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    Man Utd flops fitted for £1,000 Paul Smith suits for Europa League final after worst Premier League season ever

    MANCHESTER UNITED players prepared for the Europa League final by getting fitted with £1,000 Paul Smith suits.The Red Devils are looking to make amends for their worst-ever Premier League season by clinching continental glory in Bilbao on Wednesday.Man Utd prepared for the Europa League final by getting fitted with new suitsCredit: PAUL SMITHThe Red Devils linked up with bespoke tailor Paul SmithCredit: PAUL SMITHHarry Maguire looked the part in his outfitCredit: PAUL SMITHUnited’s partnership with Paul Smith dates back to 2008Credit: PAUL SMITHUnited take on fellow strugglers Tottenham in a battle not only for the Europa League trophy, but also for a place in next term’s Champions League.The winner will be able to write off their dreadful domestic season as a potential one-off blip.And United are desperately hoping they can be the ones to enjoy success in Spain under Ruben Amorim, having collected a record-low 10 wins and 39 Premier League points with one match remaining.But ahead of kick-off in the Europa League, players made sure they will be in the right mindset by getting fitted for suits.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLUnited 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.”Most read in Europa LeagueBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSAnd stars like Bruno Fernandes and Mason Mount looked sharp as they were fitted for blue ‘Brierley’ suits which are flogged for a grand apiece.Elsewhere, Harry Maguire looked the part as he buttoned up his jacket, which is made of blue sharkskin wool.How Europa League final will be decided – four key Man Utd vs Tottenham tactical battlesLeny Yoro put on a sharp appearance in his suitCredit: PAUL SMITHVictor Lindelof could play some part against SpursCredit: PAUL SMITHToby Collyer dressed up ahead of Wednesday’s game with TottenhamCredit: PAUL SMITHAltay Bayindir also got involved ahead of United’s biggest game of the seasonCredit: PAUL SMITHWhile Christian Eriksen and Victor Lindelof ensured there was a Scandinavian feel to the occasion.Leny Yoro, Toby Collyer and Altay Bayindir were also present for the suit fitting.And United will now be hoping the well-fitting material can inspire them to glory later this week.Paul Smith’s site described the suits as: “The Brierley suit represents an evolution of the Soho block with a slightly elongated fit. “Our modern take on a traditional structured shoulder uses padding to create a clean, sharply defined shape. “Sitting between the slim Soho and more relaxed Bloomsbury, the waist is gently shaped for an elegant fit. “The jacket has a longer body and a subtle cutaway, visually elongating the torso.”Fans reacted with delight seeing their players suited up.One said: “Please win guys.”Another declared: “Looking good lads let’s win this.”Read More on The SunOne noted: “Let’s hope the quality of football matches that of the tailoring.”Another added: “Looking mint.”Man Utd vs Spurs – Europa League final: Kick-off time, TV channel and live stream info for Bilbao clash More

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    Man Utd, Spurs and ARSENAL fans take epic 32-hour ‘bucket list’ ferry trip to Bilbao for Europa League final

    MANCHESTER United, Spurs and ARSENAL fans are heading to Bilbao on a 32-hour ferry trip ahead of Wednesday night’s Europa League final.Hundreds of supporters joined holidaymakers for the epic boat ride which left Portsmouth at 10pm on Sunday and doesn’t arrive until 8am Tuesday morning.Sun man Dave Courtnadge enjoys a pint on the ferryCredit: The SunThe journey from Portsmouth to Bilbao takes 32 hoursCredit: The SunFans soak in the sun on the top deckCredit: The SunWith flights to Spain rocketing to over £1,000 after United and Spurs sealed their places in the final, many took advantage of the cheaper, but much longer, ferry option, which costs around £260 with a cabin.And some were even looking forward to their time at sea more than watching the game itself.Lifelong United follower Dave, from Derby, is one of many who haven’t even got a match ticket, but called the journey a “bucket list trip”.He added: “The way our lot have been playing I’m more excited about the boat anyway. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”I didn’t buy a cabin originally but then I didn’t fancy sitting in a seat for two days.”Others have been planning the trip for months, including father and son Tottenham fans Neil and Leo, who booked their ferry tickets and hotel in Bilbao in AUGUST.Leo, 17, said “I just had a feeling we’ll do it”, and is now confidently predicting Spurs will win 4-2 in the final – after going 2-1 down.The mood on board so far has been brilliant, with fans of both clubs mixing in the bar until 2am this morning, even though last orders were called at midnight.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSFour United fans who had driven to Portsmouth from Somerset were still going strong despite starting their pre-match build-up on Saturday morning and having barely been to sleep since.One did have a black eye to show for his troubles though after falling over along the way.How Europa League final will be decided – four key Man Utd vs Tottenham tactical battlesAmong the United and Spurs fans was even one Arsenal supporter who was making the journey purely in the hope of seeing his North London rivals lose.He said: “I’m very much enjoying being among United fans and having a night out in Bilbao. “On a scale of one to ten, I’d say my hatred for Spurs is about 80.”Spurs fan Paul will just be happy to make it to Spain after having a nightmare trying to get on the boat.The IT worker and Tottenham TikToker, who booked his ferry tickets with pal Ben midway through the first leg of the semi-final win over Bodo/Glimt, was nearly denied entry on to the boat due to an “expired” passport.Inside the cabin which has no windowsRooms were squeezed in togetherThere was plenty of dining spaceFans got down for breakfast in a build to fuel upFresh crepes were even on offerBut SunSport had stew and rice for lunchLife on board leaves me wobblyBy Dave CourtnadgeI HAD no idea what to expect after booking a 32-hour ferry trip from Portsmouth to Bilbao to see Manchester United hopefully beat Spurs in Wednesday’s Europa League final.I’d also read reviews of the Portsmouth to Bilbao ferry ride, calling it “one of the most serene ways to travel to the Continent”.I’d heard the BBC podcast on Man Utd and West Ham fans having a full-blown riot on a boat trip to Holland in the 1980s.The reality of my trip so far, thankfully, is nothing like either of those.The atmosphere has been absolutely brilliant, with fans of both clubs mixing in the pub long before the 10pm departure, and in the ferry bar long after last orders at midnight.There’s even an Arsenal out her hoping to see Spurs lose too.I enjoyed a few in the beer garden of the Ship and Castle near the ferry port on the sunny Sunday before we took off.I’d be talking to some fans about the mad boat trip ahead and plans for Bilbao for 10 minutes before we’d establish who one another supported.There’s still good banter about both sides’ abysmal seasons, but with a lot of the chat being about who is actually worse, not better.Plenty of Murphy’s and some classic cabaret just added to the holiday mood once we were on board.We ramped up the booze cruise vibes at about 1am by venturing out on to the top deck (I was pretty amazed they left the doors unlocked considering the clientele on board)But after convincing one particularly drunk shipmate that he’d be in serious trouble if he jumped in the sea, I thought it safer to head back inside.After another nightcap I returned to my four-man cabin which thankfully I have all to myself.Because my cabin is in the middle of the boat it’s pitch black. That, coupled with not being disturbed half-way through the night by my two young kids, meant I slept like a baby.As for sea-sickness, there’s not so much a gentle rocking of the waves but rather a weird constant jolty sensation like you get when you start a car that has left me a bit wobbly.I’m sure it’s nothng to do with all that Murphy’s anyway.I’ve at least managed to hold down my breakfast, which I ate surrounded by the normal holidaymakers, not football fans, who make up about half of the passengers on board.Not surprisingly, most of the supporters were still in bed at that point, but I’m sure I’ll catch them in the bar later for the quiz and more cabaret.Chants of “Keano, Keano…” from down the corridor suggests some are now starting to rise.As for me, it’s time to check out that top deck again…He revealed last night: “I still feel like I’m having a positive day even though it’s been pretty challenging.”Our train from London to Portsmouth ended up not being from London to Portsmouth, but London to Eastleigh. “So we found another train that took us from London to