Europa League final: Tottenham win first trophy in 17 years as Man Utd humiliated

Many of Tottenham's younger fans probably thought they would never get to see their players lift a major trophy.

They have now!

By David McDonnell in Bilbao

Predictably, after losing and with their team putting in such an insipid display, United's dispirited travelling fans have begun their mass exodus from the San Mames Stadium.

The inquest for United will be a painful one, with no European football at Old Trafford next season, for only the second time in three decades.

Amorim will face legitimate questions over his team selection, chiefly starting the ineffective Mason Mount over Alejandro Garnacho and continuing to start with Rasmus Hojlund leading United's attack, when he is patenty not up to the task.

With no European games, Amorim's squad will need to be trimmed, with many players now facing an uncertain summer in terms of their futures.

Here's a reminder of what Ange Postecoglou said earlier this season...

"I always win things in my second year. Nothing's changed. I've said it now. I don't say things unless I believe them."

People mocked him. Ridiculed him. Laughed at him.

They are not laughing now.

Tottenham have done it! They've won their first major trophy since 2008!

There are jubilant scenes on the pitch and the fans in the stands can barely believe it.

United's players look utterly defeated. They huffed and puffed in the closing minutes but were unable to find the elusive goal they needed.

It feels strange to be writing this, but... TOTTENHAM ARE CHAMPIONS.

There will be SEVEN MINUTES of additional time at the end of this second half.

Tottenham can almost reach out and touch the Europa League trophy.

United, however, are facing yet another humiliating defeat in their biggest game of the season.

Will there be a late twist to the tale?

Tottenham are pretty much camped in their own half, with every player desperate to see this game out.

United are pushing in search of a late leveller but are quickly running out of time.

The likes of Alejandro Garnacho and Joshua Zirkzee have been introduced for the closing stages.

Micky van de Ven might just have saved Tottenham with an unbelievable piece of defending.

Guglielmo Vicario makes a mess of collecting a hopeful ball into the box, which gives Rasmus Hojlund a free header.

He loops the ball over everybody but Van de Ven races back and pulls off an acrobatic clearance to deny the Red Devils an equaliser.

The Dutchman is hurt in the process and stays down but eventually climbs back to his feet.

If they can see it through, Tottenham will look back on his incredible intervention as a defining moment.

It's gone scrappy again with fouls breaking up the play left, right and centre.

Neither team have managed to create a proper chance in this second half as of yet.

Tottenham are quite content to let United have the ball and they aren't doing much with it.

There is, of course, still plenty of time for that to change.

The players are coming back out for the start of the second half.

Tottenham are just 45 minutes away from winning their first major trophy since 2008.

Can they hold on? Or will United throw a spanner in the works?

It has just been confirmed that Tottenham's opener has been awarded to Brennan Johnson, meaning it won't go down as a Luke Shaw own goal.

Not that it will be any consolation to the United man, with his team needing to turn things around in the second half.

The whistle goes to end the signal of a tense first half.

It is greeted by a huge roar from the Tottenham fans inside the stadium, who are still celebrating their goal.

United, meanwhile, look shellshocked and will need to pick themselves up in the second half.

Ruben Amorim will have to deliver a big team talk and rally his troops.

TOTTENHAM TAKE THE LEAD!

Brennan Johnson gets on the end of a delivery from Pape Matar Sarr and swings his boot at it.

He's unable to make the perfect connection and it bounces off Luke Shaw and rolls into the back of the net.

It goes down as an own goal from the United defender.

The white half of the stadium is going crazy. Tottenham are in front and what a time to do it, just before the break!

By David McDonnell in Bilbao

As expected, with so much at stake for both teams, this has been a cagey, tense opening to the final, with few clear-cut chances, other than Brennan Johnson's shot, which was saved by Andre Onana, and Amad's angled effort, which flashed just wide.

Predictably low on quality, for a final between the sides in 16th and 17th position in the Premier League, there has been little flow or fluency to the game

The game has settled down a touch after a frantic opening 15 minutes.

Amad has been United's biggest threat and is causing problems with his direct running when he gets the ball out wide.

Spurs, meanwhile, are struggling to create clear-cut chances despite seeing plenty of possession.

At the moment, both teams are missing that final bit of quality to turn opportunities into goals.

By Andy Dunn in Bilbao

Both teams have started as though they have a point to prove … the point being they really are the 16th and 17th worse teams in the Premier League.

Rasmus Hojlund was caught offside within 30 seconds and since then, the opening exchanges have been littered with errors and fouls.

Big-game nerves? Sure. But while this occasion might yet prove to be high on thrills, don’t expect it to be high on quality.

It's been a lively start in Bilbao with both teams having early chances.

Tottenham have gained the upper hand in the last few minutes but United are looking to cause problems on the break.

