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      How Europa League winners have fared in Champions League in last decade as Man Utd and Spurs battle for ultimate prize

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      MANCHESTER UNITED and Tottenham will face off in the Europa League final next week in a battle for a place amongst Europe’s elite.The winner will earn a spot in next season’s Champions League, a reward that is potentially worth in excess of £100MILLION. Manchester United are preparing to take on Tottenham in the Europa League finalCredit: Shutterstock EditorialSpurs are hoping to end a 17-year wait for a trophyCredit: GettyMuch has been made about whether that prize is suitable or not, given that United and Spurs currently occupy 16th and 17th spot in the Premier League – but Uefa aren’t changing their rules for the two underachievers.Qualification would mean a huge amount to both clubs, with the lure of the Champions League meaning more top talent could be enticed to join in the summer – not to mention a huge boost to their transfer kitty.For Spurs, the money would be the cherry on top of the giant cake that is ending their 17-year wait for a trophy.While United almost NEED to win the competition given their current financial situation, with a defeat meaning a huge loss in potential revenue amid a slew of cost-cutting measure by Sir Jim Racliffe and his Ineos team.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLOnce getting to the Champions League, advancing to the very end could earn up to a potential £95m extra for the eventual winner – but United and Spurs will be aware that their chances of going all the way are slim.In fact, of the eight different teams that have gained qualification into the Champions League by winning the Europa League over the last 10 years, just ONE has made it to the semi-finals.That was Villarreal, who were knocked out of the tournament by eventual winners Liverpool.Man Utd entered the competition thanks to their 2017 Europa League success under Jose Mourinho, only to lose to Sevilla in the Round of 16.Most read in FootballMan Utd won the Europa League in 2017Credit: Getty Images – GettyChelsea earned a Champions League spot with their 2019 Europa League successCredit: ReutersCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSWhile Chelsea did the same in 2019 and were kicked out by Bayern Munich in the last 16 too.United and Chelsea are two of six teams that reached the last 16 after qualifying through the Europa League.’I’d dive head first through a brick wall for him’ – Ange Postecoglou’s rallying speech reduces Tottenham fans to tearsWhile Sevilla have twice failed to advance through the group stages and Atalanta were knocked out of this year’s competition in the qualifying knockout round.Although it makes for bleak reading for Man Utd and Spurs fans, it’s worth noting that the lure – and cash injection – of playing in the Champions League has helped teams who qualified through the Europa League attract big players.It was United’s entry to the 2017/18 competition that helped them sign Romelu Lukaku, Nemanja Matic and Victor Lindelof in the following summer.Chelsea were unable to purchase players following their success as they were hit with a transfer ban following academy player rule breaches.Either way, the prize waiting for the winner of next week’s ‘Hell Clasico’ is something which cannot be underestimated and could have a huge impact on either club for years to come. More

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      Don’t criticise Marinakis’ antics after Nottingham Forest owner erupted in tunnel – it’s what football needs

