TBR Football

Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United are in Bilbao to battle it out for the Europa League title.

It’s crazy to think that two sides who have had such awful campaigns domestically could end the season with a European trophy, but that’s the position Ruben Amorim and Ange Postecoglou are in right now.

A win in Bilbao on Wednesday night and the performances in the Premier League will be forgotten, but a defeat would make this an even worse campaign.

It will be a fascinating clash at San Mames, and Joe Cole has had his say about the game.

Joe Cole predicts Tottenham vs Manchester United Europa League final

Tottenham and Manchester United are about to face each other for the fourth time this season.

Spurs have come out on top every single time this term, but none of that will matter when the referee blows the first whistle in Bilbao on Wednesday night.

Postecoglou’s men will go for it from the start, while Amorim is expected to be a lot more conservative with his approach.

Both teams have an even chance of getting over the line – neither can be considered the favourites to win the Europa League.

Cole was asked for his prediction, and the Englishman backed Spurs to end their trophy drought.

He told Mail Sport: “Man United-Spurs? I fancy Spurs in the game.

“I’ve got a few of my pals going out there, watching it, and I don’t want to see them crying on my shoulder again. I’ve had enough of them all getting sad.

“So, I want them to have a lovely day, win a trophy, and we can all get off their back in the group chats.”

Tottenham’s big problem ahead of Manchester United clash

Tottenham will definitely take confidence from their three wins over Manchester United this season.

However, in those fixtures, James Maddison scored once and Dejan Kulusevski bagged two goals to help Spurs get over the line.

Both Maddison and Kulusevski have been ruled out of the Europa League final now, and with that, Tottenham’s creativity has all but gone.

Tottenham Hotspur are now 90 minutes away from winning their first major trophy since 2008 as they take on Manchester United in Wednesday’s Europa League final.

Tottenham have had a dismal season in the Premier League, just like Manchester United have, but both sides are now on the cusp of glory as they face off in Bilbao.

Along with securing a first trophy in 17 years, Spurs would also qualify for the Champions League should they lift the Europa League on Wednesday night.

TBR Football looks at who Ange Postecoglou could name in the Tottenham starting XI for the game at the San Mames.

Tottenham team news vs Manchester United

Postecoglou is sadly missing his three most creative players ahead of the Europa League final against Manchester United.

Dejan Kulusevski and James Maddison are both nursing knee injuries, while Lucas Bergvall is out with an ankle injury.

Radu Dragusin and Dane Scarlett are also on the sidelines along with Kulusevski, Maddison and Bergvall.

However, Pape Matar Sarr is fit after being forced off in Friday’s defeat to Aston Villa with discomfort in his back.

Son Heung-min predicted to start for Tottenham with Wilson Odobert tipped to miss out

Postecoglou went for a much-changed starting XI against Villa and he’ll return to his big guns for the most important game of the season.

We predict the entire back line will be changed, with Guglielmo Vicario back in goal and a back four of Pedro Porro, Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven and Destiny Udogie.

The midfield poses the most issues for Postecoglou, with so many key absentees for the big game.

However, with Sarr available, we predict a central three of the Senegal international along with Yves Bissouma and Rodrigo Bentancur.

Wilson Odobert has been tested as the creative midfielder in recent games, but the £25million man may not be risked from the very start and could be an option off the bench.

As for the front three, Son Heung-min is a shoo-in to start and captain his side, with Brennan Johnson on the other flank and Dominic Solanke leading the line.

Ange Postecoglou has expressed his excitement at one of Tottenham Hotspur’s key players being fit for the Europa League final.

Tottenham Hotspur take on Manchester United in the Europa League final this evening with the chance of ending their 17-year wait for silverware.

Ahead of the final, Postecoglou has been discussing the impact of one of his Spurs players who has been rarely available this season, but is ready to go in the final.

Ange Postecoglou is excited Richarlison is fit for the Europa League final

Ange Postecoglou has revealed that he is delighted Richarlison is fit for the Europa League final and believes the Brazilian can make an impact.

Richarlison has struggled with injuries this season and subsequently not played a great deal of football. Tottenham plan to sell Richarlison in the summer with Everton having shown an interest in bringing him back to Merseyside.

