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      EFL stadium looks unrecognisable as pitch is ripped up for maintenance work and fans spot where turf has been dumped

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      AN EFL stadium looks unrecognisable after the pitch was ripped up ahead of maintenance work.League Two side Grimsby Town are undergoing renovations in the off-season.Grimsby Town have ripped up their pitchCredit: X @officialgtfcWork is ongoing to renovate the pitchCredit: X @officialgtfcTurf has been dumped behind one of the stands, where the club car park isCredit: X @officialgtfcThey have removed their pitch and dumped the mud and grass behind the Young’s main stand.Eagle-eyed fans spotted the mound of turf, which is taking up space in the car park and limiting the number of spaces available for vehicles.Work is ongoing at the ground to install a new pitch, which should be complete by the new season.Grimsby confirmed part of the car park would be closed during the renovation. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLA statement read: “Car park notice!”Due to ongoing maintenance work at Blundell Park, limited parking is available onsite.”For supporters planning on visiting the Ticket Office or the end of season clearance sale, there is ample street parking available around the ground.”Grimsby are preparing for their fourth consecutive season in League Two next season.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSThey narrowly missed out on the play-off places this term, finishing ninth, two points behind Chesterfield.Grimsby also resurfaced the pitch in 2022 following promotion from the National League to the EFL.Championship club could be left without a stadium as EFL deadline looms More

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      Ex-Arsenal star, 34, admits role in £600k Stansted Airport drug smuggling plot

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      A PROFESSIONAL footballer has admitted that he was involved in a drug smuggling plot worth £600,000.The celebrity was arrested at his home on September 18, after 60kg of cannabis was found in suitcases linked to him two weeks earlier.Jay Emmanuel-Thomas was arrested after 60kg of cannabis was discovered in his suitcasesCredit: GettyThe drugs arrived in the UK via Stansted AirportCredit: National Crime AgencyThe footballer pleaded guilty to the drug charge in MayCredit: PAJay Emmanuel-Thomas, 34, was found to have brought 60kg of cannabis into the UK from Thailand.According to Met police, the drugs had travelled via Dubai before arriving at Stansted Airport on September 2.Cops now believe that the celebrity might have been the intermediary between drug pushers in the UK and suppliers in Thailand.Now, he will be sentenced at Chelmsford Crown Court in Essex at a later date.Read More on Sport NewsHe pleaded guilty to the offence earlier in May, but reporting restrictions on the case have only just been lifted.Initially, the footballer known as “JET” denied the charges when appearing in court in October 2024.Two other people were arrested in connection with the case, but an investigation by the National Crime Agency (NCA) have led to the charges being dropped.The two women were arrested with the drugs from Thailand on September 2, after making the journey for Emmanuel Thomas – in exchange for £2,500.Most read in FootballHowever, the Crown had offered no evidence against the two women, allowing them to go free.Rosie Rowland, 28, and Yasmin Piotrowska, 33, were said to have sobbed as they were allowed to leave the dock.They had previously denied importing cannabis between July 1 and September 2.According to Prosecutor David Josse KC, the two women thought they were “importing gold, not cannabis”.As he was taken into custody, Emmanuel-Thomas said: “I just feel sorry for the girls.”NCA senior investigating officer, David Philips, revealed how criminal groups try to profit from drugs. He said: “Organised crime groups make significant profits by trafficking and selling perceived high-quality cannabis legally grown in the US, Canada and Thailand illegally in the UK.“Organised criminals like Thomas can be very persuasive and offer payment to couriers. But the risk of getting caught is very high and it simply isn’t worth it.”In Britain, the maximum sentence for smuggling cannabis – a class B drug – is a 14-year-stretch behind bars. Emmanuel-Thomas was a fan-favourite footballer who had played for Arsenal, Bristol City, Queens Park Rangers, MK Dons and PTT Rayong.He was axed from his most recent team, Greenock Morton, after appearing in court for the crime. A spokesperson for Greenock Morton released a short statement on social media after the sacking. Read More on The SunThe statement read: “Greenock Morton FC can confirm that the contract of Jay Emmanuel-Thomas has been terminated with immediate effect.”The club will be making no further comment on the matter.”More to follow… For the latest news on this story keep checking back at The Sun OnlineThesun.co.uk is your go-to destination for the best celebrity news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/thesun and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSun.The star admitted to his crime in courtCredit: PA More

