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Tottenham Hotspur coach Ryan Mason 'opens talks' with Championship club

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Tottenham Hotspur coach Ryan Mason 'opens talks' with Championship club - Sports Mole
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Ryan Mason may reportedly depart his role as Tottenham Hotspur coach to become the new manager of a Championship club.

The 33-year-old has just celebrated Spurs ending their 17-year wait for another trophy after they won the Europa League on Wednesday night.

With Champions League football having been secured for 2025-26, the focus has turned to preparing for an improved campaign from August onwards, presumably with Ange Postecoglou remaining in charge.

However, as per Football Insider, there is the possibility of the Greek-Australian losing one of his key figures from behind the scenes.

Which Championship team are interested in Mason?

The report claims that Mason has opened discussions with West Bromwich Albion regarding a potential switch to The Hawthorns.

West Brom are looking to rebuild under a new head coach having parted ways with Tony Mowbray shortly before the end of the season when it became apparent that they would not make the Championship playoffs.

After a ninth-placed finish, the Baggies will be targeting promotion next time around and are seemingly interested in attracting Mason to the West Midlands.

As it stands, Mason is said to be in pole position to take over the reins providing that negotiations with West Brom reach a positive conclusion.

Right move at the right time?

Having been forced to retire from football in February 2018 aged just 26 after suffering a fractured skull, Mason already has plenty of experience as a coach.

As well as having several different roles on the Spurs coaching staff under different managers, the former midfielder has also overseen 13 matches across two stints as interim head coach.

A total of six wins, one draw and six defeats were recorded and Mason would have highly likely been promoted to that position had Postecoglou been sacked during the closing stages of the campaign.

The general consensus is that Mason has the potential to become a future Spurs head coach on a permanent basis, but he may need to prove himself elsewhere to enhance his reputation.

While offers may materialise from abroad at some point, it may make more sense to take on an attractive job in the Championship, whether that be at West Brom or elsewhere.

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Tottenham 'contemplate £25m defensive transfer' which could aid Man City replacement mission

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Tottenham 'contemplate £25m defensive transfer' which could aid Man City replacement mission - Sports Mole
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Tottenham Hotspur have apparently emerged as contenders to sign Monaco right-back Vanderson in a move that could potentially help out Manchester City.

The Lilywhites have become an attractive transfer destination for prospective arrivals thanks to their momentous 1-0 win over Manchester United in the Europa League final, which punched their ticket to next season's Champions League.

Even though Spurs could finish as low as 17th in the Premier League table, conquering Europe's second-tier tournament also brings huge financial benefits, allowing the club to strengthen significantly this summer.

Whether Ange Postecoglou will still be around to oversee operations in the transfer market is the topic of much uncertainty, but the Tottenham hierarchy are already shortlisting prime transfer targets.

A new wide man is expected to be high on Spurs' wishlist this summer, and according to Football Insider, the Lilywhites have thrown their hat into the ring for Monaco's Vanderson.

Tottenham 'considering' £25m Vanderson swoop

© Imago

The 23-year-old has excelled for Les Monegasques since arriving midway through the 2021-22 campaign, banking eight goals and 14 assists in 125 matches for the French giants across all competitions.

Vanderson was a stalwart of the Monaco XI in the 2024-25 season, registering two goals and five assists in 41 games as Adi Hutter's side finished third in the Ligue 1 table to qualify for the Champions League.

The Brazil international - who can also function as a right wing-back and on the left - still has three years left to run on his Monaco contract, but Spurs are ready to test the Ligue 1 giants' resolve this summer.

Monaco are not intending to part ways with Vanderson this summer, but a fee of £25m could supposedly still be enough to prise him away from the Stade Louis II, which has alerted other Premier League and foreign sides as well as Tottenham.

Manchester United, Chelsea and Barcelona are also rumoured to hold an interest in the versatile South American, who came through the youth ranks at Gremio before joining Monaco for £9.2m.

Spurs move for Vanderson 'could hinge on Pedro Porro future'

© Imago

The right-back position at Spurs is currently not up for debate, as Pedro Porro has been one of the Lilywhites' most influential performers this term, while Djed Spence has also proven his worth to Ange Postecoglou.