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      HERE’S to going to the football and whingeing and whining and booing and hollering.Here’s to losing your rag, chucking your toys out of the pram and going completely apes**t.Nuno Espirito Santo was on the end of some heated words from Evangelos MarinakisCredit: AFPMarinakis was criticised for his actions after the draw with Leicester CityCredit: AFPThe incident occurred due to confusion over Taiwo Awoniyi’s injuryCredit: AFPHere’s to Nottingham Forest’s owner Evangelos Marinakis storming on to the City Ground pitch and throwing a wobbler at manager Nuno Espirito Santo.Here’s to Liverpool fans jeering Trent Alexander-Arnold for being a Scouser and having the temerity to want to play for someone else.Here’s to Ruben Amorim ranting at Manchester United players, who play like princes on Thursday nights and clowns on Sunday afternoons.Because what is football without passion? What is it all about if nobody really cares?READ MORE ON FOOTBALLWhat sort of escapism is it if we can’t scream our hearts out and lose all reason?And so why are many people claiming Nuno should quit over Marinakis’ little tantrum?Why are so many berating Liverpool supporters for booing Alexander-Arnold?And why is Amorim criticised for speaking the glaringly obvious truth that his players pick and choose which matches to turn up for?Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSMarinakis, the larger-than-life Greek shipping magnate who has hauled Forest from the Championship into Europe, is a controversial and often unloveable figure.This Hellenic Captain Pugwash spent like a drunken sailor after promotion, sailed close to the wind of PSR and has been forced to walk the plank on more than one occasion because of his behaviour towards referees. Andy Robertson pays tribute to ‘best friend’ Trent Alexander-Arnold after he is booed by Liverpool fansTrent Alexander-Arnold will leave Liverpool at the end of the seasonCredit: AlamyHe was booed by Liverpool fans against ArsenalCredit: ReutersBut what would you prefer from an owner?Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who cuts costs and has a heart of ice, or Marinakis, who splashes out and clearly cares?On Sunday, Marinakis confronted Nuno after the 2-2 draw with Leicester City — which simultaneously confirmed European football for Forest after a 30-year absence and seriously dented the club’s hopes of reaching the Champions League.Marinakis was fuming about an amateur-hour episode which meant Forest briefly playing with ten men.This was due to a communication breakdown between Nuno and the medical staff over whether Taiwo Awoniyi was fit to carry on.The striker collided with a goalpost after a linesman hadn’t flagged for an obvious offside in another glorious triumph for VAR protocols.Sure, Nuno could have done without a public dressing-down out on the pitch.But he is a well-paid big boy with the placid temperament needed to work for a volcanic owner.The Portuguese has done an outstanding job but a top-five finish was on the cards all season.West Ham compounded Manchester United to another Prem defeatCredit: ReutersRuben Amorim has often been critical of the teamCredit: GettyAnd since Leicester are both local rivals and completely hopeless, Forest’s inability to beat them at home was cause for understandable frustration.Later in the afternoon, there was an outcry over an outcry at Anfield, when Alexander-Arnold arrived as a sub against Arsenal and was subjected to resounding boos for having agreed to join Real Madrid.Now, Real are the one club in the world which clearly represents an upgrade on Liverpool.The England right-back clearly fancies a pay rise, some sunshine, a new adventure and a superior chance of winning another European Cup.But equally, Liverpool supporters cherish having a local lad in their side. Every football fan does.When that local lad doesn’t swallow the club propaganda that ‘This Means More’, there will be indignation from many supporters.Because, as a Scouser, Alexander-Arnold did mean more to them and they believe that Liverpool should mean more to him.And so they booed — even after the title had been secured and ‘rivals’ Arsenal had given their team a little clap on to the pitch, because even when the entire Premier League season has pretty much flatlined, this thing still matters.For the vast majority of football supporters, our default setting is misery, anger and frustration.And if we don’t have our match-going release, we would end up being permanently miserable, angry and frustrated about important things in life.Arne Slot did not have a problem with the fans’ opinionsCredit: APAndy Robertson said it was ‘not nice’ to see his team-mate’s receptionCredit: GettyOn Saturday, I went with my son to watch our team, Fulham, after a very difficult week for our family.We thought they might cheer us up a bit by beating Everton and keeping our hopes alive of reaching the Conference League.And we really did hope for that because my boy has never watched Fulham play in Europe and it would have been fun.But Fulham tossed away a lead for the umpteenth time this season, conceding three shocking goals, as what had promised to be an excellent season fizzles out into a pretty average one.We howled and raged during the match, then scowled and sulked on the way home.Because ranting and raging about something so unimportant is actually good for us.And even when your team is half-decent, what’s wrong with dreaming for a little bit more?Why shouldn’t Marinakis be annoyed about missing out on the Champions League?Why shouldn’t Liverpool fans want a Scouser in their team?Read More on The SunWhy shouldn’t Amorim tell the truth about the attitude and application of his players?Criticise them and you fundamentally fail to understand why football matters. 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      How Eddie Howe’s tactical mystery helped Newcastle bamboozle Chelsea in race for Champions League