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      Man Utd’s ‘four irreplaceable players revealed’ with Amorim set to get at least £100m budget even if they lose vs Spurs

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      RUBEN AMORIM will be handed a £100million war chest this summer, even if Manchester United LOSE the Europa League final.Man Utd are up against Tottenham for the showpiece final in Bilbao tonight.Ruben Amorim will be given a £100m war chest even if Man Utd lose the Europa League finalCredit: GettyOnly four players are deemed untouchable at the club, including Bruno Fernandes and Amad DialloCredit: AFPLeny Yoro’s impressive debut season means the club has no intention to accept an offer for himCredit: GettyHarry Maguire has become a key figure in the heart of Man Utd’s defenceCredit: PAWinning the final doesn’t just bring European glory, but also a spot in the Champions League worth a tidy £100m through ticket sales, broadcast money and sponsor bonuses.Cash-strapped Man Utd have undergone a ruthless cull, cutting staff numbers from around 1,100 to around 700, since the arrival of minority owners Ineos.Those savings, albeit meagre compared to what could be saved when the contracts in the underperforming squad are sorted out, mean the club can equip Amorim with a transfer kitty of £100m before sales.According to The Times, there is belief the sales of Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Antony could raise close to £100m.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLRed Devils transfer chiefs are also willing to consider the sales of exciting youngsters Kobbie Mainoo or Alejandro Garnacho, with the latter of the pair said to be the closest of the two to an exit.However, Man Utd want to keep both and will only accept a deal if a “substantial” offer is made for one of them.It is also believed the likes of Altay Bayindir will be moved on to make way for a new goalkeeper to rival Andre Onana as the club’s No1.Indeed, there are only four players who are said to be untouchable at Old Trafford: Bruno Fernandes, Amad Diallo, Leny Yoro and Harry Maguire.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old TraffordFernandes’ performances speak for themselves with 38 goal contributions this season, while Amad, Yoro and Maguire have all impressed across the season.Club bosses are also firmly behind manager Amorim, with Ineos said to even be willing to try and talk him around if he was to try and walk away – though there is no suggestion he would.BATTLE FOR BILBAO: The Road to the Europa League FinalAfter the final game of the season against Aston Villa on Sunday, Amorim and the squad will travel to Asia for a controversial post-season tour of Malaysia and Hong Kong.On the tour, Amorim said: “We are going to take all the team, young kids also, and we’ll have the staff there. We have [had] a lot of changes in the staff, so we are trying to build something as a family.”Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Co. are said to have full belief that with a full pre-season under the former Sporting Lisbon boss, Man Utd will start making moves back towards being truly successful again.Man Utd vs Spurs – Europa League final: Kick-off time, TV channel and live stream info for Bilbao clashAs well as trying to better gel the squad, Amorim is expected to welcome some new recruits when pre-season gets underway fully as Man Utd transfer chiefs look to quickly move for some fresh faces.Man Utd are said to be ready to trigger the £62.5m release clause of Wolves’ Matheus Cunha next week, while club bosses have also held face to face talks with Ipswich ace Liam Delap.Further recruits are expected to occur in central midfield, at wing-back and goalkeeper, while Amorim himself appeared to suggest he wanted to add another centre-half next season.Read More on The SunThe summer recruitment will be led by technical director Jason Wilcox, who replaced Dan Ashworth in the role after his unexpected departure six months ago.Ineos are said to be happy with his work so far and there are no plans to replace him despite the likes of Luis Campos being linked with the director of football role.MAN UTD VS TOTTENHAM – EUROPA LEAGUE FINAL LIVELatest betting odds, offers and predictions More

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      Ex-Chelsea star Sam Hutchinson reveals he had HEART ATTACK in game he scored winner that sent Wimbledon to play-offs