Porro's exploits have apparently caught the eye of his former club Manchester City, who have been tipped to re-sign their erstwhile employee as a successor to the ageing Kyle Walker.

If Tottenham go all in on the Vanderson signing, the door could be ajar for Man City to try to tempt Porro back to the Etihad, although the report adds that such a scenario is still unlikely.

Spurs chairman Daniel Levy will reportedly play hardball in negotiations for Porro, and Vanderson is therefore not believed to be a transfer priority for the Lilywhites at this moment in time.

Tottenham conclude the Premier League season at home to Brighton & Hove Albion on Sunday, but they have been dealt a triple fitness concern ahead of the visit of the Seagulls.

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Tottenham dealt three new injury blows before Brighton clash as Ange Postecoglou delivers update on future

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Tottenham dealt three new injury blows before Brighton clash as Ange Postecoglou delivers update on future - Sports Mole
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Tottenham Hotspur boss Ange Postecoglou revealed a triple injury setback for his side and also discussed his own future ahead of Sunday's Premier League clash with Brighton & Hove Albion.

The Lilywhites bring the curtain down on a chaotic 2024-25 season at home to the Seagulls this weekend, where the fans and players may still be in Europa League party mode.

Fans lined the streets for a victory parade on Friday, as Spurs celebrated their 1-0 success over Manchester United in Wednesday's final, which sealed their first major trophy in 17 years.

As well as ending their torturous trophy drought, Tottenham's continental success earned them a ticket to next season's Champions League, making their bottom-half placement in the Premier League table trivial.

Postecoglou rotated his resources heavily during his side's run to the Europa League final, and the expectation is that the Australian will make another abundance of changes against the Seagulls.

Spurs' Son Heung-min, Cristian Romero to miss Brighton game

© Imago

Captain Son Heung-min - who was only a substitute in the Europa League final - would have been a candidate to start, but Postecoglou revealed at his pre-game press conference that the South Korean would not be involved.

Furthermore, defensive stalwart Cristian Romero will also be spared, and there are no guarantees that Yves Bissouma will be fit to face Fabian Hurzeler's Conference League hopefuls either.

"There will be a couple of absences, I should have mentioned that," Postecoglou told reporters. "Romero has been struggling with his toe for quite a while so we'll leave him out and probably Sonny because his foot has still not healed.

"They've both made a massive effort to get to the final. Bissouma got a knock in the game and he's kind of 50/50 at the moment. The rest of them, physically anyway, are ok."

Spurs will also be missing Dejan Kulusevski, James Maddison, Lucas Bergvall and Radu Dragusin for the visit of the Seagulls, where the likes of Wilson Odobert, Mikey Moore and Mathys Tel will be in line for promotions to the first XI.

Postecoglou opens up over Spurs future after television comment

© Imago

However, the biggest question this weekend will be whether Postecoglou is taking charge of Tottenham for the last time, but the Australian has already virtually confirmed that he will not walk away from the job.

Postecoglou hinted during the victory parade that he would be staying put for a third year in charge, telling the crowd: "In all the best television series, season three is better than season two!".

Elaborating during his press conference, Postecoglou added: "I should have thought about it a bit more because as somebody rightly pointed out, sometimes they kill off the main character.

"No, look I haven't had any discussions. Similar to before the game, I haven't had any discussions with the club. Like I said before the game, maybe they were just waiting for clear air to give me some guidance. But I haven't heard anything from the club."

Daniel Levy gave the green light to a four-year contract for Postecoglou back in 2023, meaning that the 59-year-old's agreement has another two years left to run.

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Preview: Tottenham Hotspur vs. Brighton & Hove Albion

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Preview: Tottenham Hotspur vs. Brighton & Hove Albion - prediction, team news, lineups - Sports Mole
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As buoyant as can be, newly-crowned Europa League champions Tottenham Hotspur conclude a turbulent season at home to Brighton & Hove Albion in Sunday's Premier League finale.

The Lilywhites faithful are in full-blown party mode after their team finally snapped a 17-year trophy drought, while Fabian Hurzeler's men can still make the Conference League in very specific circumstances.