There are plenty of nerves on display all over the pitch. It looks like there could be a few goals in this...

Manchester United skipper Bruno Fernandes has won the coin toss and elected to switch ends to shoot towards his own supporters in the first half.

Perhaps early mind games at play here?

We're just moments away from kick-off in the Europa League final.

Will it finally be Tottenham's night? Or will United wrap up their dismal campaign with a moment to celebrate?

We'll soon find out, with the players about to come out of the tunnel.

By David McDonnell in Bilbao

Alejandro Garnacho is clearly seething at being dropped to the bench for the final and was late joining his fellow United substitutes in warming up on the pitch.

Garnacho spent at least 15 minutes chatting to Tottenham defender and fellow Argentine Sergio Reguilon on the pitch, still wearing his suit, while the rest of United's squad were getting changed and preparing to go out for the warm-up.

But Garnacho was the last to emerge, joining the rest of the subs a good 10 minutes after they had started their warm-up.

Former Spurs goalkeeper Paul Robinson has blasted Ange Postecoglou's starting XI.

He told BBC Radio 5 Live: "I'm disappointed with the team that Ange Postecoglou has picked. He's gone defensive.

"You look at the record they have had against Manchester United in the Premier League this season, they have beaten them three times and run over the top of them with pace and power.

"Pape Sarr, Yves Bissouma and Rodrigo Bentancur are all defensive midfielders and Tottenham are better with a more attacking side."

Ruben Amorim has decided to leave Alejandro Garnacho on the bench with Mason Mount starting instead.

"I feel Mount gives us a difference balance and the way he compacts the team with one extra midfielder," the United boss tells TNT Sports.

"Tottenham [can cause problems] with their full-backs and a lot of people overloading that space.

"My thinking was that to have possession, having a right foot in that area is really important.

"We also need to have the legs [on the bench] to change the game."

By David McDonnell in Bilbao

Legendary former United boss Sir Alex Ferguson, wearing his club suit, has emerged from the tunnel and received a warm greeting from members of the club's current coaching set-up and support staff.

Ferguson won two Champions League titles and the European Cup-Winners' Cup during his glittering 26-and-a-half year reign and is here to lend his support to boss Ruben Amorim and the current United squad in the club's latest quest for fresh European glory.

By Andy Dunn in Bilbao

After the suited-and-booted Manchester United players had returned to their dressing-room inside the San Mames stadium, Alejandro Garnacho remained on the pitch for some considerable time, chatting to Sergio Reguilon.

Reguilon was not in the Spurs squad but Garnacho was named as a substitute by Ruben Amorim.

And it was hard not to see his public elongated chat with an old mate - the pair were the only people on the pitch for a good ten or 15 minutes - as a gesture of his feelings at being demoted to the bench for such a massive game.

This could have serious significance on Garnacho’s United future.

And here's the Tottenham side... with Son Heung-min on the bench!

Vicario, Porro, Van de Ven, Romero, Udogie, Sarr, Bissouma, Bentancur, Johnson, Solanke, Richarlison.

Here's the United line-up this evening with Alejandro Garnacho not included...

Onana, Maguire, Yoro, Shaw, Mazraoui, Dorgu, Casemiro, Fernandes, Amad, Mount, Hojlund.

By David McDonnell in Bilbao

With Kobbie Mainoo understood not to have made United's starting line-up, it seems less likely that boss Ruben Amorim will drop Rasmus Hojlund.

Were he to do that, Mainoo would be the obvious choice to play as a false nine, rather than skipper Bruno Fernandes, who is more effective in a deeper-lying role, where he can provide maximum creativity.

Former Manchester United forward Dwight Yorke thinks we could be in for an absolute goalsfest this evening.

He told Gambling Industry News: "The Champions League is huge, for many reasons. I know a lot is made of two Premier League sides in terrible form, both having a shot in a Europa League final, and the winner making it into the Champions League next season. But those are the rules, they’re the same for everyone at the start of the year.

"Spurs and United did what they had to do, and they performed adequately to get here, so it’s a really exciting game because both teams are unpredictable - we don’t know what we’re going to get. This could be a 4-5, 5-4, or 5-5 result, and we could even see the match going to penalties.

"For United, it’s crucial. Champions League football would give them a huge boost to their cash flow. It also gives them the chance to attract and afford better players. Maybe not the world class players United used to attract, but better than they have at the moment, that’s for sure.

"They need to somehow win. I don't know how they're going to do it. And it doesn't have to be a terrific performance because there's not too many great performances in this side. That's why they're losing so many football matches."

Sir Alex Ferguson has taken time out of his busy schedule to visit the museum at the San Mames Stadium.

In a classy gesture, he signed the match ball used when his United side were beaten by Athletic Bilbao back in 2012.