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      AFC WIMBLEDON defender Sam Hutchinson has revealed that he suffered a heart attack just six minutes into a crucial League Two match – and then went on to score.The 35-year-old endured the frightening ordeal against Grimbsy Town earlier this month.Sam Hutchinson has bravely opened up about his recent heart attackCredit: X/ AFCWimbledonHutchinson scored the winner in the match against Grimsby – after suffering the heart attackCredit: RexJust moments into the match, unbeknownst to him, Hutchinson suffered a heart attack while on the pitch.As he wasn’t aware of what was happening, the defender played on and completed the full match.He even scored the decisive goal in the 52nd minute as Wimbledon clinched a 1-0 win to secure a place in the League Two play-offs.But it wasn’t until after full-time that he realised something was seriously wrong.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLRecalling the ordeal while speaking to Wimbledon club media this week, he explained: “It’s crazy really. Obviously I was experiencing a lot of pain then.”I look back as well and my mrs said: ‘Oh you didn’t look right when you had the interview,’ and then I got back on the coach, started getting more chest pains, the adrenaline wore off and we ended up making a pit stop in Nottingham.”He continued: “Bob [Bacic, head physio] took me in and basically they said I had a heart attack.”Then they said it could be an infection, so I was in there for five days.Most read in EFLCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”I was like a pin cushion by the end of it, I was getting loads of tests done.”And then it turned out, yeah, I did actually have a heart attack.Incredible before and after video shows AFC Wimbledon’s progress fixing huge sinkhole after Carabao Cup clash postponed”A branch of an artery was blocked, 75 per cent, so I had an angiogram and they put a stent in. I had that in London and saw a top specialist who was unbelievable.”And I’m on the road to recovery now.”Hutchinson went on to admit that he “broke down” after being told he’d suffered a heart attack because he didn’t want his football career to end.But the specialist he saw insisted there is “no problem” with him continuing to play.AFC Wimbledon face Walsall in the League Two play-off final on Monday.And while he is “devastated” that he will miss the occasion, Hutchinson is looking forward to watching.He added: “I’m there to support the boys and fingers crossed we can get it over the line and do what everyone wants us to do.”I genuinely think I could play, obviously it would be dangerous but that’s just my opinion. I’m never going to but I’d love to.”Hutchinson joined Chelsea at the age of nine and graduated from the club’s academy to make the first team.However, he was limited to just six senior appearances in total.Read More on The SunThe defender was loaned out to Nottingham Forest, Vitesse and Sheffield Wednesday before completing a permanent move to Hillsborough.He then went on to play for Pafos and Reading before joining AFC Wimbledon in December.Hutchinson previously played for ChelseaCredit: PA:Empics Sport More

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      Ruben Amorim spotted in hotel gym for ‘massive arm day’ as Man Utd boss sneaks in workout before Europa League final

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      RUBEN AMORIM has hit the gym ahead of tonight’s Europa League final.The Manchester United boss is hoping to salvage his side’s season by beating Tottenham to lift silverware.Ruben Amorim has been in a relaxed mood ahead of the Europa League finalCredit: PAFar from being tense ahead of the huge match, Amorim appeared relaxed as he posed for a gym selfie alongside two supporters this morning.Social media user @utdbelles posted the snap, alongside the caption: “my dads day started at the gym with a special guest”.In the image, Amorim could be seen beaming in his Man Utd training top.When a fan responded that the Portuguese “doesn’t skip leg day”, @utdbelles added: “he was apparently having a massive arm day”.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAmorim cut a relaxed figure as he appeared at yesterday’s press conference alongside Bruno Fernandes and Harry Maguire.During the presser, Amorim was asked if he felt fortunate not to be under the same amount of scrutiny as opposite number Ange Postecoglou.Fernandes interjected, laughing as he said: “He is!”Taking it in his stride, a smiling Amorim joked: “He wants my job! He will be a very, very good coach.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSMAN UTD VS TOTTENHAM – EUROPA LEAGUE FINAL LIVELatest betting odds, offers and predictions “But he needs to work on his mindset, on dealing with people!”Amorim was also asked why he is not “under more pressure”.Bruno Fernandes matches Cristiano Ronaldo record as he wins Man Utd award – but admits he DOESN’T want itThe 40-year-old thoughtfully responded: “I don’t know. I know that, in this kind of club, also in Tottenham, but especially in Manchester United, it’s strange to have some coaches here they lose some games and they are sacked. It’s hard to explain.”I think people are seeing what I’m trying to do. Sometimes I’m thinking more of the club than myself, so people understand, especially the board.”We have lots of possibilities in this context, it’s really hard. I don’t know how to explain how the fans like me in this moment. It’s hard to explain.”I will try to prove myself to the fans and to the board but I don’t have an explanation for you. Again, I think it’s a good thing for me to never worry about that. It’s part of being a coach.”The most important thing is to know what you’re doing and I explained everything. Again, before, when I explained about the storm and all the problems we have to the board. So I was clear. I won’t change my idea.”They know they cannot say one thing that I said to get the job and then I change my mind. It was the opposite. I think the board can understand that, the fans can understand that, but we’ll reach a moment when we have to win. No matter what.”Man Utd vs Spurs – Europa League final: Kick-off time, TV channel and live stream info for Bilbao clash More

