TBR Football

The UEFA Europa League final between Tottenham and Manchester United was a strange affair.

Very rarely – if ever – have we seen two clubs sitting in the bottom five of their domestic league partake in a European final, but that is exactly what happened in Bilbao as Spurs defeated the Red Devils.

Tottenham currently sit 17th in the Premier League while Manchester United are 16th.

Therefore, it was a very odd spectacle to witness, and Graham Roberts noticed something else “strange” after the final whistle.

Lack of medals supplied by UEFA baffles Graham Roberts

The man born in Southampton, who made 278 appearances for Spurs, spotted that Heung-min Son, Cristian Romero and Rodrigo Bentancur all failed to receive a medal during the presentation.

Roberts – who hailed Romero – wrote on X (previously known as Twitter): “Fantastic support from our great, super supporters. You are the best and showed it last night, you got behind the team and helped us win the trophy. Also, did anybody notice that UEFA never had enough medals as Sonny, Romero, and Bentancur never got medals. I’m sure they will, but strange.”

What UEFA said in official statement after Tottenham trio were not given medals

UEFA have already addressed this “strange” moment in an official statement.

They said: “To our great displeasure, we did not have enough medals available on stage during the trophy ceremony presentation due to an unexpected discrepancy in the player count, as more team members – including injured players – participated in the ceremony than initially anticipated.

“The missing medals were promptly delivered to the winning team in the dressing room, along with our sincerest apologies for the oversight.”

Ange Postecoglou – who tried to stay out of the celebrations – was clearly keen for each member of his squad to be recognised with a medal, regardless of how little they actually contributed to the achievement on the pitch.

That is the correct approach, as despite the fact some who received a medal barely appeared in this Europa League campaign, everyone plays a part behind the scenes on a daily basis, and deserves recognition.

Tottenham Hotspur have won the Europa League, and a number of key doors have been opened heading into next season.

Indeed, a Europa League win brings with it qualification for the Champions League, and, in turn, that brings huge financial benefits.

With the summer transfer window on the horizon, a boost to the bank balance is great news for Tottenham.

Spurs have been linked with a few exciting players ahead of the summer.

Angel Gomes has been linked to Tottenham, while Spurs are also keen on Rayan Cherki.

Justin Kluivert has been linked to Tottenham recently, and speaking on the Premier League’s YouTube channel, the Bournemouth attacker has made a claim that may interest Spurs fans.

Justin Kluivert is friends with Micky van de Ven

Kluivert was asked to name who he believes are the 10 fastest players in the Premier League.

Micky van de Ven is the fastest player in the Premier League, and Kluivert picked him as his number one.

Interestingly, Kluivert also noted that he’s good friends with Van de Ven, picking him as the quickest player in the division.

“He’s a good friend of mine, and I’ll put him for sure at number one,” Kluivert said.

Justin Kluivert’s record alongside Micky van de Ven

Justin Kluivert says he’s good friends with Micky van de Ven, and of course, both players know one another well from their Dutch connection.

Both players are similar ages, and coming through in the Netherlands, they will have played against each other on numerous occasions.

On top of that, Kluivert and Van de Ven are international teammates too.

However, they’ve never actually shared the pitch together, but they have been in the same squad on two occasions.

The Netherlands are yet to win a single game in which Van de Ven and Kluivert are in the same squad, and that perhaps doesn’t bode too well for Spurs and their potential transfer plans.

Kluivert is a target for Tottenham, and he may well find it easy to settle in at Spurs if he arrives due to his close friendship with Van de Ven.

Tottenham Hotspur supporters will be eager to know what is next for Cristian Romero after his man-of-the-match performance in their Europa League triumph.

The Argentine international was outstanding for Tottenham Hotspur as they managed to keep Manchester United at bay to clinch their first trophy in 17 years.

Romero has been linked to Atletico Madrid this summer, but the North London club will be hopeful that Champions League qualification could have an impact on his future. Contract talks between Romero and Tottenham were shelved amid major uncertainty about the situation at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium next season.