Petersfield, which meant we then ended up having to get a taxi.”The taxi driver didn’t know where we needed to go to for the ferry. He got lost, he wanted cash only and we didn’t have cash, so we had to sort all that palaver out.”Eventually we got that sorted and then we thought it was an eight o’clock leave and it’s not, it’s ten o’clock, so two hours extra in the pub.”And now I’ve just found my passport might not have let me on the ferry after all that, even though I’ve spent an absolute fortune on ferry tickets, accommodation, flights around Europe to get home and tickets for the game of course.Read More on The Sun”I have found out I can get on but that’s on the basis that I’ve booked a flight to say that I am actually coming back to the UK.”But otherwise, I’m going to have to get a new passport.”There was even some live entertainmentCredit: The SunUnited fans get into the swing of itCredit: The SunFans were mixing wellThe booze was flowingFans were discussing the big gameMan Utd vs Spurs – Europa League final: Kick-off time, TV channel and live stream info for Bilbao clash More

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    Tottenham vs Man Utd: Get £30 in free bets and £10 casino bonus with BoyleSports, plus 50% Europa League final boost

    EITHER Tottenham or Manchester United will save their season by lifting the Europa League in Wednesday’s final.And punters who register an account with BoyleSports and stake a tenner on the mega European showdown will be rewarded with £30 in football free bets plus an extra £10 casino bonus!BoyleSports are also offering customers a whopping extra 50% boost on their Bet Builder winnings!Tottenham vs Manchester United: £30 in free bets & £10 casino bonus HERE*Get extra 50% boost on Bet Builder winnings HEREFind The Sun’s betting publishing principles hereHow to claim…BoyleSports offerVisit the BoyleSports website HERE*Register a new account and depositPlace a qualifying bet of £10 or more at odds of Evens or greaterRemember, your qualifying bet must be placed within 30 days of account openingOnce that’s settled, you will receive £30 in free bets and a £10 casino bonusBoyleSports: Get £30 in free bets and a £10 casino bonus HERE*New to BoyleSports? Good news – you can claim their Europa League final offer!Simply visit the BoyleSports website HERE* and register for your brand new account.Deposit at least £10 and then place a tenner or more on any football betting market with BoyleSports at odds of Evens or greater.Once that’s settled, you will receive £30 in free bets and a £10 casino bonus!You will also be eligible for BoyleSports’ amazing special for the European showdown in Bilbao! They are offering all customers an extra 50% on their Bet Builder winnings which you can claim HERE*.BoyleSports: Get £30 in free bets and a £10 casino bonus HERE**18+. New UK customers (Excluding NI) only. £40 in FREE Bets (FB) as £30 in sports bets & a £10 casino bonus (CB). Min Deposit £10. Min stake £10. Min odds Evs. FB applied on 1st settlement of any qualifying bet. FB 7-day expiry. 1 FB offer per customer, household & IP address only. Account & Payment restrictions. 14 days to accept £10 CB, then active for 3 days. CB 5x wagering & max redeemable £100. Game restrictions apply. Cashed out/Free Bets won’t apply. 30 days to qualify. 18+. Online only. Min Odds of (3/1). Max stake 20. One bet per customer. 50% Boost. Boost will be added once all selections have settled. Max boost payout £/€1,000. Offer does not apply to multiple bets. Free/void/cashed out bets won’t qualify. T&Cs apply.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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    Man Utd files: Seven strikers targeted across two transfer wishlists in case United miss out on Champions League

    MANCHESTER UNITED’S summer striker search will be shaped by Bilbao on Wednesday night.Beating Tottenham to lift the Europa League will make a £100million-plus difference to United’s finances – as well as bringing silverware and a ticket back to the Champions League elite.Viktor Gyokeres is a target for Manchester UnitedCredit: Shutterstock EditorialSo too is RB Leipzig striker Benjamin SeskoCredit: Shutterstock EditorialLiam Delap is set to leave Ipswich after the club’s relegation from the Prem and is at the top of United’s wishlistCredit: AlamyUnited scouts have scoured the market over the past six months, desperate to give Ruben Amorim the attacking weaponry he needs to take the Old Trafford club back into Premier League