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      Next Tottenham manager odds: Glasner and Xavi head betting as Europa League final to determine Postecoglou’s fate

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      OLIVER GLASNER and Xavi top the betting to become the next Tottenham Hotspur manager.Bookmakers talkSPORT BET can’t split the pair as the 4/1 joint-favourites to replace Ange Postecoglou – irrespective of how tonight’s Europa League final pans out.FA Cup winning boss Oliver Glasner is the frontrunner alongside Barca legend, XaxiCredit: EPAXavi has been out of work after being axed by Barcelona last MayCredit: APTottenham’s run to the final has been terrific, though a far cry from the domestic woes.Only the three, poor relegated sides sit below them in the Premier League table ahead of the final day.They’ve lost more Premier League games (21) so far than they have had wins and draws (11, 5) COMBINED.Though it’s also right to point out their injury record has been astonishing at times, with players forced to play out of position in what has been a hectic schedule.Postecoglou has had to fight his corner for much of the second half of this season, though even if winning in Bilbao tonight, it would appear the writing is on the wall that he won’t be here next season.Who are the favourites for the Spurs job?The talkSPORT BET betting markets have Oliver Glasner and Xavi (4/1) at the top of the next Spurs manager market.Glasner’s stock couldn’t be higher after leading Crystal Palace to their first ever major trophy at Wembley this season.Next Tottenham manager oddsLatest odds from talkSPORT BETOliver Glasner – 4/1Xavi Hernandez – 4/1Scott Parker – 5/1Thomas Frank – 6/1Francesco Farioli – 6/1Mauricio Pochettino – 8/1Andoni Iraola – 10/1Kieran McKenna – 10/1Roberto De Zerbi – 10/1Marco Silva – 12/1While Xavi has remained out of work since getting the bullet as Barcelona boss at the tail-end of last season.Scott Parker (5/1) is understood to be highly thought of in the Spurs hierarchy having guided Burnley back to the Premier League for next year and he’s just ahead of Brentford boss Thomas Frank (6/1), who is destined for a really top job soon.Frank is the same price as Francesco Farioli, who recently left Ajax after a complete collapse in the Eredivisie left them as runners-up to PSV despite holding a huge advantage in the closing weeks.Mauricio Pochettino is 8/1 to make his return to Tottenham, just ahead of Andoni Iraola, Kieran McKenna and Roberto De Zerbi all at 10/1.Remember to gamble responsiblyA responsible gambler is someone who:Establishes time and monetary limits before playingOnly gambles with money they can afford to loseNever chase their lossesDoesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressedGamcare – gamcare.org.ukGambleAware – GambleAware.orgRead our guide on responsible gambling practices.For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to gamstop.co.uk to be excluded from all UK-regulated gambling websites. More

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      England DENIED automatic qualification to Euro 2028 despite hosting after shock rule change.. but will have safety net

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      ENGLAND and the other host nations will have to earn their place at Euro 2028 despite the tournament being played in the British Isles.But Uefa have confirmed a backdoor route for any of the four countries that does not make it by right.England have been denied automatic qualification to Euro 2028As expected – with the FA keen for the Three Lions to play competitive games ahead of the tournament rather than a year of friendlies – Uefa’s ruling executive committee has now confirmed the qualifying structure.At a meeting in Bilbao, Uefa agreed that TWO spaces will be made available for the host nations who do not qualify by right when the campaign begins in March 2027.Northern Ireland’s failure to provide a suitable stadium after the collapse of the plans to play matches at Casement Park means games will now be played in England, Scotland, Wales and the Republic of Ireland, although the Belfast-based side can still qualify.As in Europe’s World Cup qualifying schedule, which continues next month, there will be 12 groups, consisting of either four or five teams, with the four co-hosts also taking part.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe 12 group winners and the best eight runners-up – with points earned against the teams placed first, third and fourth taken into account – will automatically qualify for the 24-team tournament.Two further places will be available from a play-off system involving the other four runners-up and the best-ranked non-qualifiers from the Nations League campaign starting in September 2026, involving between eight and 12 teams.And that leaves two final places for the two best co-hosts who did not qualify through their group finish, although they will not be eligible for the play-offs.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe draw for the qualifying stage will take place in December 2026, at the conclusion of the Nations League.Most read in FootballCardiff’s Principality Stadium will host the opening game on June 9 2028, with both semis and the July 9 Final played at Wembley.England squad plays the Traitors Other English venues will be the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Everton’s new home at Bramley Moore Dock, the Etihad, Villa Park and St James’ Park.Hampden Park and Dublin’s Aviva Stadium provide the Scottish and Irish venues. More