Ferguson also left the matchday pennant from the Europa League semi-final clash.

Athletic Bilbao highlighted the gesture in a post on social media, with the legendary Scot posing for a picture.

Leny Yoro will start for Manchester United this evening after making a swift recovery from the injury he picked up earlier this month.

That's according to The Athletic, who say Yoro will form part of Ruben Amorim's chosen back line.

He limped off during the recent defeat to West Ham and it seemed unlikely that he would be fit enough to start.

Yoro's involvement will be a huge boost for United, who are looking to end their dismal campaign on a positive note by lifting a trophy.

UEFA have blocked a planned tribute from Tottenham ahead of tonight's game against Manchester United.

They were due to lay flowers outside the San Mames Stadium yesterday in a nod to Athletic Bilbao legend Pichichi.

It is usually a tradition for those playing at the venue for the first time to lay down a wreath at his iconic statue.

UEFA, however, have reminded Spurs that it should only happen when they play Athletic Bilbao and not a neutral team.

By David McDonnell in Bilbao

The first fans have started entering the San Mames Stadium, with just under three hours until kick-off between Tottenham and Manchester United.

Staff at the 54,000-capacity arena are putting the finishing touches to preparations inside the stadium, with the last of several thousand flags being placed on seats in the United end.

First to put their own flags up inside the stadium are Spurs fans, with United supporters yet to mark their territory.

Bruno Fernandes needs just one goal to move clear of his rivals to claim the Europa League's Golden Boot.

He is currently tied;

Bruno Fernandes: 7 goals, 4 assists

Kasper Hogh (Bodo/Glimt): 7 goals, 1 assist

Ayoub El Kaabi (Olympiacos): 7 goals, 0 assists

However, Rasmus Hojlund has six goals and Dominic Solanke is on five...

Former Manchester United coach Rene Meulensteen has revealed what Sir Alex Ferguson would tell his players before cup finals.

Meulensteen told Tipman Tips: "Sir Alex would tell players to be positive, especially when going forward to create chances and take them. His final message would be to enjoy the moment, they are there for a reason. How many finals are you going to play in your career? And finals are there to win.

"At half time, he would highlight how to manage the game as we got towards the end, whether we were behind or not. He told us staff that we need to use the substitutions well and to make sure that all the subs are ready to come on and make a difference."

Domino's Pizza have mocked Tottenham by unveiling a giant billboard outside the club's north London home.

It has been displaying a huge figure playfully showing the number of pizzas delivered in the UK and Ireland since 2008.

That was, of course, when Spurs last won a major trophy.

Totalling well over a billion pizzas, the amount is enough to cover Tottenham’s home ground 25,873 times.

By David McDonnell in Bilbao

Clear blue skies and blazing sunshine has given way to gloomy clouds and swirling winds in Bilbao, with the threat of rain as the countdown continues to the Europa League final at the San Mamés Stadium.

Both sets of players will no doubt be grateful for the break in the weather, with the conditions now fittingly English for the all-Premier League showdown.

An elderly Bilbao local came out of his residence to attack a Man Utd fan who had climbed scafolding to put up flags.

The man repeatedly swung a wooden stick with a pointed edge and proded the Red Devils supporter to try and shoo him away from his apartment.

England legend Paul Gascoigne has given his view on tonight's final.

He told Esports Insider: "Well, it's hard to call the winner because they've both been bad this season. They’ve not done anything, not won anything and it will be a right battle out there.

"Both teams are capable of winning. I don’t know though, I hope Tottenham will win but Man United are a strong team as well. I just look at the front line.

"I think to myself, who’s going to score the goals? And since Spurs sold Kane, they’re relying a hell of a lot on Son. And Son will be feeling it.

" I think the pressure is showing when you follow in someone's footsteps like Kane. But he's doing well. I like Son as a player. He puts so much effort in and work rate, so it's good."

Rio Ferdinand is convinced that Ruben Amorim will be in the United dugout at the start of next season, regardless of tonight's result.

He told the Daily Mail: "It's important for the culture [but] I don't think it's the be-all and end-all.

"It doesn't determine whether the manager stays in a job or not. It's more about giving the players something to feed off for next season.

"That feeling of winning a cup and what it takes. They've all been supremely focused on winning that.

"It shows you your focus, and if you can do that every game throughout the season, you've got a chance to do some good things."

Former Manchester United defender Phil Jones has defended the club's decision to snub a trophy parade if they beat Spurs tonight.

"Yeah, it’s a sensible decision given the season that they’ve had," OLBG.

"They’ve struggled in the league and for form and for all sorts of different reasons. 

"I think if it were me and the team and I'd won the Europa League, I'm not sure I would be wanting a trophy parade either. 