title contention.Yet if Ange Postecoglou and his Spurs players are parading around San Mames in joy after the final whistle, the knock-on effects for United’s recruitment drive will be huge.United’s talent-spotters have kept tabs on Viktor Gyokeres, Benjamin Sesko, Moise Kean, Liam Delap, Mateo Retegui and Jean-Philippe Mateta as well as Udinese’s “Tower of Pisa” Lorenzo Lucca.Both Gyokeres, 26, and Sesko, 21, are also targets for Arsenal, who have reportedly made the Sporting Lisbon striker No1 on their shortlist.Swede sensation Gyokeres is one of Europe’s hottest properties after netting 53 goals so far this term, with Portuguese champions Sporting willing to let him go for around £60m.Amorim knows his former star well but he is unlikely to come to Old Trafford without top-level European football.Likewise, RB Leipzig star Sesko’s reported £64m release clause would be out of United’s price range, too, given their PSR concerns – unless Amorim can shift out a swathe of his current players.Delap, 22, would cost just £30m thanks to a relegation clause in his Ipswich contract and is believed to be the Red Devils’ top target.The former Manchester City striker has impressed in an often lonely and forlorn role, scoring 12 Prem goals and showing power and intelligence.But there are questions, too, over whether he would join United without European football, especially if fellow admirers Chelsea qualify for the Champions League.How Europa League final will be decided – four key Man Utd vs Tottenham tactical battlesSunSport understands the Blues – managed by Delap’s former City academy coach, Enzo Maresca – are confident of landing the England Under-21 international.Should United miss out on Champions League football, it would mean shopping in a different market – less Harrods, more Waitrose.Ex-Everton forward Kean, Atalanta’s Retegui and Lucca are among the fallback options.Italy star Retegui, 26, has 23 goals in 31 games for Atalanta this term, with Liverpool reportedly also interested.Kean, 25, flopped in the Premier League with the Toffees but has revived his career with 17 league goals in 30 games for Fiorentina this season, while 6ft 7in Lucca has netted 11 Serie A goals for mid-table Udinese.Amorim’s scouting team have also identified Crystal Palace’s Mateta, 27, following his 14-goal breakout season.The Frenchman, who showed his value once more in Palace’s FA Cup triumph at Wembley on Saturday,  would cost around £30m, with the Eagles already resigned to losing him in the summer.United are also big fans of Marcus Thuram at Inter Milan but a deal could be tricky as his agent does not get on with Red Devils CEO Omar Berrada.Lorenzo Lucca is Udinese’s ‘Tower of Pisa’ up frontCredit: GettyEverton flop Moise Kean, now at Fiorentina, is a surprise target for UnitedCredit: GettyMateo Retegui of Atalanta is also on their listCredit: GettyJean-Philippe Mateta – another target – celebrates Crystal Palace’s FA Cup winCredit: GettyWIL POWER UNITED hope technical director Jason Wilcox could be their trump card in the battle with Chelsea for Delap.Ruben Amorim has identified the England Under-21 striker as one of the men who could solve their chronic goal-scoring problems next season.And Wilcox knows him well through his work at the City Football Academy while Delap was coming through the ranks.He was the head of the youth set up at the Etihad when Delap joined from Derby in 2019. That personal relationship might give United an advantage.Man Utd technical director Jason WilcoxCredit: GettyTURKISH DELIGHT TURKISH champions Galatasaray could give United a way out of their increasingly troublesome Jadon Sancho predicament.United believed they had seen the last of the former England winger when he was sent on loan to Chelsea with a £25m obligation to buy him at the end of this season.But Chelsea are understood to be ready to send Sancho, 25, back to Old Trafford for a £5m “penalty” repayment, leaving Amorim with another player he knows the club do not want.With Sancho having a year of his contract remaining, United need to raise just under £15m for him this summer to avoid a PSR “loss” on any move.Galatasaray, who clinched the Turkish crown this weekend, are gearing up for their Champions League return and are ready to come in with a bid.Sancho, though, who broke through at Borussia Dortmund after leaving Manchester City when he was just 17, might be more tempted by a return to the Bundesliga, especially with Bayer Leverkusen expected to undergo a major rebuild following the