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      Man Utd vs Tottenham – Europa League final LIVE SCORE: Build up as rivals bid for European glory in Bilbao – updates

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      MANCHESTER UNITED and Tottenham have one last chance to end their torrid campaigns with glory as they face off in TONIGHT’S mouthwatering Europa League final!Red Devils boss Ruben Amorim is on course to record United’s lowest-ever Premier League finish during his debut season at the helm – currently 16th following a recent 1-0 loss to Chelsea.But, despite that, Amorim incredibly has the chance to secure United their first bit of European silverware since 2017.However, under-fire Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou promised that he always ‘delivers a trophy in his second season’ and will be desperate to end Spurs’ 17-year trophy drought.With Champions League qualification for next season also up for grabs, this has all the ingredients to be a classic affair.Kick-off time: 8pm BSTTV channel: TNT Sports 1Live stream: Discovery+Man Utd starting team: To followTottenham starting team: To followGET EITHER SIDE TO WIN THE EUROPA LEAGUE AT 40/1 WITH PARIMATCHFollow ALL the action from the Europa League final with our live blog below…Road to BilbaoMan Utd have probably had the trickier of routes to the final, beating Real Sociedad and Lyon before knocking out final hosts Athletic Bilbao in the semis.Spurs recorded narrow victories over AZ Alkmaar and Frankfurt in the last 16 and quarter-finals, respectively.But Ange Postecoglou’s men booked their spot in the final in style with a 5-1 aggregate win over Bodo/Glimt in the semis.Copy linkCopiedTriple boost for AmorimManchester United were handed a triple boost with the returns of Diogo Dalot, Leny Yoro and Joshua Zirzee.The trio were included in the Red Devils’ matchday squad for tonight’s Europa League final yesterday.On the availability of the stars, Ruben Amorim said: “They recovered quite well, they pushed, of course we have to respect the feeling of the player, we pushed a little bit because they wanted to be part of the team.”It’s a very good sign. They are limited in the minutes (they can play) but they can help us to win the game.”Credit: GETTYCopy linkCopiedNo invite for Ten HagFormer Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has reportedly not been invited to tonight’s Europa League final.The Dutchman led the Red Devils to the Europa League after winning the 2023/24 FA Cup.Ten Hag was also in charge of three matches during United’s league phase campaign, before he was sacked and replaced by Ruben Amorim last November.It remains to be seen if Ten Hag, Ruud van Nistelrooy and Marcus Rashford will receive a medal for their involvement in the early part of the Europa League.Unlike Ten Hag, Louis van Gaal was invited to the 2017 Europa League final, despite his sacking on the back of winning the FA Cup in 2016.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedDevil in detailThe position of Bruno Fernandes against a depleted Tottenham midfield is the key to Manchester United winning the Europa League.Amorim has a conundrum – whether to play his skipper in one of the No10 positions or deeper in his midfield two.United must trust Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte in the final so Fernandes can be used in a free role further up the pitch.When he has played as one of the No10s, he is expected to run in-behind and stretch defences.But this does not suit his game and, against Micky van de Ven, is a waste of time.Amorim must ditch that and let his most complete player have freedom, drifting out the structure to give Spurs a headache.Copy linkCopiedLocals getting amongst itCredit: GettyCredit: GettyCopy linkCopiedThe big sixSIX Premier League teams will be able to qualify for next season’s Champions League!UEFA awards the two leagues with the best set of collective results in European competitions with an extra Champions League spot.And Arsenal’s 3-0 quarter-final win over 15-time champions Real Madrid in April confirmed that the Premier League would get one of these spots.Meaning that finishing fifth in the Prem would earn you a place in next year’s Champions League.But five qualification spots became six a couple of weeks back as Manchester United and Tottenham set up their Europa League final showdown in Bilbao.This ensures that an English team will win the Europa League and therefore claim a place in Europe’s premier competition next season.Copy linkCopiedUnited