Match preview

© Imago

Starved of silverware since their Jonathan Woodgate-inspired success in the 2007-08 EFL Cup final over Chelsea, Tottenham had to overcome a creative injury crisis and their manager being warned he could enter "clown" territory before meeting Manchester United with Europa League glory on the line.

The sixth all-English UEFA club competition final was anything but a blockbuster, but after Brennan Johnson and Luke Shaw combined to force the ball over Andre Onana's line at the end of the first half, Tottenham took a leaf out of the Jose Mourinho playbook.

So often lambasted for their commitment to attacking when the situation calls for a backs-against-the-wall approach, Tottenham parked the bus in a manner that Mourinho would have been extremely proud of, thereby defeating meek Man United and earning a slice of European stardom.

Now set to grace the Champions League with their presence again next term, Tottenham should be forgiven by most of their supporters for posting their worst-ever Premier League season, and there is a chance that the Lilywhites could still end the campaign 17th in the table.

However, 17th with Champions League football and a trophy is arguably far more desirable than sixth place and no major honour, and if Sunday's match does prove to be Postecoglou's last in the Tottenham chair, 'Big Ange' will depart knowing that he achieved something none of Mourinho, Antonio Conte or Mauricio Pochettino could manage in North London.

© Iconsport

At the other end of the managerial experience scale, Brighton's Hurzeler may yet lead the Seagulls out to the Conference League anthem next term, as the visiting faithful ponder permutations galore for the final day of the campaign.

Boasting a three-point lead over ninth-placed Brentford and too far behind seventh-placed Nottingham Forest, Brighton will seal an eighth-placed finish by taking home at least a point from the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, which will suffice for European entry in a particular set of circumstances.

Firstly, the Seagulls require Chelsea to finish seventh, or the Blues finish sixth and EFL Cup winners Newcastle place seventh, as well as Enzo Maresca's team beating Real Betis in the Conference League final next Wednesday evening; to say that the stars need to align for the visitors would be an understatement.

As Brighton fans anxiously await to hear updates from elsewhere, the players have one task at hand to fulfil, but they have done their European prospects no harm in recent weeks, taking 10 points from the last 12 on offer and stunning champions Liverpool 3-2 on Monday night.

Coincidentally, the Seagulls fought back to defeat Tottenham by that exact scoreline earlier this season, but they have lost seven of their last eight league games away to Spurs, whose supporters should not lose any sleep whatsoever over the outcome of Sunday's showdown.

Tottenham Hotspur Premier League form:

Tottenham Hotspur form (all competitions):

Brighton & Hove Albion Premier League form:

Team News

© Imago

The only miniscule dampener on an otherwise perfect evening for Spurs in Bilbao was Richarlison coming off with yet another injury midway through the second half, although his knock did not inhibit his post-final celebrations.

Regardless, it would be a shock to see Richarlison or most of the starters from Wednesday's final feature from the off on Sunday, although a lack of midfield options could mean no respite for any of Pape Sarr, Yves Bissouma or Rodrigo Bentancur.

Dejan Kulusevski (knee), Radu Dragusin (knee), Dane Scarlett (groin), James Maddison (knee) and Timo Werner (thigh) are all unavailable, while ankle victim Lucas Bergvall should miss out too, despite making the trip to Bilbao.

While Spurs might miss a Brazilian attacker, Brighton will definitely be without a Selecao striker, as Joao Pedro has been banished from the group this weekend due to a training-ground bust-up with teammate Jan Paul van Hecke.

Hurzeler has axed Pedro in spite of Georginio Rutter's continued absence with a foot problem, while James Milner (thigh), Ferdi Kadioglu (toe) and Solly March (knee) are still out; Tariq Lamptey (knee) and Jason Steele (finger) are touch and go.

In Pedro's absence against Liverpool, Brajan Gruda took his opportunity with both hands - or feet - by setting up Yasin Ayari's opener, while Kaoru Mitoma bagged his 10th goal of the league campaign off the bench in that game and should take Simon Adingra's spot.

