More stories

  • in

    ‘That might edge it’ – Roy Keane predicts winner of Man Utd vs Tottenham in Europa League final

    ROY KEANE predicted the winner of the all-English Europa League final between Manchester United and Tottenham.United and Spurs lock horns on Wednesday in Bilbao with both teams in dire need of Champions League qualification as they are set to finish in the bottom half of the Premier League.Roy Keane predicted Manchester United will beat Tottenham in the Europa League finalKeane believes Man Utd’s history and Bruno Fernandes will lead them to silverwareAnd Man Utd legend Keane, 53, believes his former club will “edge it” thanks to their history and the quality of Bruno Fernandes.The Sky Sports pundit admits “there’s not much between” the two finalists, despite Tottenham beating the Red Devils twice in the Prem and eliminating them from the Carabao Cup quarter-finals this season.However, the iconic midfielder is confident in United’s heavy legacy and the fact they have won a lot more trophies than the North Londoners these past few years.Tottenham haven’t lifted any silverware since winning the League Cup in 2008.Read More on Man UtdWhereas the Manchester giants count four Premier League titles, two FA Cups, four League Cups, one Champions League trophy and one Europa League honour in the last 17 years.Keane told Sky Sports: “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.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSSunSport have revealed that United will not host a victory parade if they win the Europa League.That is out of respect for the hundreds of staff who have lost their jobs this season amid minority shareholder Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s brutal cuts.The players and club have agreed celebrations beyond the final would be in poor taste.Man Utd vs Spurs – Europa League final: Kick-off time, TV channel and live stream info for Bilbao clash More

  • in

    Man Utd will NOT host victory parade if they win Europa League – out of respect for hundreds of axed staff

    MANCHESTER UNITED will not host a victory parade if they win the Europa League.That is out of respect for the hundreds of staff who have lost their jobs this season.Manchester United have decided against hosting a victory parade if they win the Europa LeagueThe decision is based on this season’s poor form and the brutal redundancies at Man UtdSir Jim Ratcliffe has seen mass layoffs since taking a minority stake in the clubCredit: GettyThe players and club have agreed that celebrations beyond on the night — should they beat Tottenham in Bilbao on Wednesday — would be in poor taste.They have made the decision based on this season’s poor form and the number of people who have been made redundant or are facing the axe. A source said: “The players really want to win the Europa League because they are desperate for some success in what has been an awful season.“If they do win, they will celebrate on the pitch and after the game but that will be it.Read More on Man Utd“Club officials are also mindful of the hundreds of colleagues who have lost their jobs this season and don’t think a parade would be the right thing to do.”About 150-200 staff members at Man Utd are facing the chop as part of the current redundancy process after 250 were let go last summer.Defeat to Spurs would cost United at least £100million in revenue from failure to qualify for the Champions League and leave them without any European football for next season.And staff reeling from the savage cuts under new part-owners Ineos are dreading even more bad news if the Red Devils are beaten in Bilbao.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old TraffordThe Manchester giants’ cuts have also affected the final with the board deciding only two tickets are available per player, while guests’ travel to and from Spain would not be covered by the club.Thus, Man Utd manager Ruben Amorim has offered to pay for 30 of his staff to take their families to San Mames.Amorim’s coaches, physios and support team were told the club would not be paying for their loved ones to attend the game.But the Portuguese tactician has taken matters into his own hands as a reward for their contributions and efforts during his time at the club.The ex-Sporting Lisbon boss wants to make sure everyone is able to take up to two family members or friends. More

  • in

    How Man City could end up in Conference League after devastating FA Cup final defeat to Crystal Palace