forced to make change to kitTottenham have been drawn as the home team for the Europa League final, which means they will wear their all-Lilywhite shirt with navy blue sleeves, paired with white shorts and white socks.In domestic competitions, Spurs usually wear navy shorts, but due to a European tradition dating back to 1961, the North London outfit have opted for white shorts this evening.Man Utd will don their red home shirts, but are forced to change their more customary white shorts.The Red Devils will pair their iconic strip with black shorts and black socks – the same combination they wore in the last-16 away leg at Real Sociedad.Spurs’ goalkeeper will wear a yellow strip while Man Utd’s shot stopper will be in all green.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedA familiar face on stageFormer Tottenham midfielder Sandro is on stage in the Spurs fan zone in Bilbao.The Brazilian is belting out “glory, glory Tottenham Hotspur” to the delight of the faithful.Can the North Londoners live up to the chant and claim glory this evening?Credit: PACopy linkCopiedAtmosphere buildingCredit: PACredit: PACopy linkCopiedSuited and bootedManchester United players prepared for the Europa League final by getting fitted with £1,000 Paul Smith suits.United have a long tradition of wearing smart outfits before a final, dating back to the glory days under Sir Alex Ferguson.Last year they were suited and booted before winning the FA Cup against Manchester City.And the Red Devils have now had new ones forged by bespoke tailoring outfit Paul Smith.Their partnership dates back to 2008 and, according to the Paul Smith website, “is still going strong.”Copy linkCopiedHighlights from the legends matchHere are some shots of the thrilling match which saw Basque beat the UEFA legends on penalties ahead of tonight’s final.Can you spot some of your favourite players?Copy linkCopiedGunning for itAn Arsenal fan received a torrent of abuse after walking through Tottenham fans in Bilbao wearing a Gunners shirt.Spurs supporters have taken over the Spanish city in preparation for the Europa League final.Thousands are in Bilbao, many without tickets, and there is a party atmosphere with songs being sung and flares being set off.One brave Arsenal fan decided to have some fun with a contingent of Tottenham fans, brazenly strolling through a crowd with an Gunners shirt on.The Spurs fans reacted by abusing the supporter, singing: “W*****! W*****!W*****!”This surely must have been a dare?!Copy linkCopiedWhen the Spurs go marching inEven more chaos from Tottenham fans in Bilabo.This is shaping up to be some clash!Copy linkCopiedIs this the Zway?Felix Zwayer will be the man in the middle for TONIGHT’S huge Europa League final encounter between rivals Manchester United and Tottenham.Here is everything you need to know about the referee who received a six-month ban for his involvement in a match-fixing scandal.He made his Bundesliga debut in 2012 and soon become a regular fixture in their matches.In 2005, his career took a hit when he found himself involved in a match-fixing scandal. It was revealed that he accepted a €300 bribe from referee Robert Hoyzer, who was involved in a larger match-fixing scandal at the time in Germany.Felix was banned from refereeing for six months by the German Football Association (DFB) as a result of his involvement.Copy linkCopiedUnited’s alternative parade plansIf United do get the opportunity to rejoice in Europa League glory, the chiefs of the club are reportedly planning to celebrate with a barbecue instead.However, the BBQ could be even less glamorous than it sounds – as major building work is taking place at Carrington.It’s understood the event – for players, staff and their families – would be the day after the final.This will come as a real shame to United fans who haven’t seen an open-top bus parade since the special occasion which heralded the Red Devils’ 20th Prem title and the retirement of manager Sir Alex Ferguson after his golden reign of 27 years.Copy linkCopiedFeast your eyes on thisManchester United fans are flocking to the food court and the names of the burgers are incredible!Copy linkCopiedBus terminates hereManchester United fans have been left devastated after finding out that there will be NO open-top bus parade should their club win the Europa League final – but there’s an alternative plan.After tonight’s final, the Red Devils finish their Prem campaign at home to Aston Villa on Sunday week.Then comes a gruelling 15-hour flight to Asia for money-spinning tour games in