"I think it’s a sensible option, they can have a small win and celebrate at the training ground and prepare for next season, but they’ve got to win it first."

Manchester United haven't invited Erik ten Hag to the Europa League final, according to BBC Sport.

The Dutchman could receive one of United's 50 medals, whether they're gold or silver, after helming the campaign's first three matches.

But he isn't expected to be at the San Mames Stadium after not receiving an invite from the club.

Louis van Gaal did and attended the 2017 victory against Ajax in Stockholm, a year after his dismissal.

Our man on the ground, Joe Rossiter, is in and amongst the Tottenham fans in Bilbao.

Both clubs have organised fan parks in which supporters without tickets for the match can gather and watch the action on a big screen.

There are various food and drink vendors on offer, and the prices don't look too unreasonable!

Gordon Strachan believes Tottenham will edge Man Utd in tonight's Europa League final...

He told Beste Online Casino Nederland: "I’d obviously like to see Manchester United win the Europa League because they’re my old team, but I have a close affinity with Ange Postecoglou, being a fellow ex-Celtic boss!

"If Ange does leave Tottenham, he’ll leave the fans with memories of some wonderful games and goals, and it’s not often you can say that about a manager in the Premier League. He won’t be forgotten.

“I don’t think many people have a clue how this final is going to turn out. I don’t think it will be a 1-0 to either team – these clubs are incapable of that. I also don’t think it will go to extra time, it will be decided in 90 minutes. 

“Tottenham will come out of the blocks fast. My prediction is 3-2 to Spurs, and Ange to win a trophy in his second season!”

One Manchester United fan has pictured himself sleeping on a park bench in Bilbao the night before the Europa League final.

Flight and hotel prices have sky rocketed as United and Tottenham Hotspur supporters descend on the Spanish city.

A fan said: "Made it to my hotel in Bilbao. €950 for two nights. Asked how much it would have been without the football. €150 she said apologetically."

Other hotels not higher than three stars are charging thousands.

So it's no surprise fans like this are taking such measures to make sure they are in Bilbao. He won't be the only one!

Tottenham Hotspur have beaten Manchester United three times already this season...

But it's the Red Devils who are going into the Europa League final as the favourites!

United are currently placed at 23/20 and Spurs 11/5 on Sky Bet.

Can Ruben Amorim's side finally win when it matters most?

Bruno Fernandes' future at Manchester United will face further speculation if they lose in the Europa League final.

However, former Red Devils winger Lee Sharpe has backed the Portuguese captain to stay put regardless of the result.

He told Coin Poker: "If Bruno Fernandes was to leave, where would he go that's bigger than Manchester United?

"It's difficult to see him at another Premier League club, so then you're looking at the big clubs in Europe that are playing in the Champions League next season.

"Real Madrid and Barcelona wouldn't give up the players they already have in that position for Bruno, and I think that goes for every other top club in Europe.

"Saudi is a different option, but players go there for a retirement package," Sharpe continued.

"It's definitely not a more exciting proposition, and there isn't a bigger club than United out there – nor is Bruno ready for that yet.

"I think what also helps is his relationship with Ruben Amorim; Bruno is the club's captain and has a good relationship with the manager, so I can't see him going anywhere."

Tottenham Hotspur have the backing of the vast majority of Premier League fans in the Europa League final...

A fascinating poll on The Athletic showed that 68.4 per cent of voters wanted Spurs to beat Manchester United in Bilbao.

Fans of 14 clubs preferred a Spurs win, with Arsenal, Chelsea and West Ham United favouring United.

How's this for a start to final day?

These lucky fans shared a gym with none other than Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim this morning!

The Red Devils boss appeared in high spirits ahead of one of the biggest matches of his career yet.

For the most part, Manchester United and Spurs fans have combined to create a special atmosphere in Bilbao ahead of tonight's final.

But videos have unfortunately surfaced of select groups breaking into fights on the Spanish city's narrow streets.

So, how will Ruben Amorim line up his Manchester United side against Spurs?

Some of our writers have had a go at pinpointing the Red Devils' likely team in Bilbao...

You can read those selections HERE.

If I may throw my name into the hat, I expect something like:

Onana; Yoro, Maguire, Shaw; Mazraoui, Casemiro, Fernandes, Dorgul; Amad, Mount, Hojlund.

Manchester United have had to change their kit for the Europa League final due to a tradition that dates back to 1961.

Given Spurs were drawn as the 'home' team, Ange Postecoglou's side will continue to wear all white in Europe.

It differs from domestic competition, in which they wear navy shorts.

As a result, United will wear black shorts and black socks with their red shirts, rather than their famous red-white-black colour scheme.

Good morning!

The day has arrived...

In less than 13 hours Tottenham Hotspur vs Manchester United in the Europa League final will be underway.