Tottenham Hotspur possible starting lineup:

Kinsky; Spence, Danso, Davies, Reguilon; Odobert, Gray, Bissouma, Moore; Tel, Son

Brighton & Hove Albion possible starting lineup:

Verbruggen; Wieffer, Webster, Van Hecke, Estupinan; Baleba, Ayari; Minteh, Gruda, Mitoma; Welbeck

We say: Tottenham Hotspur 1-3 Brighton & Hove Albion

There could be scope for Spurs to defy pre-game expectations this weekend, as the Lilywhites are riding cloud nine for the first time in a long time and will be welcomed by the most jovial atmosphere the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium has ever seen.

However, with Postecoglou sure to shuffle his pack considerably and Brighton in a good moment, the Seagulls should take advantage of the hosts' European hangover to rubber-stamp eighth place.

For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.

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Sesko in? Spurs 'launch ambitious reinforcement plan' after CL confirmation

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Tottenham transfer news: Spurs 'launch ambitious reinforcement plan' with three summer targets revealed - Sports Mole
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Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly commenced their transfer plans as they prepare for life in the Champions League.

Spurs miraculously ended a 17-year silverware drought on Wednesday night, when a first-half Brennan Johnson goal was enough to beat Manchester United in the Europa League final.

Enjoying their first European trophy in 41 years, the North London club lifted the Europa League and booked a spot in the League Phase of next season's Champions League.

Tottenham's form on the continental is polar opposite to their struggles domestically, with the club currently sitting 17th in the Premier League standings.

Despite ending Spurs' long wait for a major trophy, head coach Ange Postecoglou is not assured of his position as the new campaign approaches.

Spurs launch plan for three summer arrivals?

According to Spanish outlet Fichajes, Tottenham have devised their transfer strategy in terms of incomings ahead of the summer trading point.

Firstly, the report states that Spurs are keen on the signing of Real Betis man Johnny Cardoso, who is valued at around £21m by the La Liga outfit.

It is understood that such a fee would not pose a financial issue for the Lilywhites, who are operating in the anticipation of Champions League income.

As well as Cardoso, it is believed that the North Londoners are targeting an ambitious swoop for RB Leipzig and Slovenia marksman Benjamin Sesko.

Spurs are supposedly preparing for a double raid of the Bundesliga outfit, with midfielder Xavi Simons wanted by Postecoglou's European winners.

Different priorities

Sitting 17th in the Premier League with a mere 38 points, Tottenham have acted like a relegation candidate for the majority of the season.

However, their European antics have allowed them to end a 17-year drought and also qualify for UEFA's elite club competition for next term.

Spurs will now become a sterner force in the transfer market, given their ability to offer players Champions League football in North London. body check tags ::

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Europa League Euphoria: Tottenham joy as 17

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Tottenham Hotspur 1-0 Manchester United: Highlights, man of the match, stats as Spurs sensationally end trophy drought - Sports Mole
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Tottenham Hotspur erupted in celebration as they ended their 17-year trophy drought by defeating Manchester United 1-0 in the Europa League final on Wednesday, with Luke Shaw heartbreakingly scoring the deciding own-goal.

Manchester United were arguably the better side for much of what was a scrappy first 45 minutes, with the nerves of both teams clearly on display, but it was Tottenham Hotspur that drew first blood when Shaw turned into his own net just minutes before the halftime break.

The Red Devils dominated once again throughout the second 45 minutes, but Tottenham Hotspur stood strong as they held on to the clean sheet and sensationally secured the Europa League trophy.

SPORTS MOLE'S VERDICT

It was far from the prettiest or most entertaining cup final, but Tottenham Hotspur will not care at all, holding on to their first half strike to end an 17-year wait for a major trophy.

Tottenham produced an uncharacteristically stern defensive performance, denying Man Utd many clear goalscoring opportunities and helping Spurs to lift the trophy.

As for Man United, Ruben Amorim will be extremely disappointed as his side failed to ever truly turn up, with a scrappy goal ultimately the difference as the Red Devils failed to really threaten the Tottenham goal.

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR VS. MANCHESTER UNITED HIGHLIGHTS

Luke Shaw own-goal vs. Tottenham Hotspur (42nd min, Tottenham Hotspur 1-0 Manchester United)

Tottenham have the lead, Shaw has turned it into his own net!

Pape Sarr whips a cross into the Manchester United box from a wide-left position, and the ball goes past Harry Maguire and to Shaw and Brennan Johnson.