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      NEWCASTLE boosted their Champions League hopes with victory over Chelsea thanks to Eddie Howe’s tactical bamboozle.Howe insisted that his side’s first half performance was “electric” as they went into half time a goal and a man up.Eddie Howe masterminded Newcastle’s win over ChelseaCredit: EPAThe Toon finished with a 2-0 win to boost their Champions League credentialsCredit: AFPSandro Tonali fired the Toon ahead before Nicolas Jackson lost his head and was sent off before the break.Bruno Guimaraes settled the tie with a 90th-minute goal to earn his side three huge points.Despite the scoreline being a modest 2-0, there was plenty to show that Newcastle were far superior.1. Quick SandSandro Tonali’s pressing led to Newcastle’s opening goalHe and midfielder Bruno Guimaraes were able to act as strikersSandro Tonali embodied Newcastle’s high work ethic against the Blues.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHe showed incredible stamina and pace to cover ground in order to press the opposition and put them under pressure.This helped other press from the front and as a result increased the numbers in the box.This was evident in Tonali’s goal after the ball was won up the pitch.He and Bruno Guimaraes were then able to act as strikers and get into the box and threaten the goal, from which the Italian scored.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS2. Botman and Rob himChelsea found themselves down to ten men after Nicolas Jackson was sent off for an elbow on Sven Botman.The visitors’ front three were up against Newcastle’s changed defensive line, which was made up of five players.Top 10 highest-paid Premier League starsThe full-backs Jacob Murphy and Tino Livramento were charged with marking wingers Noni Madueke and Pedro Neto.Newcastle’s defenders were allowed to push up the pitch to mark Chelsea’s midfieldDan Burn pressed Cole Palmer deep in the visitors’ halfSven Botman was able to jump up to deal with Nicolas JacksonWhile the three centre-backs Botman, Dan Burn and Fabian Schar could go man for man with Jackson and midfielders Enzo Fernandez and Cole Palmer.Burn and Schar were allowed to move up the pitch to mark the midfielders in turn, knowing that there would still be a back four behind them.Botman was marking Jackson, and when he would go, Burn and Schar would become the two central defenders.Chelsea could not work it out and it was as if the Toon had an extra player on the pitch.The trigger for the defenders to make their move appeared to be when Chelsea players would put their foot on the ball.This stopped Enzo Maresca’s player from being able to get a foothold in the match.Newcastle deployed a back five against the BluesBurn could move up to press PalmerFabian Schar was able to do the same to Enzo FernandezBotman could do the same with his team-mates forming a back four behind him3. Break the boxChelsea have been playing with a box midfield all season and the Toon were able to break it down.The tactic uses players such as Palmer who can control the ball and then play it out wide while sucking in the opposition.Howe’s side got into their back five and put three of the midfielders into Chelsea’s box.This would see the likes of Guimaraes and Tonali be joined by one of Harvey Barnes or Anthony Gordon, making it tough for the Blues to progress the ball.And with the back-five so deep it meant that any longer or more direct ball would be collected by goalkeeper Nick Pope.The defence was so well connected that it made it almost impossible for Palmer to influence the game.Newcastle disrupted Chelsea’s box midfield by flooding it with playersThe back five stayed firm and did not allow the Blues to get the ball into spaceWingers Harvey Barnes and Anthony Gordon would move into the box4. Change that ToonThe second half showed how Eddie Howe was able to react to Enzo Maresca’s changes.Nick Pope was called into action on a couple of occasions to preserve the Toon’s lead.Chelsea abolished the box shape and went for a line of three, which meant they could dominate possession as Newcastle still had a back five.Chelsea abandoned the box midfield in the second halfHowe changed to a back four to counter the change and return controlHe had to change again to contain the changed role of Moises CaicedoHowe changed this by moving the formation to a four at the back and a more natural 4-2-3-1 shape.Maresca countered back by using Moises Caicedo as a midfielder and full-back which saw them return to dominate.But Howe was able to change the tide again by calling on Emil Kraft and Lewis Miley which bolstered the midfield and stop Caicedo.5. Palmed offNewcastle did a great job of squeezing Cole Palmer away from the goal.They were able to palm him off and keep him at a safe distance.If he were to have had a shot, it would have likely been from 35 yards and at that point, they backed Nick Pope to deal with the effort.Read More on The SunPalmer also suffered from the change in tactics as he is more limited than some of Chelsea’s other players.He continued to try to find space in the match but was often stuck in his own half and facing his own goal. More

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      Chelsea could CHOOSE whether to play in Champions League or Europa League under bonkers Uefa ruling