Stay tuned for all the build-up!

The streets of Bilbao have been packed with people, but so far, both sets of supporters are mixing well.

By kick-off tomorrow, 50,000 fans are expected to have arrived in the Spanish city. It's going to be quite the day in the Basque Country.

There were doubts he'd even be on the plane, but Joshua Zirkzee trained as normal with the rest of the United squad in Bilbao.

The forward seemed to show no effects of the hamstring injury that has kept him out since April...

TNT Sports has confirmed tommorw night's Europa League final is available to watch for free.

Viewers in the United Kingdom can watch the match live on TNT Sports 1 or TNT Sports Ultimate with coverage starting at 6pm BST, though you will need a subscription for TNT Sports.

Subscribers via Discovery+ Premium, EE, Sky or Virgin Media TV can also watch the entire voerage - but there is a live stream online made available for free through the Discovery+ app.

Even those without a subscription can download the app and register their details without signing up for a subscription. Prime Video customers with the basic Discovery+ account will be able to watch the Uefa finals on the Prime Video app. Viewers without Discovery+ just need to download the app, register their details online, and enjoy the games for free.

The last time Tottenham played a European final, the Champions League in 2019, Fernando Llorente came off the bench.

The former World Cup winner has been in Bilbao with fans of his former club today....

Rio Ferdinand is concerned that Man Utd can't match Tottenham physically in the Premier League. 

"The worrying thing for me from a Man United perspective is that physically we can’t keep up with any team in the Premier League," he told talkSPORT.

"If they go man-to-man and go toe-to-toe with us, we’re at a disadvantage because our players at Man United can't run as hard and as fast, and as long, and they’re not as powerful as other teams.

"So that’s the concern for me in the final playing against a Premier League team, who have beaten us three times."

There was one humorous moment in the Man Utd press conference when Bruno Fernandes wound up his manager over his position as manager.

A reporter asked Amorim about rumours that he was not under pressure for his job even if United lost the final.

A joking Fernandes jumped in with: “He is. Who told you he's not? He is.”

Harry Maguire has opened up on Manchester United's poor domestic season.

"Of course, it is a frustration," he said. "When you play for this club, you want to win every football match, and this season we have been far too inconsistent.

"We haven't won enough, in the Premier League it's not been good enough. Europa League has been different, we have performed at a high level and we have proven that we can beat anybody.

"I am sure next season we will improve an awful amount. But we have got a big game tomorrow night, and that's first and foremost."

Man Utd captain Bruno Fernandes is currently alongside Amorim with Harry Maguire, and dismissed suggestions that their three losses to Tottenham this season will mean anything tomorrow.

"The main thing we have ahead of us is a massive final against a team that we know very well," he said. "But in a competition that is very different from the Premier League, so it's going to be a completely different game."

Ruben Amorim is in his pre-match press conference and has admitted whatever the result, chnages are needed at Man Utd.

"There are a lot of things we need to change in our club," he said. "The way we do everything during the week in Carrington, the recruitment, the academy I think we need to improve.

"It's hard to point one thing. That will not be solved by winning a cup. Tomorrow, it will be important for us and our fans that feeling of winning can help us have the strength to do every job we have to do. We have a lot to do in our club, not just winning tomorrow but tomorrow will be massive for us and our fans."

After the emotive press conference of Ange Postecoglou, Man Utd boss Ruben Amorim is now preparing to speak to the media after the Manchester United party arrived in Bilbao this afternoon.

He's bound to be asked about the enforced absence of Matthijs de Ligt and fitness doubts over Leny Yoro. Stand by....

Around 50,000 fans are expected in Bilbao tomorrow, although it looks as if most of them are here already.

Supporters of both clubs have mixed nicely in the city so far, although there's been no shortage of red and white smoke.

If the players are feeling the pressure, the fans aren't. Yet...

The Tottenham squad have held a short and sharp session on the pitch in Bilbao.

Ange Postecoglou was seen addressing the players before they went through a light warm-up and some drills.

Pape Sarr took a full part in the session.

Pape Sarr has been seen training with the Tottenham squad after his manager confirmed the midfielder was available to face Manchester United tomorrow.

Sarr was an injury scare after limping off against Aston Villa.

Postecoglou has also angrily hit out at a reporter who suggested he risked ridicule if Tottenham lost the final.

“That depends on your outlook but I'll tell you one thing, irrespective of tomorrow, I'm not a clown and never will be," he fired back.

"You really disappointed me that you used such terminology to describe a person that for 26 years, without any favours from anyone, has worked his way to a position where he is leading out a club in a European final.

"For you to suggest that somehow us not being successful means that I'm a clown, I'm not sure how to answer that question."

Ange Postecoglou has insisted he won't resign as manager if Spurs win the Europa League final tomorrow.