But before that, Postecoglou has revealed that the 27-year-old has worked very hard to be fit for the final against Manchester United. The Australian coach hailed the impact which the forward had in the semi-final against Bodo/Glimt.

Postecoglou told the media: “Firstly, Richy, so pleased for him because he’s had a tough time, not just this year but since he’s been at Tottenham. He’s had some injury problems, he’s never really had a stretch of games. But it’s been very tough on him physically and emotionally – he’s in a really good place now, physically, he’s worked really hard on his fitness.

“He plays with so much passion and determination – every time he plays, he gives 100 percent and he has quality as well. It’s great to have him in the team, for us, he provides something different to our other attacking players.

“He’s already made a big impact for us in the Europa League, particularly in the semi-final and I’m really pleased that through all the difficult times, he’s now in a place where he’s fit, available and is excited about contributing.”

Lucas Bergvall will miss the Europa League final

In the case of Lucas Bergvall, it is bad news as Postecoglou has ruled the Swedish international out of the final with an ankle injury.

The most important day of Tottenham Hotspur’s recent history has finally arrived, with Spurs up against Manchester United in the Europa League final.

Both Tottenham and Manchester United have endured difficult seasons on a domestic level, both sitting in the lower reaches of the Premier League table.

However, for one of Spurs and Man United, a major European trophy beckons, along with qualification for next season’s Champions League.

The match could also go a long way towards determining Ange Postecoglou‘s future at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Questions remain over Postecoglou’s tenure, and speculation has been doing the rounds suggesting that Spurs are already looking at alternative managers.

Now, Anton Ferdinand has revealed what he’d do if he were Postecoglou and he succeeded in ending Tottenham’s trophy drought.

Anton Ferdinand says he’d resign from Tottenham after winning the Europa League

Ferdinand, speaking on Rio Ferdinand Presents, said he would resign immediately after winning the Europa League if he were Postecoglou.

He spoke of the Spurs fans not having taken to him and, after saying he always wins a trophy in his second season, he’d quit after doing what he said he was going to do.

“If I’m Ange, I’m winning it and resigning,” said Ferdinand. “Mic drop.

“The way he’s been treated, the fans don’t take to him. He half goads the fans, they don’t like it.

“The fact that he said ‘I always win a trophy in my second season’…

“If he goes and does it, after the way he’s been treated by the fanbase, I’m going there and winning it, I’ve done what I said I’m gonna do, mic drop, see you later.”

Jamie O’Hara also said Postecoglou should leave even if he wins the Europa League – but for different reasons.

Tottenham vs Manchester United team news

Postecoglou is missing three of his most creative players ahead of Wednesday’s Europa League final against Manchester United.

Dejan Kulusevski and James Maddison are both nursing knee injuries, while Lucas Bergvall is out with an ankle injury. Radu Dragusin and Dane Scarlett are also absent.

However, Pape Matar Sarr is available despite being forced off in Friday’s 2-0 defeat to Aston Villa with discomfort in his back.

Meanwhile, Manchester United have been boosted by the availability of three recent absentees.

Diogo Dalot, Leny Yoro and Joshua Zirkzee all took part in Tuesday morning’s training session following their respective recent absences.

Matthijs de Ligt and Lisandro Martinez are the only Red Devils players unavailable for Ruben Amorim.

Tottenham Hotspur have the opportunity to win their first major trophy since 2008 when they take on Manchester United in Wednesday’s Europa League final.

Tottenham have had a dismal season in the Premier League, just like Manchester United have, but both sides are now on the cusp of glory as they face off in Bilbao.

Questions remain over Ange Postecoglou’s future at Tottenham, with speculation suggesting Spurs are already looking at alternative managers.

Jamie O’Hara has now shared what he thinks Tottenham should do with Postecoglou if he does put an end to Spurs’ trophy drought in the Europa League final.

Jamie O’Hara not convinced by Ange Postecoglou in Premier League

O’Hara, speaking to the Daily Mail, was asked what he thought about Postecoglou and whether he still has a future at Tottenham.

The Spurs-supporting pundit said he was initially impressed by Postecoglou’s style of play but feels he has been “found out”.