departure of Xabi Alonso to Real Madrid.Jadon Sancho is wanted by Turkish champions GalatasarayCredit: GettyFRIENDLY FIRE HARRY MAGUIRE and Amad Diallo were among a handful of players on media duty when United held their Europa League open day – and all seemed to be harmonious between the pair.That might not be the case on Saturday though – as two of their former clubs go head to head at Wembley in the Championship play-off final.Maguire took time out from his busy season to watch Sheffield United complete their demolition of Bristol City last Monday night.And 24 hours later, Amad sent a good luck message to his old team-mates at the Stadium of Light – which maybe helped inspire their dramatic late winner against Coventry.Neither player is likely to be at Wembley for the final as Man United play Aston Villa in their last Prem game of the season the following day.Harry Maguire watched Sheffield United’s play-off semi-finalCredit: GettyFAN FRIENDLY THOUSANDS of United supporters are heading to Bilbao – many of them with tickets for the game and some without.But all will be encouraged to visit the designated fan zone at Etxebarria Park – which is described as ‘one of the largest green zones in the city’.It is surrounded by green hills and offers magnificent views of Bilbao – according to the local tourist board – so supporters should be quite happy there.Local police are not anticipating too much trouble but the Spurs faithful will be directed towards the Amezola area of the city for their fan zone.Man Utd’s designated fan zone at Etxebarria ParkCredit: AlamyPICTURE THATDAVID DE GEA netted a whopping £22.8 in image rights while at United.The Spanish star – set for a return to Old Trafford in a pre-season friendly with Fiorentina – built up a fortune of £22,755,059 in Bedamarse Ltd, the company he used to handle his off-field pay. The keeper’s fortune shot up £3.5m in his last season at Old Trafford, the equivalent of £67,300 a week, according to accounts.The mega pay came on top of De Gea’s £375,000 a week wages.As well as image rights payments, De Gea signed a number of lucrative sponsorship deals with the likes of Adidas, Pepsi and EA Sports.David de Gea netted a whopping £22.8m in image rights while at Manchester United.Credit: PALEAVING A MARC MARCUS RASHFORD paid himself a huge £12.2m dividend last year.The forward paid himself the huge sum from his investment company, MUCS Enterprises.Rashford also took out an interest free loan from the business worth £6.6m.The company made a profit of £6.2m in 2024.And despite pocketing the huge sums, his firm still has assets worth £5.6m.The on-loan Villa striker has also hit the jackpot with his investment properties.The total value of his rental properties jumped by almost £700,000 last year – from £7.1m in 2023 to £7.8m, according to latest paperwork for his rental firm, MUCS Properties Limited.Marcus Rashford paid himself a huge £12.2m dividend last yearCredit: RexGETTING SHIRTY MANCHESTER UNITED and Liverpool may be miles apart in the Premier League, but the fierce rivals both banked £123m in kit sales last season.The pair received the whopping sum from kit and merchandise sales, according to a fresh Uefa report.Only Real Madrid, Barcelona and Bayern Munich pocketed more than the Premiership giants.Jude Bellingham helped Real Madrid top the charts with club sales worth £165m last season.The England man’s shirt is the most popular in the club’s official stores.Bruno Fernandes jerseys are the biggest sellers at Old Trafford, while Mo Salah’s shirt is among the most popular for champions Liverpool.Man Utd banked £123million in kit sales last seasonCredit: GettyWAYNE TO GOWAYNE ROONEY has won a £200,000 windfall after defeating HMRC in a long-running dispute.The United legend, 39, has landed the huge sum after closing down the firm he used for his lucrative sponsorship deals and image rights as a player.He has been waiting for three years for the payment after placing his company, called Stoneygate 48 Limited, into voluntary liquidation.Company liquidators said: “We have continued to be in contact with HMRC over a substantial tax refund which was due. This has resulted in a substantial but, in our opinion, partial repayment. We are seeking clarification of whether anything else is due.”The Manchester United legend received £22.2m after closing down the firm, including £11.9m in cash and more than £9mfrom the sale of properties.Wayne Rooney has won a £200,000 windfall after defeating HMRC in a long-running disputeCredit: GettyFROM THE GROUND UP UNITED’s new stadium bill could reach £4BILLION, according to industry experts.A number of experts have warned in private that the Red Devils’ ambitious plans for a 100,000-seater arena could spiral out of control.The new stadium will replace Old Trafford, which has been the Red Devils’ home since 1910.Ineos chief and club co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe put an ambitious five-year target on the build.It would see United move into their new ground for the 2030-31 campaign.But industry insiders believe that United’s plans could cost double the club’s £2bn budget.A concept of Man Utd’s new stadiumCredit: PA More