In his ongoing pre-match press conference, he's said: "No, I don't think my job is done here. I think a trophy would accelerate that and I think there's a lot still to be done. The challenges we've had are well chronicled but I think there's been some growth in there."

Former Tottenham defender William Gallas believes Ange Postecoglou is under huge pressure ahead of tomorrow's Europa League final.

"In my opinion, Daniel Levy cannot be happy with the work done by Ange Postecoglou so there is a lot of pressure on his shoulders right now," he told Genting Casino.

"Postecoglou might not feel he has got respect at the club and winning the Europa League is a complete 50/50. Although Spurs have beaten Manchester United this season, it won’t give them the advantage in this game, the pressure will be huge."

Lisandro Martinez and Matthijs de Ligt are the only major absentees in the travelling squad for Wednesday's final in Bilbao. 

Chido Obi-Martin, the other absent player, is ineligible for the competition. 

READ MORE

Goalkeepers

Altay Bayindir, Tom Heaton, Dermot Mee, Andre Onana

Defenders

Harry Amass, Patrick Dorgu, Diogo Dalot, Jonny Evans, Tyler Fredricson, Ayden Heaven, Victor Lindelof, Harry Maguire, Noussair Mazraoui, Luke Shaw, Leny Yoro

Midfielders

Casemiro, Toby Collyer, Christian Eriksen, Bruno Fernandes, Kobbie Mainoo, Mason Mount, Manuel Ugarte

Forwards

Amad, Alejandro Garnacho, Rasmus Hojlund, Joshua Zirkzee

READ MORE

TalkSPORT pundit Simon Jordan didn't mince his words today when discussing speculation that Ruben Amorim had offered his resignation at Man Utd.

The outspoken ex-Palace owner also backed Tottenham to win in Bilbao. Here's his rant below...

Manchester United stars Joshua Zirkzee and Leny Yoro are set to be part of the travelling party for the Europa League final.

Both players have been injury doubts, with Zirkzee previously ruled out for the remainder of the season.

But the striker has posted a picture on the plane to Bilbao alongside Bruno Fernandes after taking part in training today.

While the Manchester Evening News claim that Yoro is also heading to Spain in the hope of featuring against Tottenham.

Former Manchester United striker Teddy Sheringham has revealed what Sir Alex Ferguson would tell his players during a final.

Sheringham was part of the legendary treble-winning team of 1999 and the Red Devils will be aiming for more European glory tomorrow.

He explained to Prime Casino that Sir Alex would be calling for his squad to give absolutely everything on the pitch in Bilbao.

"Like Alex Ferguson said at half-time to us, just make sure you give every effort, because if you walk past that trophy after the game and you're not allowed to touch it, you will be absolutely devastated," he said.

"So make sure you don't leave anything out there and give 100 per cent.

Tottenham have been offered a new trophy cabinet by bookmaker Paddy Power, anticipating that they will beat Manchester United in the Europa League final.

However, it only has room for one piece of silverware, joking that any further success is unlikely to follow.

A cabinet was delivered to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium today, despite being aware that the club will not accept being part of the joke.

A Paddy Power spokesperson said: “With the way Spurs’ season has gone up until now, it’s completely understandable that trophy storage solutions have been the least of their concerns, so we’re just glad to be able to take away one more worry ahead of this Wednesday’s game with our specially designed Spurs trophy cabinet.”

Manchester United cult hero Patrick Evra was hoping to cheer his former club on in Bilbao, but some heartbreaking news has forced him to cancel his trip.

His sister tragically passed away from cancer and the funeral, in Paris, is tomorrow, where Evra will be along with his family.

On Instagram, he emotionally shared: "I was supposed to come to Bilbao tomorrow for the final in person, to show you support, sharing my positive energy, but unfortunately I have to go to Paris for the funeral of my sister the same day as the final.

"She was 56, fighting against cancer for 20 years. Resilience, fighting, that's what I want from you guys tomorrow - just fight, bleed for this shirt, for the fans, for the staff, for the people in Manchester, for the fans all around the world.

"There's no excuse - this is your duty tomorrow. I think your coach Amorim [is] someone I support, someone I believe in, even if we win or we lose. Give something, guys."

Harry Maguire has admitted his surprise at Manchester United fans' support in a dismal season.

The Red Devils can rescue their campaign by beating Tottenham tomorrow night in Bilbao, where 80,000 supporters are expected to flock to, and Maguire is in disbelief by the fanbase.

“They've been absolutely incredible this season,” he said. “It's surprising us players how much they're backing us. We've disappointed them far too much.

"We've given them some good times in the Europa League and some great memories in terms of winning the derby at the Etihad, but it’s even surprised me.