And while O’Hara feels Postecoglou has adapted in the Europa League, he reckons the mentality of losing in the Premier League “has become a problem”.

Therefore, O’Hara thinks Postecoglou should still go at the end of the season, even if they triumph in the Europa League final.

“When he came in I really liked him,” said O’Hara. “The style of football was great. I think he got found out as a manager.

“In terms of the tactics, he was very stubborn, he wasn’t willing to adapt, but in the Europa League he has adapted and played a bit more defensive football.

“I don’t necessarily think he’s the answer for Spurs, because I think the mentality of losing in the Premier League has become a problem.

“So I think after this, if we do win, he should still go.”

Tottenham vs Manchester United team news

Postecoglou is missing three of his most creative players ahead of the Europa League final against Manchester United.

Dejan Kulusevski and James Maddison are both nursing knee injuries, while Lucas Bergvall is out with an ankle injury.

Radu Dragusin and Dane Scarlett are also on the sidelines along with Kulusevski, Maddison and Bergvall.

However, Pape Matar Sarr is fit after being forced off in Friday’s 2-0 defeat to Aston Villa with discomfort in his back.

Meanwhile, Manchester United have been boosted by the availability of three recent absentees.

Diogo Dalot, Leny Yoro and Joshua Zirkzee all took part in Tuesday morning’s training session following their respective recent absences.

Matthijs de Ligt is one of only two Man United players to miss out on the final through injury, with long-term absentee Lisandro Martinez being the other.

Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United have held a training session ahead of the Europa League final in Bilbao.

The two sides have had shocking seasons in the Premier League and are set to finish 16th and 17th. That is completely unacceptable for clubs of that size, but one side could still save their season.

The winner of the Europa League final will not just lift the trophy but will also qualify for the Champions League next season.

For Tottenham, this final would mean a lot more because they haven’t won a trophy in over 17 years. Ending that drought is the dream, but injuries are not helping their cause.

What Lucas Bergvall was doing during Tottenham training at Bilbao

Lucas Bergvall has been one of Tottenham’s most impressive players this season.

The Swede, still only 19, was expected to be eased into the side by Ange Postecoglou this term, but injuries to other players forced the youngster to play so much more than he should’ve.

Bergvall has featured in 45 games in all competitions for Tottenham this season, and he has produced several fantastic performances.

Unfortunately for him, he suffered an injury a few weeks ago, and the initial diagnosis was that he would miss the Europa League final.

Bergvall has travelled with the squad to Bilbao, and he was at San Mames on Tuesday as well.

However, as his teammates trained on the pitch, Bergvall sat on the sidelines in his tracksuit and watched on.

TalkSPORT journalist Alex Crook shared a picture of the youngster on X.

Will Lucas Bergvall be fit enough to play for Tottenham vs Manchester United in the Europa League final?

Tottenham’s midfield has been hit with serious injuries ahead of the Europa League final.

James Maddison suffered an injury that has ruled him out for the rest of the season, and that news was followed by Dejan Kulusevski suffering a season-ending injury as well.

There was some hope that Bergvall would recover and be fit to face Manchester United, but Postecoglou ruled him out of the game in his press conference on Tuesday.

“No, Lucas isn’t available. Same as we were as of last week,” Postecoglou said, as per Football London.

It remains to be seen who will start along with Yves Bissouma and Rodrigo Bentancur in the middle of the park now – Pape Matar Sarr or Wilson Odobert.

Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur are set to go toe-to-toe with each other in what is set to be a closely-fought affair in the Europa League final.

Considering United and Spurs are languishing in 16th and 17th place respectively in the Premier League table, it is difficult to split two sides who have been equally poor throughout the season.

Regardless, Ruben Amorim pinpointed Tottenham’s intensity and their “strong intensity” as factors that could make them dangerous opponents.

Bruno Fernandes acknowledged Spurs’ threat as well and assured that United will do their due diligence in preparation for the game.

Ange Postecoglou and his staff will be doing the same and potentially with a sense of confidence, considering his Tottenham side have beaten Manchester United three times this season.

Paul Merson predicts Man United to beat Tottenham in Europa League final

In anticipation of the Europa League final, plenty of pundits have had their say on the contest, with Alan Shearer predicting Tottenham to beat Manchester United in Bilbao.