A slight touch from Johnson deflects the ball onto Shaw, and the ball bounces into the near corner as Andre Onana fails to turn it around the post.

MAN OF THE MATCH - BRENNAN JOHNSON

Johnson will be gutted to not be credited with the winning goal, but the winger was ultimately the difference maker in the final.

Johnson's darting front-post run caused chaos in the Manchester United box, with his flick deflecting off Shaw and finding the bottom right corner.

Micky van de Ven also deserves praise for his outstanding goal-line clearance, defending their goal resolutely as they held on to the victory.

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR VS. MANCHESTER UNITED MATCH STATS

Possession: Tottenham Hotspur 27%-73% Manchester United

Shots: Tottenham Hotspur 3-16 Manchester United

Shots on target: Tottenham Hotspur 1-6 Manchester United

Corners: Tottenham Hotspur 4-5 Manchester United

Fouls: Tottenham Hotspur 22-10 Manchester United

BEST STATS

WHAT NEXT?

Tottenham secure Champions League qualification thanks to tonight's triumph, and they will have a chance to present the trophy to their home fans when they host Brighton & Hove Albion on Sunday.

Meanwhile, Man Utd's defeat adds to an already-disastrous campaign, but they will have one last chance to salvage a small amount of pride when they clash with Aston Villa on Sunday.

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Man United, Spurs lineups revealed as Amorim, Postecoglou make major calls

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Tottenham Hotspur vs. Man United: Lineups for Europa League final confirmed as both managers make major calls - Sports Mole
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Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim and Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou have confirmed their starting XIs for Wednesday night's Europa League final at San Mames.

The major team news for Man United is the involvement of Leny Yoro from the first whistle, with the Frenchman returning to training on Tuesday morning after recovering from a foot injury.

As for Tottenham, Richarlison is given the nod over Son Heung-min in the final third of the field, with the Brazilian starting alongside Brennan Johnson and Dominic Solanke as part of a front three.

Yoro is fit-enough to start following an injury scare against West Ham United in the Premier League, while Luke Shaw is also given the nod alongside Harry Maguire in the back three.

Diogo Dalot is on the bench after his return from a calf issue, while there is also a spot among the substitutes for Joshua Zirkzee, who has made a quicker-than-expected recovery from a hamstring issue.

Yoro starts for Man United, Richarlison makes Tottenham XI

Bruno Fernandes is expected to operate in a deeper midfield role alongside Casemiro, while Amad Diallo and Mason Mount are chosen as the supports to Rasmus Hojlund, who has saved his best form for the Europa League this season.

A strong bench includes Kobbie Mainoo, Manuel Ugarte and Alejandro Garnacho, with head coach Ruben Amorim having plenty of options to change the match on Wednesday night.

Lisandro Martinez and Matthijs de Ligt are the absentees for the 20-time English champions through injury.

As for Spurs, James Maddison, Lucas Bergvall and Dejan Kulusevski are notable absentees.

Richarlison over Son, who has been dealing with a troublesome foot injury, in the final third of the field is a major call, but there are no surprises elsewhere, with Tottenham's first-choice midfield three taking to the field.

TOTTENHAM XI: Vicario; Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Udogie; Bissouma, Sarr, Bentancur; Johnson, Solanke, Richarlison

Subs: Austin, Whiteman, Danso, Son, Tel, Gray, Spence, Odobert, Davies, Scarlett, Moore, Ajayi

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Tottenham Hotspur vs. Man United: Which team do Gary Neville, Roy Keane think will win the Europa League final?

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Tottenham Hotspur vs. Man United: Which team do Gary Neville, Roy Keane think will win the Europa League final? - Sports Mole
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Former Manchester United captains Gary Neville and Roy Keane have both backed the Red Devils to overcome Tottenham Hotspur in the final of the Europa League on Wednesday night.

Man United have had a disastrous domestic season, sitting down in 16th spot in the Premier League table, while Spurs are 17th, but the pair will go head-to-head for a major European trophy in Bilbao, Spain.

The winner will secure a spot in the 2025-26 Champions League and leave themselves in a much stronger position heading into the summer transfer window.

Man United will be missing Lisandro Martinez and Matthijs de Ligt through injury for the final, while Spurs are without the likes of James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski and Lucas Bergvall.