    MANCHESTER CITY have suffered FA Cup final heartache against Crystal Palace at Wembley.Eberechi Eze’s 16th minute goal saw the Eagles beat City 1-0 on an eventful afternoon in North London.Man City suffered FA Cup heartache on Sunday afternoonCredit: AFPPep Guardiola comforts stalwart Ilkay GundoganCredit: PAUnusually for them, Pep Guardiola’s side have not won a trophy this season – although they will enter the newly revamped Club World Cup next month.Things could go from bad to worse for City as the Premier League reaches its conclusion next week. Following their 0-0 draw at relegated Southampton last week, Guardiola’s men face an almighty battle to qualify for next season’s Champions League.And if they’re not careful, they could even tumble into the Conference League.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe Prem’s top five will qualify for the Champions League, with an extra place being awarded due to English side’s performances in Europe this season.Sixth place will earn a Europa League spot, although seventh may not due to Crystal Palace’s FA Cup triumph.With Palace going into the Europa League, seventh would carry with it a place in the Conference League – unless Chelsea win this season’s Conference League and finish sixth or seventh.The Blues are set to take on Real Betis in the final on May 28.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSEnzo Maresca’s side are currently fourth having played 37 games, ahead of fifth-placed Aston Villa on goal difference.Arsenal are second on 68 points, with Newcastle third on 66 points. Nottingham Forest, meanwhile, are seventh on 62 points.Furious Pep Guardiola and Dean Henderson clash on pitch after Crystal Palace’s FA Cup triumphThe Gunners, Toon, Forest and Man City have all played 36 games, one fewer than Chelsea and Villa.City finish their season by hosting Bournemouth on Tuesday and travelling to Fulham next Sunday.Should they lose both matches, and Forest earn at least four points from their games against West Ham and Chelsea, City would fall to seventh.Provided that Chelsea remain in the top five, or fail to win the Conference League, a seventh-placed finish in the Premier League will carry with it a place in Uefa’s third-tier competition.Following Palace’s FA Cup triumph, as many as 10 English teams could still qualify for Europe.Should Chelsea win the Conference League and finish sixth or seventh, eighth would earn a Conference League spot, with the seventh-placed side in the Europa League.The winner of Tottenham and Manchester United in Wednesday’s Europa League final will qualify for the Champions League. More

  • in

    ‘I’m not being sarcastic’ – Pep Guardiola fumes at Premier League double standards after Man Utd clash moved

    PEP GUARDIOLA accused the Premier League of double standards after moving matches to help Euro finalists next week.And he has also been dismayed by the decision to make his Manchester City play their rearranged game with Bournemouth on Tuesday night.Pep Guardiola is set to lead his side at Wembley tomorrowCredit: ReutersThe Etihad chief has often grumbled about the schedule his team have been handed after key Champions League ties.Yet both Manchester United and Tottenham had their league matches moved to last night to give them more time to prepare for Wednesday night’s Europa League final in Bilbao.He said: “Tottenham played Aston Villa on Friday night ahead of  the Europa League final. Good decision.“I’m not being sarcastic. The Premier League made a good decision.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS”But we played all the time in semi and quarter-finals of the Champions League on Wednesday away —  and then played on Saturday.“This season, when we didn’t play in those games, we played on  Sunday — when we didn’t need the extra day.”Meanwhile, City still need points from their final two Prem matches to ensure a top-five spot and secure Champions League football next term.And they have been given no favours, with their home game against the Cherries scheduled for Tuesday night — even though City are in today’s FA Cup final against  Crystal Palace.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSGuardiola said they had not asked for it to be moved, but added: “I’d prefer to play Wednesday, definitely. It will be tough.“We’ve been nine years fighting against these situations, every single season and nothing goes.Pep Guardiola aims sly dig at rivals Man Utd hours after their heroic Europa League comeback “We are going to play Tuesday night against an intense, physical,  direct and powerful team like Bournemouth.“They are playing for the Europa League or Conference qualification. So we have to deal with that. But they decided we should play Tuesday.”For now Guardiola must focus on how to beat a Palace side looking to win a first-ever major trophy.By contrast, the City boss has won 38 major pots during his managerial career — but insists he will be just as motivated.He said: “When you have never won, it is special for Oliver Glasner, the players and the fans.“But I have incredible enthusiasm to win, so we’ll see what happens.”And Guardiola left the door open for Ballon d’Or winner Rodri — who has not featured since damaging his cruciate knee ligament in September — to appear at Wembley.Read More on The SunBut it seems unlikely — and Pep said: “I am waiting on the doctors.“When they tell me he’s ready, he’s going to start. We don’t want to take a risk.” More

  • in

    Man Utd ratings: Harry Maguire continues revival but Mount suffers dismal Stamford Bridge return with Hojlund anonymous