Now, after winning his first major title at Spurs and being back in the top European competition, Romero has spoken about his future.

Cristian Romero responds to Tottenham exit rumours

Cristian Romero has admitted that he cannot control the rumours linking him with a move away from Tottenham. The 27-year-old has expressed his love for the club and how appreciated he has been made to feel after winning the Europa League title.

Romero told TyC Sports: “I can’t stop the things that are said outside the club, nor can I be constantly clarifying them. I always gave my all to this shirt, and here at the club, they show me that they love me very much.

“I love this club very much. I achieved a huge goal because Tottenham haven’t lifted a trophy in many years.”

The World Cup-winning defender was unable to clarify his future immediately, but surely he will be giving serious thought to playing for another year at Tottenham.

Cristian Romero’s Europa League final stats

Romero completed an incredible ten clearances against Man United as Ange Postecoglou’s team proved impenetrable in the Europa League final. United hit balls into the box, but the Argentine continuously batted them away.

The defender also won six of his nine duels against the Red Devils as he left Ruben Amorim’s side short of ideas in attack.

Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United are set to lock horns in the Europa League final on Wednesday afternoon.

Tottenham and Manchester United have both struggled in the Premier League this season and also failed to get their hands on a domestic cup trophy.

However, Europa League glory – and a Champions League spot – now beckons for one of Tottenham or Man United come Wednesday night.

Ahead of the game, Old Trafford legend Rio Ferdinand selected his combined Spurs – Man United XI.

And while Ferdinand was always expected to select a majority of Red Devils players, one Tottenham player made the cut.

Rio Ferdinand picks Tottenham star Dominic Solanke over Manchester United forward Rasmus Hojlund

TNT Sports shared a video on their TikTok of Ferdinand picking a combined XI based on Tottenham and Man United’s first-choice line-ups.

A player from each side flashed up in each position and Ferdinand had to tilt his head to make his pick.

In the back line, Andre Onana, Harry Maguire, Leny Yoro, Diogo Dalot and Patrick Dorgu all got the nod.

They were selected ahead of Guglielmo Vicario, Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven and Destiny Udogie.

Ferdinand had to think about Rodrigo Bentancur and Lisandro Martinez, but ultimately opted for the latter, along with Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes.

Amad Diallo then got the nod over Dejan Kulusevski – but when it came to Dominic Solanke and Rasmus Hojlund, Ferdinand went with the Tottenham record signing.

@tntsportsfootball Rio Ferdinand’s Europa League final combined XI is as you’d expect 😅🔴 #uelfinal #manutd #football ♬ Trap, hip hop, dark beat ♪(963369) – Ninja_Muzik_Tokyo

Ferdinand wrapped it up by selecting Alejandro Garnacho over Son Heung-min.

What Rio Ferdinand recently said to Dominic Solanke

Tottenham signed Solanke in a £65million deal from Bournemouth last summer and he has shown glimpses of quality during a tricky season for Spurs.

Solanke can hold the ball up well, can link up with the players around him, and is clinical in front of goal.

However, what shocked Ferdinand when he met Solanke recently was his size.

After greeting Solanke and Chelsea star Tosin Adarabioyo on Rio Ferdinand Presents, Ferdinand said: “You man are big, you know? I didn’t realise you lot are that big! Wow!”

Solanke and Ferdinand are both 6ft 2in tall.

Ange Postecoglou has almost gone through every emotion as manager of Tottenham Hotspur this season.

The former Celtic boss has lost several key Tottenham players to injury throughout the campaign and has perhaps failed to show the necessary pragmatism in response.

That’s a statement that Postecoglou would likely reject — he hasn’t been happy with much analysis of his Spurs team in recent months.

However, the fact remains that Daniel Levy could replace Postecoglou heading into the new season.

Fabio Paratici has suggested four managers to Tottenham and it could be a summer of change in N17.

Ange Postecoglou praises Son Heung-min’s attitude this season

That being said, there is also speculation over Son Heung-min’s Tottenham future, the club’s captain.