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      A BONKERS rule means Chelsea could CHOOSE between playing in the Champions League or the Europa League next season.The Blues will have free reign if they win the Europa Conference League (UEL) AND qualify for the Champions League (UCL) by finishing in the top five in the Premier League.Chelsea could CHOOSE between playing in the Champions League or the Europa League next seasonCredit: GettyEnzo Maresca’s side face Real Betis in the Europa Conference League final on May 28Credit: GettyEnzo Maresca’s side face Spanish outfit Real Betis in Europe’s third tier final in Wroclaw, Poland on May 28.The Conference League winners, along with getting a trophy and £5.9million in prize money, earn a qualifying spot for the following season’s Europa League.Things get a little more complicated if that same team also earns a place in the Champions League through their domestic finish.If favourites Chelsea win in Wroclaw and finish in the top-five in the Prem, the rules state that the club can “choose” between the UEL and UCL.READ MORE CHELSEA NEWSClearly, it’s extremely unlikely that a team like Chelsea will pick anything other than the glamour and riches of the UCL, as qualifiers get £70million if they make the latter.But the “choosing clause” exists to cover a team from one of Europe’s lower-ranked leagues winning the Conference League. If the smaller minnow side takes up their domestic UCL place in the qualifying rounds they wouldn’t be guaranteed to play in the UEL.So if the club feels like making the UCL league phase through qualifying is tough, they can opt to take the automatic place in the UEL phase earned by winning the Conference League.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThere is no change to the allocation of handing the Conference League winners a place in the UEL if they qualify for other European competitions. And if Chelsea do both, they’ll inadvertently help another Prem team compete in Europe next season.Chaos at Stamford Bridge as Djurgarden fans jump over barriers and clash in away end against ChelseaIf Maresca’s side beat Betis AND finish in a Europa League spot in the league, they will create a vacant slot since they can’t qualify twice.That vacancy “must be either the domestic cup winner or the highest domestically ranked club from its association that has not already qualified for the league phase of the competition directly”. according to Uefa rules.Chelsea currently sit inside the UCL places in fifth in the Prem, but face hard games against Manchester United and fellow European chasers Nottingham Forest.The final three UCL spots will be decided in the race for the top five between Newcastle, Manchester City, Chelsea, Forest and Aston Villa.The Prem earned five spots in the UCL next season through Uefa’s point-scoring Uefa coefficient when Arsenal beat Real Madrid 3-0 in their first quarter-final leg.Uefa calculates the coefficient each season based on the league clubs’ results in the across the three European competitions. How ten Prem teams could qualify for Europe next seasonThe 10 would most likely be made up of:The top 6Chelsea in 7th as Conference League winners8thCrystal Palace as FA Cup winnersMan United/Tottenham as UEL winnersEnzo Fernandez is bidding for Europa Conference League glory next weekCredit: EPA More

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      Man Utd vs Tottenham Europa League final referee served six-month ban for match-fixing after accepting bribe

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      THE REFEREE taking charge of Manchester United’s Europa League final showdown with Tottenham served a six-month ban for match fixing.Felix Zwayer, 43, is the man in the middle of the all-English affair on May 21 as both sides eye season-saving silverware and Champions League qualification.Man Utd’s referee against Spurs previously served a six-month ban for match fixingCredit: GettyThe German is one of Uefa’s top-ranked referees and took charge of England’s semi-final win over the Netherlands at last summer’s Euros.And he took charge of Arsenal’s Champions League semi-final second leg defeat to Paris Saint-Germain at the Parc des Princes last Wednesday.Zwayer came under-fire from Arsenal fans after handing PSG a penalty for a controversial handball call against Myles Lewis-Skelly.He now faces another major night in Bilbao as Man Utd look to go unbeaten in Europe, despite their embarrassing Premier League form.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSBut Zwayer, who has overseen more than 700 games and is highly rated by Uefa, has a tainted history.In 2005, he was punished for accepting a bribe from fellow ref Robert Hoyzer.Zwayer was a linesman at the time and took £250 to fix a second division match in Germany.An investigation revealed that Hoyzer had been accepting money from a Croatian gambling syndicate connected to an organised crime group.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHoyzer was banned from football for life while also receiving a prison sentence of two years and five months.As for Zwayer, he was suspended from football for six months before returning to eventually become a Bundesliga ref in 2009.Ruben Amorim vows to QUIT Man Utd if horror slump continues as dejected boss identifies ‘most dangerous thing’ at clubFormer Dortmund star Jude Bellingham called Zwayer out in 2021His bribery scandal has not gone unnoticed though, with Jude Bellingham calling him out after Borussia Dortmund drew with rivals Bayern Munich in 2021.Bellingham was slapped with a £34,000 fine for blasting Zwayer’s chequered past while complaining about a penalty incident.The England star said: “You give a referee, that has match fixed before, the biggest game in Germany. What do you expect?” Zwayer last refereed Man Utd during their 2-2 draw with Sevilla in the Europa League in 2023.The Red Devils are unbeaten in all four games that Zwayer has officiated, which have ended in two wins and two draws.And the last time he called the shots in a Tottenham game was during their 4-2 loss in Barcelona in 2018.Zwayer has been an international ref since 2012 and will officiate his second Uefa final after the 2023 Nations League meeting between Croatia and Spain.Read More on The SunCompatriots Robert Kempter and Christian Dietz have been named as his assistants in Bilbao.Italy’s Maurizio Mariani is the fourth official and Bastian Dankert will serve as VAR. More

