Champions League

TOTTENHAM’S Europa League winners were quick off the mark afterwards with a huge sign of support for Ange Postecoglou.Bedecked in medals after beating Manchester United 1-0, Spurs stars unfurled a banner paying tribute to their under-fire manager.Sergio Reguilon and James Maddison proved that Spurs stars knew of manager Ange Postecoglou’s bold predictionCredit: Shutterstock EditorialPedro Porro led Tottenham’s joy in BilbaoCredit: GettyReguilon and Maddison became poster boys for PostecoglouCredit: GettyPostecoglou was widely mocked when he made the bold claim earlier in Spurs’ largely dismal campaign that he “always” wins silverware in his second season.And, as Tottenham slipped all the way down the Premier League to 17th place in an injury-hit term, that claim looked more and more unrealistic.However, Brennan Johnson bundled the only goal against United in Bilbao.And Tottenham players pounced on the opportunity to back Postecoglou.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSergio Reguilon and James Maddison posed with a fan’s banner showing a picture of the Aussie and his fateful words: “I don’t usually win things, I ALWAYS win things in my second year.”The snap of Postecoglou above his quote was suitably full of swagger – with a pair dark sunglasses added to make the boss look even cooler.The banner-raising was Maddison’s second noteworthy moment of the night – after the sidelined knee-injury victim went “full John Terry” by changing from a suit to his kit for the trophy-lifting celebrations.Bizarrely, though, some Tottenham aces had to go without gongs – because Uefa ran out of medals.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKPostecoglou acknowledged Europa League joy won’t save him from criticism over a woeful Prem season.But he’s the first Spurs boss to pick up silverware in 17 years.And fans enjoyed the clever tribute from his players.One posted: “Ange’s crystal ball was clearer than anyone else’s – call it prophecy or just pure genius.”Another joked: “Wow they got that picture printed quickly.” Postecoglou insisted Spurs can “build” on the experience – as he hailed long-serving skipper Son Heung-min.He said of the second-half sub: “We’ve had some unbelievable footballers, Harry [Kane] is an example, that has not had a moment like this here.”I wanted a day like this for Sonny and for one reason or not it has not happened before.”Outside the dressing room [at Tottenham], there are pictures of winning teams and I said to Sonny ‘we have to get you up there’.”I think there’s an opportunity here, that’s my belief, and we can build on this. Read More on The Sun”These players in there want it again. “Until you feel it and win something you can’t describe it to people so now they have got that, they will want to get this feeling again.”Spurs shared their feelings on Postecoglou with fansSon Heung-min was finally able to lift silverwareCredit: Reuters More

CRISTIAN ROMERO showed his true colours after full-time of the Europa League final.The Tottenham Hotspur star impressed as his side ended their 17-year trophy drought against Manchester United in Bilbao.Cristian Romero consoled the Manchester United players after the Europa League finalCredit: ReutersHe did clash with Harry Maguire during the matchCredit: GettyBrennan Johnson’s bundled first-half effort was enough for the North London outfit to salvage some joy from a miserable season.Like Spurs, Manchester United have endured a torrid campaign, which has seen Erik ten Hag sacked and a bottom-half finish in the Premier League confirmed.The emotion was clear after the full-time whistle as the Red Devils collapsed to the ground after losing their last chance of qualifying for the Champions League next season.Romero, 27, was an abrasive figure on the pitch during the 90 minutes, clashing throughout with United’s Harry Maguire.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLBut he showed a softer side as he was the first Spurs star to break away from celebrations after the full-time whistle to commiserate his rivals.He was pictured consoling compatriot Alejandro Garnacho and speaking to Diogo Dalot.The Argentine is often vilified after some of his antics in the Premier League.But after seeing his sportsmanship on the San Mames pitch, fans hailed the defender on social media.Most read in Europa LeagueJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSOne posted: “Romero, so often cast as the villain, is the first Spurs player to break away from celebrations and go to console United players.”A second commented: “Good sportsmanship there.”Spurs fans in Tottenham Hotspur Stadium go wild as Brennan Johnson fires Lilywhites ahead vs Man United in Europa League final Harry Maguire was less interested in speaking to RomeroMaguire pushed him away from the Man United endAnother added: “You like to see this.”A video taken from the stands caught the moment that Romero consoled Andre Onana.The goalkeeper was slumped on the floor as he was approached by the Tottenham ace who checked up on him.But the good-natured actions only lasted so long as Romero was later seen renewing hostilities with Maguire.Romero appeared to try to shake Maguire’s hand but the England defender refused.Tottenham ratings: Bissouma dominates Europa League final as occasion gets to UdogieBRENNAN JOHNSON was Tottenham’s hero as they finally ended their 17-year trophy drought in the Europa League final.Despite being without James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski for the clash in Bilbao, Spurs came up with a massive win against Manchester United.Johnson scored the goal as he helped bundle in from a corner in a tussle with Luke Shaw to send fans into dreamland.But Spurs also owe a huge thanks to Yves Bissouma who was totally dominant in midfiend.At the other end, Destiny Udogie struggled to get up to the pace of the match as he was up against Manchester United’s Amad Diallo.Spurs had just three shots, only 27 per cent of the ball, and completed a mere 115 passes over 90 minutes.But it didn’t matter, as United never really looked like finding a leveller to take it to extra time.SunSport’s Henry Tomlinson gave his ratings for the Tottenham players…Maguire then followed Romero and pushed him away from his team-mates.As Romero tried talking to Dalot, Maguire could be seen telling him to go away as they were seperated by secruity.Read More on The SunRomero was not the only member of Tottenham to console the Man United players.Manager Ange Postecoglou showed his class as he spoke to Leny Yoro and Bruno Fernandes.MAN UTD VS TOTTENHAM – EUROPA LEAGUE FINAL LIVELatest betting odds, offers and predictions More

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