However, Rio Ferdinand could not split Manchester United and Tottenham — primarily due to his former club’s inconsistencies this season.

But Paul Merson was confident on Sky Sports that Manchester United will do a number on Tottenham, as he believes Dejan Kulusevski’s injury has ruined Spurs’ chances of a famous win: “I think Man United.”

“I think Kulusevski’s a massive miss. I think if Kulusevski’s playing, I’m probably going with Tottenham, by far their best player and I think he’ll be a big miss and I just think Man United have that little bit extra than them in my opinion but it could go any way.”

Manchester United and Tottenham’s all-time head-to-head record

History could play a huge role in the Europa League final.

For Manchester United, the fact that they have managed to win trophies despite being in a dark period since Alex Ferguson’s departure in 2013 serves as a good omen.

On the other hand, Tottenham’s chance of making history would motivate them to have the game of their lives.

Overall, Manchester United and Tottenham have faced each other 199 times.

Paul Merson’s reason for backing Manchester United over Tottenham may also be that they have won 96 out of their 199 meetings.

However, Spurs have come out on top in 57 of these meetings as well, which shows that they cannot be written off.

TBR Football can exclusively confirm that Roma are readying a bid to sign a Brighton & Hove Albion player who Tottenham Hotspur have always liked.

Spurs are set for a busy summer on the transfer front as they look to strengthen their ranks in the wake of a dismal domestic campaign.

Indeed, Tottenham could potentially also be looking for a new manager, with speculation intensifying over Ange Postecoglou’s future at Spurs.

However, Spurs will need to be mindful of other clubs stealing a march on their summer targets, which seems to be the case here.

Roma are preparing a bid for Tottenham target Matt O’Riley

TBR Football chief correspondent Graeme Bailey can confirm that Italian giants AS Roma are preparing a bid to lure Brighton star and Tottenham target Matt O’Riley to Serie A.

The 24-year-old midfielder joined Brighton last summer from Scottish champions Celtic in a deal worth around £25million.

O’Riley has featured in 20 games, but interest is growing with Brighton considering sanctioning his exit and a number of clubs are keen.

Tottenham have always liked the Denmark international, as have Newcastle United.

Roma looked at him last year before he joined Brighton and now their sporting chief Florent Ghisolfi is ready to make a move.

TBR Football also understands that O’Riley is now considering whether to leave the AMEX Stadium.

O’Riley, who created Brighton’s winner against Liverpool on Monday evening, has started just 11 games this season.

O’Riley has been told by Denmark boss Brian Riemer that he needs to be playing ahead of next year’s World Cup finals.

We can confirm that there are clubs in Italy and Spain looking, while as mentioned, there is also interest in England too – should Brighton allow him to move.

Only last week O’Riley’s Brighton teammate Yankuba Minteh said his colleague has the ability to play for any club in the world, he was that skilful.

“He is a good guy, and he is skilled on the pitch. He has the talent to play for any club he wants,” Minteh told Viaplay.

Kenny Dalglish’s Matt O’Riley seal of approval

O’Riley has struggled to tie down a regular spot under Fabian Hurzeler and, with the 2026 World Cup on the horizon, he’s got to think about regular football.

O’Riley was especially impressive at Celtic, registering 27 goals and 34 assists from 121 appearances.

He is a player who has really impressed Celtic legend Kenny Dalglish.

“Matt O’Riley played his part and his one-touch pass to put the Japanese striker through was as good a ball as you’ll see this season,” Dalglish told the media late last year.

“I believe he cost in the region of £1.5 million from MK Dons, which is an absolute steal.

“He has matured and his game has improved. At 22, there is still plenty more to come and he appears to be thriving under Brendan.”

Meanwhile, Brendan Rodgers previously described O’Riley as “phenomenal”.

O’Riley would’ve been a good shout for Tottenham, as Postecoglou knows him well from when they were both at Celtic, and he can play at No. 6, No. 8 and No. 10.

However, with Postecoglou’s future at Spurs uncertain, there’s the possibility O’Riley could find himself playing under a different manager – which would not be ideal were he to join because of Postecoglou.