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      Real Madrid targeting Tottenham star Cristian Romero in summer transfer to rebuild defence for Xabi Alonso

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      REAL MADRID will target Cristian Romero this summer – as they look to build a new back-line.The Spanish giants are set to welcome Trent Alexander-Arnold as one of their marquee signings.Real Madrid are targeting a move for Cristian RomeroCredit: GettyBut SunSport can reveal that Real’s business is far from over.Incoming boss Xabi Alonso is believed to be a huge fan of Romero and thinks he could be the perfect addition to help Real win silverware next season.Reports last year suggested that Madrid made an ambitious move to land Romero last summer but Spurs had no interest in doing business.However, after a miserable season which could see the Lilywhites finish 17th in the Premier League table, they may now have little option but to let Romero go this time around.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSpurs know they will find it especially difficult to persuade him to stay if they fail to beat Manchester United in the Europa League final and qualify for the Champions League.Real Madrid’s defence has been highlighted in Spain as one of the main reasons for their failure to win La Liga or the Champions League this season.And although the impending arrival of Alexander-Arnold will excite fans, the club know he alone will not be enough.Question marks also exist around Alexander-Arnold’s defensive skills which has made a centre-back an even bigger priority for the club.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBy pairing Romero with the likes of Antonio Rudiger, Los Blancos chiefs believe they could create a strong base from which to go and win the biggest trophies.Alonso also prefers to play with a back three and if he continues with that formation at the Bernabeu it would make signing a new centre-back a priority.Jamie Carragher ‘shocked’ by Alexander-Arnold boos as he admits ‘most Liverpool players want to play for Real Madrid’Losing Romero would be a disaster for Spurs.He’s a hugely popular player among supporters and his absence this season through injury has hit the team hard. More

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      Man Utd and Tottenham are playing for two completely different prizes when they meet in the Europa League final