Kuala Lumpur and Hong Kong on May 28 and 30.So United will have to wait longer for another open-top bus parade – having not held one since 2013.Credit: AP:Associated PressCopy linkCopiedFlares and footballUnited fans continue to flock the streets and make their voices heard ahead of tonight’s Europa League final thriller.You can barely tell what colour the sky is.Copy linkCopiedMan Utd’s incredible omensThe Red Devils beat Ajax 2-0 in Stockholm eight years ago, courtesy of goals by Paul Pogba and Henrikh Mkhitaryan.On that occasion they were managed by a Portuguese in Jose Mourinho, who had replaced a sacked FA Cup-winning Dutchman in Louis van Gaal.Amorim is a Portuguese boss and replaced sacked Dutchman Ten Hag, who lifted the FA Cup last season…Speaking of Mourinho, the former United boss won his first European trophy on May 21, 2003 – at the age of 40 years, three months and 24 days.Tonight’s final will also take place on May 21, with Amorim just one day younger than Mourinho was.In addition to this, United’s rivals Manchester City last went trophyless in 2017.By losing to Palace on Saturday, Pep Guardiola’s side were condemned to their first season without silverware since the 2016-17 campaign.Copy linkCopiedTottenham’s amazing omensIn March, Newcastle upset the odds to beat Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final – earning their first silverware since lifting the Inter-Cities Fairs Cup in 1969.And just last week, Italian side Bologna won the Coppa Italia – beating AC Milan 1-0 in Rome to end a 51-year wait for a trophy.Former Tottenham hero Harry Kane recently won the Bundesliga at the second time of asking, scoring 26 goals along the way to earning the first trophy of his career.Most recently, Crystal Palace upset Manchester City in the FA Cup final to lift the first major silverware in their entire history.It’s been the season of fresh trophy winners – and Spurs will be hoping to join the party by earning their third Europa League triumph, having won its former iteration, the Uefa Cup, in 1971 and 1984.Copy linkCopiedViews from SunSport’s Dave Courtnadge in BilbaoAnd the boys from the Basque country have done the double… snatching the shoot-out 6-5.Even the keepers had a shot.. and, bless him, ex- United keeper Tomasz Kuszczak showed why he’s probably best between the sticks.It was great fun though, and despite Jesus Navas losing, he’ll be happy after scooping the man of the match award. He was pretty tasty to be fair and would have got my vote…We managed to speak to the two ex-Man Utd stars on show and they gave us their predictions for tonightNani said ‘United have to win’ and when pushed on whether they will, he said ‘YES’.Tomasz Kuszczak was a bit more specific with his forecast. The 2008 Champions League winner boldly tipped his old side to win 3-1. Not long now until we find out…Copy linkCopiedViews from SunSport’s Dave Courtnadge in BilbaoIt’s finished 15-12 to the Basque legends, and I think most would agree that’s a fair scoreline.But we’re having penalties anyway…. and why the hell not? A lot of people see tonight going to a shootout so let’s whet our appetites for some spot-kick drama.Copy linkCopiedViews from SunSport’s Dave Courtnadge in BilbaoGoal, shot, goal, shot, save, goal, shot… I cannot keep up with this….The commentary may well be in Basque too…if it was in Spanish I might stand a chance… probably not though.Copy linkCopiedFinal callRoy Keane has landed a new job for the Europa League final.The former Manchester United captain has appeared as a pundit regularly this season for Sky Sports and ITV.Keane shared his prediction for the final ahead of kick-off, suggesting his former club will “edge it” thanks to their history and the quality of Bruno Fernandes.He said: “You still have to fancy United, someone like Bruno can produce, the history of Manchester United still carries a little bit of weight.”There’s not much between them [in the league] but come the crunch, come the final, United’s history in finals, them winning cups the last few years, you’d like to think they would have a bit more knowledge around the game than Spurs.”That might edge it for them, and I think Bruno can produce that bit of magic.”Copy linkCopiedViews from SunSport’s Dave Courtnadge from BilbaoIt’s all level at half time with both sets of players looking like they’re happy to have a breatherThe weather is not even that hot but the pace has been pretty frenetic. Saying that, Nani was still playing last year so I reckon he could keep going for a while.Copy linkCopied More