Toby Collyer.

Amorim will, however, more or less have his full strength side available to him for the final should he manage to deny a Bilbao comeback.

It is exactly two weeks until the final, and fans should be excited.

Former Manchester United goalkeeper Roy Carroll reflects on one of the most iconic moments of his career when Tottenham Hotspur were not given a goal after the ball had clearly crossed the line.

Roy Carroll spent four years at Manchester United, beginning in 2007 after a transfer from Wigan Athletic. It was initially thought that Carroll would become the understudy to Fabien Barthez at Old Trafford, with competition from Raimond van der Gouw.

The Northern Ireland goalkeeper cost United in the region of £2.5 million which is a cheap price to pay for a keeper who would go on to make over 600 career appearances in seven different countries.

However, Carroll never became Barthez’ replacement because he never nailed down the role of being the first-choice stopper. He still earned a Premier League winners’ medal and won the 2004 FA Cup during his spell at Old Trafford.

Carroll made 72 appearances for United during his time at the club and also played for Linfield, Notts County, Odense Boldklub, Derby County, West Ham and others.

Roy Carroll infamous mistake against Tottenham Hotspur

Most people think of his mistake against Tottenham Hotspur when they hear Roy Carroll’s name mentioned, especially in Premier League corners.

It came in his last season at United when the goalkeeper famously spilt Pedro Mendes’ long-range shot.

Although the ball crossed the line, the officials on the night didn’t award the goal and the Northern Irishman’s error went unpunished, as the game ended scoreless.

More United News

Carroll opened up on the mistake during an interview with the Manchester Evening News, saying: “I always mention it to my young goalkeepers in training. My reactions were good.

“I didn’t see Mendes again until I played for Rangers years later. He just turned up with a big smile on his face, and I said it was never a goal! For a goalkeeper, every day is a learning day, and when you make a mistake like that, it’s a mistake because you took your eye off the ball.

“There were 70,000 people there, so it was a bad place to make a mistake. That’s what I say when I coach: when you make mistakes in training, don’t worry. It’s the place to make them.”

Carroll knows that making mistakes is part of being a goalkeeper. United fans have watched Andre Onana make plenty of errors over the past season and there are now question marks over his future at the club.

Unlike Onana, Carroll got away with his mistake against Tottenham. It wouldn’t happen nowadays due to the introduction of VAR.

Extra responsibilities as Man Utd goalkeeper

Carroll knows what Onana has been going through in the last two weeks after making two major mistakes in the first leg against Lyon.

Ever since that game, Onana’s future has been the subject of non-stop speculation. The only way he can get beyond that is by performing well and stop giving ammunition to his critics.

Speaking from experience, Carroll added: “I’m not talking about the Manchester United goalkeeper here, but I’m talking about all goalkeepers, it’s not easy.

“I know people say you start all over again and get on with it, but it’s difficult, especially when you can hear people muttering in the background.

“As a goalkeeper, you have to be mentally tough and mistakes happen in football. It’s not easy for Manchester United goalkeepers. You can be the best goalkeeper in the world for Man United, but if you make a mistake, you’re going to be all over the front page because it’s such a massive club.

“I do a lot of talks about mental health because it’s very close to me, but the massive thing about football being a goalkeeper is you probably have more downs than ups in the game.”