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    How Man Utd can use Bruno Fernandes in a ‘free role’ to win the tactical battle and Europa League vs Tottenham 

    THE position of Bruno Fernandes against a depleted Tottenham midfield is the key to Manchester United winning the Europa League.It is an all-English final in Bilbao on Wednesday as both sides look to save themselves from the consequences of a disastrous season.Bruno Fernandes holds the key to United unlocking SpursCredit: GettyThe tactical battle in midfield will make all the differenceCredit: GettyRuben Amorim’s spell at United has been incredibly poor and his side are from settled in his 3-4-3 system.But if the Red Devils get it tactically right, they can carve apart a Spurs team without injured trio James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski and Lucas Bergvall in midfield.Where should Bruno Fernandes play?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.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWhen 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, 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.Ange Postecoglou wants his team to press aggressively and get high on United when they have possession deep. Most read in Europa LeagueJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSBut letting Fernandes float into a “normal” central No10 position will force Spurs to pull one of their midfielders back to deal with him or they will have a 3 vs 2. Spurs will have to form a three to deal with Fernandes moving insideAnd a pass should be on when Spurs attack down their left as they like to do with Destiny Udogie.Fernandes must not get sucked into chasing the ball and instead pull into a pocket to quickly switch the attack as Tottenham overload the left.Getting the ball out quickly to the other side can catch Spurs outIf United’s captain plays as one of the midfield two, they will be pressed relentlessly and struggle to get out.United could struggle to play through Spurs’ press if Fernandes does not use his intelligence to pick up the best areas further up the fieldThey will have no player beyond the ball with the intelligence to drop into areas to receive it, plus his lack of creativity in the final third will hurt.Going direct is not an option as Rasmus Hojlund does not hold it up well enough.Going over the top to the speedy Alejandro Garnacho cannot be done, as again, Van de Ven will have an easy night.Should Amad play wing-back?Amad Diallo can be Amorim’s wing-back long-term but not on Wednesday night.Spurs full-backs drift inside to allow for the centre-backs to then fire passes out to the wingers.Due to this, Amad risks being forced into doing an awful lot of tracking runs and one vs one defending, which are not his strengths.Amad will have to track Udogie inside and stick with him as he runs beyond the ballSpurs work the ball forward with interchanges and overloads down the channels.And to combat this, it is a safer bet to start with Noussair Mazraoui and Patrick Dorgu as the wing-backs.Amad can be an impact sub later in the game when players begin to tire and he can use his pace to burst forward. Amad could end up in one vs one situations defensively and it is therefore safer to play MazraouiCan Man Utd play through the Spurs press?It is unpopular but Postecoglou has changed this season, especially away in Europe with more measured, less gung-ho performances to counter-balance opponents.And they need to be wary of United using their left flank to expose Spurs.United like to circulate the ball in a W shape with the midfield two with the centre-backs so the wing-backs push high.United use a W shape to move the ball around in their own half and get their wing-backs to advanceBalls between the lines into a free role Fernandes will cause issues and they will target right-winger Brennan