“I say they're the greatest fans in the world and I think this year they’ve proved that. It’s been remarkable when we get to play in front of them, even though we're not performing."

Gareth Bale will witness Tottenham in a European final up close and personal, as part of the TNT Sports punditry team.

He will analyse the match between his former club and Manchester United on a star-studded panel, having also done so for the broadcaster during Liverpool's Champions League win over Real Madrid last year.

Bale joins fellow Spurs icon Glenn Hoddle and United heroes Rio Ferdinand and Paul Scholes.

Tottenham forward Brennan Johnson has called for a "new plan" to be formed in order to get the better of Manchester United.

Spurs have beaten their Europa League final opposition on three occasions already this season, but the Welshman insists that they cannot just replicate their performances from earlier in the campaign again.

"Going into the final, we can’t rely on the fact that we’ve beaten them a few times this season," said Johnson. "I think it’s about now coming up with a plan because each time we’ve beaten them has been down to different reasons.

"I feel like we’ve done good work preparing for Man United so now it’s about coming up with how we want to win, things we want to do, things we want to stop them from doing so it’s a new opportunity. We want to prepare and be as confident as we can."

Level Playing Field, a group that campaigns for disabled fans in sport, have hit out at the lack of seats available at the Europa League final.

They claim that San Mames' capacity should ensure that 58 wheelchair user and 28 easy access seating spaces provided for fans of each of the two clubs should be in place.

However, the actual figure is 26 wheelchair user spaces and 15 easy access tickets.

Their statement, in part, read: “Inadequate provisions are set to result in disproportionate exclusion, on a day when fanbases should be united for a celebration.

“Instead, we have seen another failure from UEFA at a showpiece event."

Both Manchester United and Tottenham disabled supporters' groups have expressed their disappointment with the situation.

While Joshua Zirkzee, Leny Yoro and Diogo Dalot returned to first-team training at Manchester United, there was no sight of Matthijs De Ligt.

Ruben Amorim previously said that it would be a "push" for the Netherlands centre-back to be fit enough to play in the final.

But he was spotted today training individually, going through some light sprints with a coach, and is likely to travel with the squad to Bilbao.

Gary Neville believes that Manchester United will defeat Tottenham in the Europa League final because of two experienced professionals.

"I think United will win on Wednesday night," Neville said on Sky Sports ' Monday Night Football.

"Winning the Europa League would be the silver lining around a very dark cloud. To win a trophy should never be disrespected. It would be a brilliant achievement to win three trophies in three years in an era when United have been really poor.

"But to be where they are in the league is incredible. I think United will win. I think they've players in there that will feel that occasion. Bruno [Fernandes], Casemiro - want it, need it in their lives. I agree with the belief. I do feel confident on United just getting through this game."

Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer disagree with Neville's assessment, however, and have backed Spurs to lift the title.

"I'm going to have to go for Spurs, I couldn't not," Lineker said on The Rest is Football podcast.

"Well, I've got this feeling that it's the teams that have not won for ages this year. And I think they're going to, I don't know about 90 minutes or, I think it could easily go to extra time."

Shearer added to Betfair: "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."

Manchester United welcomed Joshua Zirkzee, Leny Yoro and Diogo Dalot back to training on the eve of their Europa League final tie.

Zirkzee was ruled out for the remainder of the season last month, but appears to be in contention to play a role despite his hamstring injury.

Yoro and Dalot were also spotted coming through the session after picking up their own fitness concerns in recent weeks.

The Europa League final between Tottenham and Manchester United takes place at 8pm BST, in Bilbao.

Viewers in the UK can watch the match on TNT Sports 1, with coverage starting at 6pm.

A live stream will also be available on Discovery+.

Subscribers can watch the match, but those without a subscription can download the app and register their details without signing up for a subscription.

Unlike previous years, the match will not be shown on YouTube, instead it can be broadcasted for free on Discovery+.

By Neil Lancefield, PA Transport Correspondent

Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur supporters booking last-minute trips to the Europa League final are being charged thousands of pounds.

Direct return flights from the UK to Bilbao in northern Spain cost from more than £1,000, hotel rooms are at least £1,200, while match tickets are available on resale websites from about £500.

The final kicks off at 9pm local time (8pm BST) on Wednesday.

EasyJet is charging £1,823 to fly from Gatwick to Bilbao on Wednesday morning and return on Thursday morning. A return trip from Heathrow with British Airways - out on Wednesday morning, back on Thursday afternoon - costs £1,288.

Spanish airline Vueling is offering flights from Gatwick on Tuesday night, returning on Thursday night, for £1,179. A return trip on the same route a week later is available from just £116.

Tickets for the match at the San Mames Stadium are being sold on marketplace Ticombo from about £500. Some Man Utd and Spurs supporters were able to buy tickets through official channels from just £34.