The Red Devils have been picked to triumph by both Neville and Keane, who have been huge critics of the team throughout the campaign due to their issues.

© Imago

Neville, Keane back Man United to win Europa League final

"You still have to fancy United. I still think someone like Bruno [Fernandes] will produce, the history of Manchester United. I think it carries a little bit of weight. If you look at our league performance there's not a lot between them, they've both been desperate," Keane told Sky Sports News.

"I just think, come the crunch, come the final, United's history in finals and even winning a few cups in the last few years you'd like to think they have a bit more knowledge around the big game more than Spurs."

Meanwhile, Neville said on Monday Night Football: "I think United will win on Wednesday night."

© Iconsport

Shearer picks Tottenham to triumph on Wednesday night

However, Tottenham have been given the nod by the Premier League's highest-ever goalscorer Alan Shearer.

"This match is pretty impossible to predict when you look at how bad both teams have been. Spurs have done really well against Man United this season, so due to their record against them I'd say Spurs may be slight favourites," Shearer told Betfair.

"There are more negatives than positives for both teams when you look at them. I really haven't got a clue what to expect or what teams will turn up. It's a bit of a flip of a coin and it'll be a disaster for whoever doesn't win.

"Given what's at stake for both clubs, it could have an impact on the game. There's so much relying on both teams, managers and both clubs' short-term futures.

"There's no exaggeration that both teams need an injection of five or six players to try and compete again and that's why the stakes of this game are enormous.

"Just because of their record over the last five or six games against them, and particularly this season, I'll go for a Spurs win. It wouldn't surprise me if the game goes all the way to penalties, but I'll go for Spurs to win in normal time."

Tottenham have beaten Man United three times this season, once in the League Cup and twice in the Premier League, while the Red Devils have not overcome the North London club since October 2022.

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Tottenham vs. Man United: Ruben Amorim shocked by recovery of Red Devils ace for Europa League final

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Tottenham vs. Man United: Ruben Amorim shocked by recovery of Red Devils ace for Europa League final - Sports Mole
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Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim has revealed that Joshua Zirkzee's fast return from a hamstring injury caught him by surprise, with the striker making the trip to Bilbao for the Europa League final.

Zirkzee was ruled out for the remainder of the campaign when it was revealed that he had suffered a hamstring issue during the Premier League clash with Newcastle United last month.

However, the Netherlands international said earlier this month that he had a slight chance of being available for the showpiece event with Tottenham Hotspur at San Mames.

Zirkzee's return is part of a triple injury boost for the Red Devils, with defenders Diogo Dalot and Leny Yoro also in the squad, but Matthijs de Ligt has not been able to recover from a knee injury in time.

"Me neither! So they recover quite well," Amorim told reporters when he was asked about the surprise factor of Zirkzee's return.

© Imago

Amorim surprise by Zirkzee's return to fitness

"They push, of course, and we have to respect the feeling of the player but we push a little bit, as they wanted to be part of the team. That is a very good sign.

"Very good for us. Of course, they are limited in the minutes for the game but they can help us win the game. De Ligt is out."

When asked whether the possibility of extra-time would influence his decision in terms of his starting XI, Amorim responded: "No. I just think of the best starting XI to start the game. Then it's really important to have options on the bench, to change the game. Sometimes, they are really, really important to win a final. I'm not thinking about going to extra-time. Of course, we have that possibility but I never think about that.

"Maybe, in the final minutes, if we have two subs, then one and can wait for extra-time to have a think about the possibility. But, in the beginning of the game, I just want to win the game really fast.

"We know and we proved against Lyon, if we have to score three goals in six minutes we are able to do it, especially with our fans in the stadium!"

© Imago

Will Yoro, Dalot, Zirkzee start the Europa League final?

It is expected that both Yoro and Dalot will be in the starting XI on Wednesday night, but it would be a huge surprise to see Zirkzee come straight back into the side.

Rasmus Hojlund, despite his issues, is set to continue through the middle for the Red Devils, with Zirkzee expected to be an option off the bench on Wednesday night.

Dalot's return is a huge boost considering his consistency this term, and the Portugal international has also come up with three goals in the Europa League during the 2024-25 campaign.