Johnson to get out.He does not read the game well enough, not cutting out passing lanes and pressing at the wrong moments.Away from passes into Fernandes’ feet, zipped ones to the wing-back Dorgu will cause problems for Spurs as right-back Pedro Porro will be reluctant to press him and leave Fernandes open behind him. United must target Johnson and they will be able to play around himThe ball to Dorgu will be on from midfieldHow Spurs can winWithout Maddison, Kulusevski and Bergvall, it is likely to be a defensive and physical trio from Tottenham in midfield.Instead of the usual 4-2-3-1, Postecoglou should implement a more standard 4-3-3.Spurs should play a 4-3-3An extra man in midfield will allow them to press United’s midfield two and help them combat Fernandes’ drifting in the free role as they have one more player in there.Tottenham can press United’s two and they will have a free man to pick up FernandesSpurs will get Udogie and Porro involved in attack and look to pin United’s wing-backs in a back five rather than a three.It will mean there are spaces in the pockets for Spurs to work the ball into areas to create.But not having Maddison or Kulusevski in these spaces is a real blow as they can produce the killer pass.Read More on The SunSpurs need to pin United’s wing-backs back and createBut Spurs could suffocate United with their press and there is no easy out ball with Hojlund unlikely to win a duel or race against Van de Ven or Cristian Romero.Check out the SunSport YouTube channel on Wednesday night for a LIVE watch-a-long. Man Utd vs Spurs – Europa League final: Kick-off time, TV channel and live stream info for Bilbao clash More

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    ‘Rotten vs rancid’ – Lineker, Shearer and Richards predict winner of Man Utd vs Tottenham in Europa League final

    GARY LINEKER, Alan Shearer and Micah Richards shared their predictions ahead of the Europa League final between Manchester United and Tottenham.United and Spurs lock horns on Wednesday at San Mames with both teams in desperate need to win the trophy as it is their only hope of qualifying for next season’s Champions League.Gary Lineker, Alan Shearer and Micah Richards shared their Europa League final predictionsLineker and Shearer predicted Tottenham, while Richards backed Manchester UnitedThe two Premier League giants have endured a horrid campaign that will see them finishing in the bottom half of the table and thus the loser will miss out on European football altogether next term.That is why Shearer, 54, dubbed both Man Utd and the North Londoners as “rancid” and “rotten” in his most recent appearance on The Rest is Football with Lineker, 64, and Richards, 36.The Newcastle legend said: “They have been rotten in the Premier League. Rancid and rotten – rancidly rotten the both of them and one of them will be playing Champions League football next season.”Nevertheless, Shearer still predicted an entertaining encounter filled with goals that will go to penalties with Tottenham ending their 17-year run without a trophy.Read More on Man UtdThe legendary striker added: “My prediction is going to be 2-2 or 3-3 after extra-time and Spurs to win on penalties.”Tottenham legend Lineker agreed with his fellow Match of the Day icon and also isn’t ruling out extra-time.The England icon replied: “Oh, he’s gone full on there, sounds like a World Cup final. I’m going to have to go for Spurs, I couldn’t not.”Shearer responded: “After 90 minutes?”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSLineker said: “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.”Gary Lineker destroys Wayne Rooney’s managerial career live on BBC leaving pundits speechlessRichards was the only one that backed United to lift the Europa League and finally lift the gloom at Old Trafford following their worst ever Premier League season.In fact, the Manchester City hero expects Man Utd to win 1-0 with Casemiro’s winner following an assist by Bruno Fernandes.Richards predicted: “I’m going to say, I think a lot of people have laughed off Casemiro or laughed at him for a while now. “But I think in these competitions, sometimes it goes down to set pieces. So I’m going to say Bruno assist for a Casemiro goal, 1-0.” More

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    Europa League 2025 prize money: How much are Man Utd and Tottenham competing for in thrilling final