But judging by Postecoglou’s recent comments in an interview with Stadium Astro, he would seemingly be keen to keep Son at the club if it were up to him.

Postecoglou was asked about Son and his frustrations this season, but the Spurs boss only had positive things to say about his captain.

He said: “Sonny’s season has kind of reflected us as a club. But like the club we’ve found resilience to still try and make this season successful.

“Sonny is the same you know, he’s never, as disappointed or frustrated he may have been with his injuries or missing games or maybe not performing at the level he wants or expects of himself.

“He’s never let it affect his demeanour or the way he is, he’s still a very positive guy and he’s still a guy who looks ahead with optimism and real determination to have success.

“So he hasn’t changed, he’s been important for us on and off the field this year and you know I think he understands that football is not a smooth process, he’s had his own challenges in his career, he’s had to fight hard to come from Asia and sort of dominate and play at this level for so long.

“It’s rare for a player from that side of the world to do that, he’s had to overcome many obstacles and he’s done the same this year.”

Should Tottenham sign Mathys Tel permanently?

As things stand, Son will soon have one-year-left on his deal and it has to be questioned if there’s room for all of the forwards who Spurs currently have.

In addition to Son and Tel, both Wilson Odobert and Richarlison will be competing for a starting role on the left, even if the Brazilian can also play up front.

Richarlison wants to stay at Tottenham despite interest from Everton, perhaps making Spurs’ decisions even more difficult in the summer.

But with a fully fit squad, which has admittedly not been a common occurrence at Tottenham of late, there will be a lot of players sitting on the sidelines.

The ideal scenario for Tottenham Hotspur would be to win the UEFA Europa League and becoming an attractive destination for players to join after securing Champions League qualification.

Tottenham are the underdogs against Manchester United but having beaten them on three separate occasions this season, Spurs have every right to come out on top and use the victory as a springboard to have a memorable summer window.

Regardless of Wednesday’s result, the Lilywhites are doing all they can behind the scenes to bring fresh faces into the club in the coming months — with Tottenham being favourites to sign Vanderson among many targets.

Rayan Cherki is on Tottenham’s radar as well as the ownership seem keen to avoid a repeat of the disastrous season they have had this campaign.

Another attacking midfielder who Spurs are huge admirers of is Eberechi Eze.

Fabrizio Romano says Crystal Palace will not sell Tottenham target Eberechi Eze

Eze is Ange Postecoglou’s number one target to potentially succeed Heung-min Son in the long haul.

Eze is ready to leave Crystal Palace and having won the FA Cup with Oliver Glasner’s side, he may have signed off on his time at Selhurst Park in the perfect manner.

But Fabrizio Romano has revealed that despite Tottenham’s longstanding interest in signing, the Eagles have no intention of selling him: “There is a player they love and have being loving for a long time, who is Eberechi Eze, who’s doing fantastic at Crystal Palace. Last summer, Tottenham tried to sign the player, were considering to trigger the release clause but then the salary was considered too high and also, the clause was mainly to be payed in one solution so that was a problem.”

“Tottenham decided not to do that deal, he remains a player they love but my understanding is it’s probably going to be difficult to be able to get him this summer, also because Crystal Palace still hope to keep the player at the club to play European football.”

What Eze said when a Tottenham fan asked him to join Spurs

Oliver Glasner referred to Eze as “unbelievable”, as quoted by the Evening Standard and it is easy to see why Tottenham and Ange Postecoglou would like to sign him come the summer.

The 26-year-old has had yet another phenomenal season with Crystal Palace, registering an impressive tally of 14 goals and 11 assists in all competitions this season.

As a result, even Arsenal are interested in signing Eze.

So much so that Arsenal are ready to trigger Eze’s release clause, which is worth £68 million.

But recently, Eze revealed his views on joining Tottenham when a Spurs fan asked him to join the club.

The Palace midfielder looked sideways, smiled and said: “I can’t answer that.”

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.