Yoro, meanwhile, has been Man United's best player of late alongside captain Bruno Fernandes, and his availability is a major boost for the 20-time English champions.

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Tottenham and Man United both need to win the Europa League, but who needs it more?

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Tottenham and Man United both need to win the Europa League, but who needs it more? - Sports Mole
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I think this is what Arsenal fans would call a generational hate watch.

At approximately 10pm, 10.30pm or 11pm on Wednesday evening, either the 16th or 17th-placed Premier League team will nab one of the final seats at the Champions League table, while also proudly showing off their shiny Europa League winners' medals.

While Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur's domestic campaigns have been pathetic - a strong word yes, but let us not pretend otherwise - both Ange Postecoglou and Ruben Amorim's sides have rightfully earned their spot in Bilbao; taking down the likes of Eintracht Frankfurt and Athletic Bilbao is no mean feat.

Tottenham and Man United both need to win the Europa League. Tottenham fans and Man United fans both need their team to win the Europa League to spare themselves a world of embarrassment and ridicule at work and school.

But who needs it more?

Why Tottenham need Europa League win more than Man United

Trophy drought, trophy drought, trophy drought.

When Tottenham last lifted a piece of silverware that was not the Audi Cup, Mercy by Duffy was the UK number one, Robbie Keane and Dimitar Berbatov were working in tandem up front, and Jonathan Woodgate banished his infamously horrendous Real Madrid debut to the back pages of history with the decisive goal in the 2007-08 EFL Cup final.

Oh, and Mikey Moore, Ethan Nwaneri and Lamine Yamal had not even celebrated their first birthdays.

Seventeen years down the line, Spurs have had to witness bitter rivals Arsenal collect a host of FA Cups and five different teams conquer the Premier League, not to mention a couple of close shaves in Champions League and EFL Cup finals.

However, the second-season aficionado Postecoglou is so far showing that he could back up his incredibly bold trophy claim, and to render Giorgio Chiellini's comical 'it's the history of Tottenham' line invalid, for a couple of months at least.

In all honesty, failure to win the Europa League and clinch the Champions League place that comes with it may not make a huge difference to Spurs' squad, many of whom seem loyally invested to the cause and to Postecoglou, so Daniel Levy ought not to fear a mass exodus even if the worst does occur.

The manager's future may already be set in stone regardless of what happens in Bilbao, but even if his tenure ends incredibly prematurely, he will go down in Lilywhites folklore as the man who finally made Tottenham winners again.

Why Man United need Europa League win more than Tottenham

Money, money, money.

The Old Trafford faithful need only go back two years for the last time their side passed a cup around, but if Sir Jim Ratcliffe's extreme cost-cutting measures are any indication, they were plummeting into financial oblivion at that exact moment.

News of the Glazers either opening the door to a full sale or assuming less control of the club would have been music to the ears of most - if not all - Red Devils supporters, but many are already becoming disillusioned with the current regime.

While hundreds are losing jobs, Man United are still losing matches, so many in fact that Amorim's Premier League win rate is currently lower than Paul Jewell, who oversaw the worst-ever season in the tournament's history with Derby County in 2007-08.

Should Man United conquer Europe's second-tier tournament, they could apparently boost their coffers by an astounding £54.4m overall - according to BBC Sport - and the prospect of a deep run in the Champions League, which may seem fanciful now, will only increase the warchest further.

Defeat in Europe, a bottom-half Premier League finish and no sign of an on-field identity is the perfect recipe for disaster for Man United, who simply cannot afford another early managerial termination after coughing up tens of millions to fire Erik ten Hag and his staff.

Some will argue that Man United's reserves are not in such dire straits if they can afford to splash out over £60m on Matheus Cunha, and their pull is evidently still working if they can attract a player of that calibre to the club, but winning the Europa League would likely finance a big chunk of that deal.

On a side note, failure to prevail would also see Man United go winless in seven straight games against Tottenham for the first time in their history, but in all honesty, their finances will recover regardless.

A few high-earning veterans will go this summer or the next, and you will never get Ratcliffe giving the green light to extortionate deals a la Antony or Paul Pogba; Cunha is at least a decent bit cheaper and Premier League-proven.

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