Everton are interested in re-signing Richarlison from Tottenham Hotspur this summer.

The Brazilian has had a very difficult time in North London since his move from Goodison Park in the summer of 2022. He has struggled to live up to his price tag.

TBR Football exclusively revealed in March that Everton would like to bring Richarlison back to the club to replace Dominic Calvert-Lewin up top.

That move makes a lot of sense, but there is now some bad news for Everton fans who have been dreaming about his return.

Richarlison wants to stay at Tottenham despite Everton’s interest

Injuries have really hurt Richarlison’s career at Tottenham so far

The Brazilian has missed a total of 58 games since he joined Spurs in 2022. That is not a great record at all and explains his struggles.

Spurs can’t rely on him because of his very poor injury record, which is why Tottenham are ready to sell Richarlison this summer.

However, the player’s stance could ruin Spurs’ plans.

RTI Esporte in Brazil have claimed that Richarlison has no interest in leaving Tottenham once the summer transfer window opens.

It has been revealed that the attacker’s plan is to ‘continue at Tottenham, play well and return to the Brazilian national team’ for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

It remains to be seen if Everton can convince him to change his mind in the coming months.

Tottenham will have a problem if Richarlison refuses to leave

Richarlison would be one of Tottenham’s most profitable sales if they manage to sell him this summer.

The Brazilian has struggled at Spurs, but interest in him from clubs in Saudi Arabia gives Daniel Levy the opportunity to make big money.

But, if Richarlison refuses to leave this summer, Tottenham will be at risk of letting him run his contract down to its final year.

The only way to prevent that would be to offer him an extension. That, however, wouldn’t be a wise move considering his injury troubles.

It will be interesting to see what will happen this summer, but if Richarlison gets his wish, Everton will have to look elsewhere.

Manchester United and Tottenham have both been poor this season.

The Red Devils have suffered 18 defeats this season, the most defeats they have suffered in a single Premier League season in history, as they sit 16th in the table.

On the other hand, Spurs, who have been just as poor, currently sit 17th, with 21 defeats in the league this season with Ange Postecoglou making a new Spurs record.

The Europa League final holds a huge significance for both Spurs and United. It is their final chance to salvage their season, as a win would not only win them a trophy but also guarantee a place in next season’s Champions League.

And now former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has made his prediction ahead of the final.

Rio Ferdinand gives his verdict on the Europa League final

Despite the struggles domestically, both clubs have done surprisingly well to reach the Europa League final.

Ruben Amorim remains unbeaten in the competition, winning 8 and drawing 2 while Ange Postecoglou has remained unbeaten at home in the competition.

But given their incredible inconsistency, Rio Ferdinand has found it difficult to predict which way the game will go. Speaking on Optus Sport Ferdinand said: “I have to be honest, I can’t call a Man United result — they’re so inconsistent or they have consistently been bad in the Premier League.

“But the fact they are playing against Spurs, another consistently bad team in the Premier League, but they have players who can win a match.

“It makes it such a hard game to call, I think Man United haven’t done enough this season for me to go convincingly ‘right, they will win this game’ — at any point I’ve not felt like that, other than maybe against Leicester.

“So to call this game will be difficult, I think it’s a huge opportunity for both clubs, but for Manchester United I think the manager has been very open about putting all of his eggs in one basket.”

Tottenham could be considered favourites to beat Manchester United

Ruben Amorim is convinced Spurs will not change the way they play, which he believes makes them predictable, something he sees as an advantage for Manchester United heading into the final.

However, the two sides have met thrice this season, with Tottenham getting the better of United all three times, and twice under Ruben Amorim.

Spurs secured a comfortable 3-0 win at Old Trafford early on in the season, followed by a 1-0 victory at home in February. They also eliminated United from the League Cup in a dramatic 4-3 thriller.

Tottenham can also draw confidence from a season that has seen surprise winners lift silverware.

Crystal Palace stunned Manchester City to claim the FA Cup, the first major trophy in their history, while Newcastle edged out Liverpool in the League Cup final, securing their first major honour in 70 years.

With Tottenham currently on a trophy drought themselves, having not won a major trophy since 2008, perhaps this could finally be the season they end their wait.