The cheapest hotel rooms in central Bilbao on the night of the match are being sold on Booking.com for about £1,200. That is compared with £78 on Thursday night.

Airline pricing is generally driven by demand, with fares rising for a flight as more seats are filled. Booking.com, which does not control the pricing of accommodation listed on its website, previously urged providers to "act fairly".

Former Manchester United defender Paul Parker has blasted both teams in the Europa League final for their miserable campaigns.

He insists that victory in Bilbao offers little relief because of their disasters in domestic competitions, though he does think that the Red Devils will edge Tottenham on the night.

He told Betfred: “The players from both sides have a lot to prove to their fans and themselves, so whichever side wins it, in theory they should hang their heads in shame because they’ve let themselves down domestically and that’s what’s important.

"Tottenham have beaten them three times already this season, so can they beat them four times? I don’t believe one side could beat a team four times in a season, especially when you’re talking about Manchester United.

"Look at Celtic and Rangers, are we saying that one of those sides is going to beat the other four times in a season? Manchester United can’t let this happen, so for that reason I’m going to say Manchester United will win it.”

Victor Lindelof's wife Maja confirmed that she will not be among the travelling contingent to Bilbao to cheer on her husband and Manchester United.

Instead, Maja will remain at home in England as she is currently pregnant and expecting their third child shortly.

Yesterday she posted on Instagram with the caption: "This week's plan - eat chocolate and sleep."

Marcus Rashford has sent a message of support to his Manchester United colleagues on the eve of the Europa League final.

Rashford has spent the second half of the season on loan to Aston Villa after publicly falling out of favour with Ruben Amorim, but made his allegiance clear.

Commenting on United's Instagram post previewing the match, the England forward wrote: "Good luck guys."

Manchester United have announced that they will unveil a new surfer banner for the Europa League final.

Tifo-style efforts have been utilised in previous European rounds and a new design has been prepared for Bilbao tomorrow night.

Captain Bruno Fernandes has already seen and approved it, as he did in the semi-final, but the remainder of his team-mates will be kept in the dark until they walk out onto the pitch for the first time.

Ruben Amorim reportedly had to be talked out of resigning from his position in charge of Manchester United this season.

Amorim only took over from Erik ten Hag in November, but CEO Omar Berrada reportedly had to intervene and talk the Portuguese coach out of quitting.

He had become 'disillusioned' with his start to life at Old Trafford in January and was ready to quit after a 2-1 defeat to Brighton.

James Maddison is the surprise inclusion to Tottenham's travelling squad for the Europa League final.

The England playmaker is expected to miss tomorrow's clash through injury, but was spotted getting off the plane in Bilbao.

Tottenham players pictured in the travelling squad: Guillermo Vicario, Antonin Kinsky, Pedro Porro, Djed Spence, Micky van de Ven, Cristian Romero, Ben Davies, Callum Olusesi, Damola Ajayi, Pape Sarr, Rodrigo Bentancur, James Maddison, Mikey Moore, Brennan Johnson, Wilson Odobert, Son Heung-Min, Mathys Tel, Richarlison, Dominic Solanke, Dane Scarlett, Will Lankshear

Felix Zwayer is the man in the middle for tomorrow night's final, even though he was banned for six months previously.

UEFA confirmed that Zwayer would lead the officials, alongside compatriots Robert Kempter and Christian Dietz.

Zwayer is a seasoned veteran and worked the Champions League semi-final second leg between Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain.

But he also was involved in a match-fixing scandal that stalled his career in 2004, joining other 2.Bundesliga refs to report their fellow official of taking bribes to fix matches.

Zwayer also admitted to accepting a bribe worth £252 and was promptly hit with a six-month suspension.

Both sets of travelling supporters have hit out at the "scandalous" nature of getting to Bilbao and stopping overnight.

Flights have been raised by thousands of pounds from England to the Spanish area, forcing some to travel by boat, while accommodation prices have gone through the roof. Some hostels cost in the region of £550 per night.

One Manchester United fan, Dale O'Donnell, told the Independent: “Planning the trip was made difficult by the scandalous pricing of direct flights and limited accommodation. We looked at all the routes, before deciding to fly to Bordeaux. We’ll leave in the early hours after the game.”

Barney Chilton of the Red News fanzine added: “There is profiteering everywhere but, with so little time to book, it’s just wrong that this happens every final. I’m not sure what Uefa can do, but surely something. The majority get royally done over just wanting to see their team in a rare European final.”

Several complaints have been raised that Bilbao is not equipped to handle a final of such magnitude, with 80,000-plus fans expected to make the trip from England.

Hello and welcome to Express Sport's live coverage of the Europa League final, where we will bring you all the latest news and updates from the Bilbao blockbuster.