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      RUBEN AMORIM plunged his own Manchester United future into doubt after the latest Old Trafford debacle.The Portuguese manager’s admission that he is struggling to find a solution for his team’s shocking season was a clear sign of the uncertainty at the heart of the club.Ruben Amorim has admitted that he is strugging to turn Man Utd’s fortunes aroundCredit: GettyThe Red Devils must win the Europa League to salvage their seasonCredit: PAThey also have to win the competitions for financial reasonsCredit: GettyBut the bigger question marks will only be resolved in Bilbao next week.A Europa League Final win for United over Spurs will mean far more than just the trophy and a silver sheen to cleanse many of the black clouds of despair.But defeat in the Basque country will have ramifications to last far beyond the summer.For Spurs, ending their 17-year trophy drought will mean everything to the fans who crave silverware more than any financial consideration.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt would also make Ange Postecoglou’s promise that he would win a trophy in his second season into a reality, even if it probably would not be enough to save his job.But for United, in simple terms, it is about cold, hard cash.The reality is that winning the Europa League will ensure a looming black hole is filled.Join SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old TraffordMan Utd will face Tottenham in the Europa League finalCredit: GettyIt will also be another trophy added to the five won since the departure of Sir Alex Ferguson 12 years ago.Most read in FootballIf United do not triumph in San Mames, the immediate cost will be clear.Casemiro STAYING at Man Utd? Amorim’s Shock U-Turn Explained!A £10m cut in sponsorship revenue, as part of the contract with kit suppliers adidas.No European football at all, meaning they will miss out on around £49m up front through Uefa’s complicated revenue distribution system plus the £20m-plus in gate receipts from the minimum four home games.And if, as now seems likely, they do finish 16th in the Prem table, that will mean £23.8m less in TV-related prize money than for last term’s eighth-placed finish.That all adds up to more than £100m, before the prize money for progress through the Champions League – up to a further potential £95m or so – is taken into account.Man Utd ratings vs West Ham as Ugarte awful and Mainoo invisible in latest horror showMANCHESTER UNITED dropped to 16th in the Premier League after suffering an embarrassing 2-0 defeat to West Ham at Old Trafford.Ruben Amorim named a strong team for United’s return to domestic duty, but not even Amad Diallo could save the day.United gave fans a lively start, but reverted back to factory settings after the visitors took the lead inside 27 minutes.West Ham picked off United against the run of play, before former Man Utd star Aaron Wan-Bissaka came back to haunt his old club.The full-back fed a clever ball through to Mohammed Kudus, who thrashed a low cross into the six yard box for Tomas Soucek to tap home.United got caught cold again and were the masters of their own undoing, after Kudus pounced on Manuel Ugarte’s mess up to set up Jarrod Bowen, who doubled West Ham’s lead in the 58th minute.Apart from some bright moments from Amad, this was another awful performance from the home side, as West Ham became the SIXTH team to the double over United this season.The Red Devils haven’t haven’t won a Prem game since their 3-0 win at Leicester on March 16, which incidentally was the last team West Ham beat in February.Here’s how SunSport’s Katherine Walsh rated every Man Utd star’s performance at Old Trafford…Less income equals less money to spend.And that at a club where owners Ineos and chief executive Omar Berrada have also confirmed 450 staff job cuts already.What the past nine months have proven, under both Amorim and before him Erik ten Hag, is that this United squad is simply not good enough.But without the extra financial wriggle room offered by a Champions League campaign, transforming that squad is far, far harder – a situation made even more difficult by the decision of the 20 Prem clubs to extend the current Profitability and Sustainability Rules regime by a further 12 months.No Europe means United would not have to meet Uefa’s new threshold of limiting wages and transfer fees to 70 per cent of club income – although qualification would make that an easy hurdle to cross.But the precipitous income drop, combined with a wage bill that hit £479m in 2023-24 and the amount still “owed” on transfer fees for players whom Amorim might wish to lose point to significant PSR issues looming.United need to agree fees of £28m on Andre Onana, £34m on Antony, £38m on Rasmus Hojlund, £29m on Joshua Zirkzee, £33m on Manuel Ugarte and £15m on Casemiro to break even on any of their sales.Fees less than that will be book value “losses” on the PSR balance sheet.And, in truth, it is hard to make arguments that United, as effectively distressed sellers, would be able to realise those sort of bottom line prices for too many of them.By contrast, any fees generated by the departure of Marcus Rashford, Kobbie Mainoo, Alejandro Garnacho, Diogo Dalot or even skipper Bruno Fernandes can be lodged at the full price.It means that cold, hard decisions might be required, even the sales of players Amorim and the club might otherwise be aiming to keep at Old Trafford.Read More on The SunAmorim suggested that a win in Bilbao would not solve the issues he and the club face.He is right in that. Yet losing will make them even harder to deal with. That is the scale of the importance of the match. More

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      ‘Those doubts maybe kick in’ – Jamie Carragher hints when Declan Rice will start considering his Arsenal future

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      SOME Arsenal stars may start to consider their future if the club fails to win any silverware next season – including Declan Rice.That’s the view of Jamie Carragher whose comments are likely to leave Arsenal fans concerned.Jamie Carragher has claimed that some Arsenal stars may start considering their future in ‘another 12 months’Credit: Sky SportsArsenal were knocked out of the Champions League last week, putting an end to their trophy hopes for the seasonCredit: GettyCarragher claims that Declan Rice could start considering his future next year if Arsenal fail to win any trophiesCredit: GettyMikel Arteta and Co had their Champions League dream crushed by Paris Saint-Germain last week following a 3-1 aggreagate defeat in the semi-finals.As a result, they are no longer able to win a trophy this campaign.And former Premier League star Carragher has claimed that players could start doubting their future at the Emirates if Arsenal don’t turn things around.Asked if he thinks that Rice especially – the club’s most expensive player – could be doubting his time in North London during an appearance on Sky Sports, the 47-year-old said: “I don’t think right now.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”I think for other players maybe in the team who have been there a little bit longer.”In terms of Declan, I think he’s been Arsenal’s best player this season. I’m not saying he’d give it another 12 months, but I think those doubts maybe kick in in another 12 months.”It might be different for somebody like a [William] Saliba, who has been there a little bit longer and is desperate to get his hands on some silverware. “I don’t think there will be any thoughts like that right now, I think they all feel they’re really close.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from The Emirates”They are very close, but we all know as players the final step is the biggest one.”Rice currently has three years left on his contract, while the likes of William Saliba, Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Magalhaes have just two.Mikel Arteta launches furious rant at Arsenal players despite second-half Anfield comebackIt is understood that Arsenal are pushing to extend the contracts of all three players.The Gunners recently opened talks with Saliba over a new deal amid ongoing interest from Real Madrid.They are also set to begin negotiations with Saka and Gabriel. More