    IT has been a while since we had an all-English Europa League final – but that changes on May 21 – and the prize money for the winners has been revealed!Premier League rivals Manchester United and Tottenham will face off in Bilbao with several things on the line.Manchester United ran riot in their Europa League semi-finalCredit: PATottenham thrashed Bodo/Glimt in their Europa League semi-finalCredit: GettyRed Devils boss Ruben Amorim will be desperate to mark his debut season at the helm of United by lifting some silverware, especially after the Prem campaign his team has suffered.And after United’s 7-1 aggregate pummelling on Athletic Bilbao, Amorim will be very confident his side can do so.However, Ange Postecoglou promised Spurs fans that he always delivers trophies in his second season, and after their dominant semi-final performance against Bodo/Glimt, there is every chance this could happen.But not only can both teams turn what has been a woeful season into a memorable one, they can win a ton of money too.Read more on Europa LeagueWhat is the Europa League prize money?UEFA have revealed that the winners of this year’s Europa League will take home a staggering £10.95 million.While the runners-up are set to pocket approximately £5.90mHere is the full breakdown:Winner: £10.95mRunner-up: £5.90mSemi-finalists: £3.54mQuarter-finalists: £2.11mRound of 16: £1.47mReaching knockout round play-off: £252,800League-phase wins: £379,201League-phase draws: £126,400Most read in Europa LeagueMan Utd vs Spurs – Europa League final: Kick-off time, TV channel and live stream info for Bilbao clashWhat else do you get for winning the Europa League?Along with earning a substantial amount of prize money, the winners gain automatic qualification for next season’s Champions League.This would be an incredible achievement for both Manchester United and Tottenham considering their current lower-table positions in the Premier League.The Europa League trophy is also the heaviest piece of silverware UEFA have to offer, weighing in at 15kg.When is the Europa League final 2025?The 2025 Europa League final will take place on Wednesday, May 21.Kick off will be at 8pm BST.Estadio de San Mames stadium – the home of Athletic Bilbao will host the thrilling final. More

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    Tottenham consider Ajax manager Francesco Farioli, 36, to replace Ange Postecoglou with Fabio Paratici return imminent

    FABIO PARATICI’S return to Tottenham is set to be confirmed as the Italian looks to line up Ange Postecoglou’s successor.Spurs boss Postecoglou is expected to leave the club this summer regardless of whether he wins Wednesday’s Europa League final against Manchester United or not. Francesco Farioli has emerged as a potential candidate to take over at TottenhamCredit: GettyAnge Postecoglou is expected to leave even if Spurs win the Europa LeagueCredit: PAFabio Paratici is set to return as Tottenham’s Director of Football over the summerCredit: PAItalian Paratici, 52, was Spurs’ managing director of football between 2021-23.But he was forced to resign in April 2023 after being hit with a two-and-a-half-year worldwide ban by Fifa due to financial malpractice at previous club Juventus.That suspension ends at the end of next month, freeing him up to come back to his role at Spurs.Paratici will have an influence on who Tottenham go for next in the dugout provided there is no emotional U-turn on Postecoglou if he is triumphant in Europe.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThat is not expected to happen given the team’s disastrous league campaign.Spurs have racked up a record 21 defeats and are languishing in 17th place.Paratici is understood to have close ties to Simone Inzaghi.But the Inter Milan chief is set to stick with the Champions League finalists next season.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSParatici is also tight with Massimiliano Allegri, but the former Juve boss does not speak English and is believed NOT to favour a move abroad.One Italian who is in the frame is Francesco Farioli.How Europa League final will be decided – four key Man Utd vs Tottenham tactical battlesLast weekend Farioli saw his Ajax side miss out on the Eredivisie title on the final day despite beating FC Twente 2-0.The 36-year-old is a former disciple of ex-Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi.He is highly-regarded for his work on a shoestring budget at Nice and returning Ajax to the Champions League.Fulham gaffer Marco Silva, Andoni Iraola of Bournemouth and Crystal Palace’s Oliver Glasner remain on Spurs’ list of candidates. More