    MANCHESTER UNITED will go into the Europa League final on the back of a disappointing defeat to Chelsea.The Red Devils travel to Bilbao next week to take on fellow Premier League strugglers Tottenham in the final of Europe’s secondary club competition.Manchester United suffered a 1-0 defeat to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Friday nightCredit: GETTYMarc Cucurella struck in the 71st minute to condemn the Red Devils to their 18th league defeat of the seasonCredit: GETTYDefeat to the Blues has given Ruben Amorim food for thought ahead of the Europa League finalCredit: GETTYBut fans looking forward to the match were brought back down to Earth courtesy of a 1-0 defeat to Enzo Maresca’s troops.A 71st-minute strike from Marc Cucurella condemned United to their EIGHTEENTH league defeat of the season.And SunSport’s Dan King is on hand to rate and slate Ruben Amorim’s troops’ respective displays at the Bridge.Andre Onana – 6/10Restored to the team after being rested against West Ham, he displeased his manager with some of his kicking and clearance choices. READ MORE ON MAN UTDBarely had a save to make until he kept out Cole Palmer’s effort late in the first half. Had a penalty awarded against him rightly overturned by VAR. Andre Onana had a penalty awarded against him rightly overturned by VARCredit: REUTERSVictor Lindelof – 5Mostly did what it said on the tin, steady as he goes. Looked pretty comfortable in the first half, with help from Mazraoui and even Amad to help him keep Noni Madueke quiet after an early scare. Was having a straightforward second half, too, until undone by Reece James’ brilliant cross for the goal. Booked for a late foul on Cucurella. Harry Maguire – 7Solid from the start and United’s best player overall. Took a forearm to the head from Tyrique George but picked himself up and thought he had given United the lead, only to be ruled offside.Most read in FootballCalm and strong at the heart of a United defence that was not overly troubled by Chelsea for so long. Harry Maguire was the Red Devils star man at Stamford BridgeCredit: SHUTTERSTOCKLuke Shaw – 6Dorgu’s forays forward meant he didn’t know whether to stick or twist at times when he found himself outnumbered. But handled himself well and also played some decent balls out of defence when appropriate. Did nothing spectacularly wrong or right all night, which summed up United’s overall display.Noussair Mazraoui – 4Made a shaky start, letting Madueke get the wrong side of him, only for the Chelsea winger to miss the target horribly. Unconvincing again after the break, picking up a booking and then losing Cucurella for the goal. Madueke should have made it two after running between the Moroccan and Lindelof.Noussair Mazraoui didn’t turn in his finest display at Stamford BridgeCredit: AFPBruno Fernandes – 6Seemed to be taking control of the game, especially when Maguire turned in his lovely cross for what seemed to be the opening goal. All-action first-half display, but that also meant him being booked for a follow-through on Moises Caicedo. Failed to hit the target with a second half shot and did not exert the same influence before going off late on.Bruno Fernandes had an average night at the office by his standardsCredit: GETTYCasemiro – 6Sometimes you forgot he was on the pitch, but he did some quietly effective work to give Fernandes and his team a platform in the game. Made a very important first-half intervention in his own box but picked up a booking early in the second after being outpaced by Palmer. Put in a decent shift.Patrick Dorgu – 5Started high and wide, and looked more convincing going forward, teeing up a decent opening for Mount. Skinned by Pedro Neto a couple of times but did make some important challenges, too. Less adventurous in the second half as Amad stepped up the threat on the opposite flank.Not at fault for the goal.Amad Diallo – 6Sharp at the start but soon disappeared completely as an attacking force in the first half. Redeemed himself a bit by doing some decent work in his own final third. Much better going forward after the break, setting up a good chance for Mount. Booked for diving in the box, then forced a save from Robert Sanchez.Mason Mount – 4How much he would have loved to silence the Chelsea boo-boys who jeered his every touch and mocked him all night. How comprehensively he failed to do so. Badly miscued shots in either half when given decent chances by Dorgu and Amad. Hooked with 20 minutes to go to the loudest chorus of boos.  Mason Mount was underwhelming in his return to Stamford BridgeCredit: GETTYRasmus Hojlund – 2If he wasn’t such a unit, you would call him a little boy lost. But all that strength seems to disappear when the ball comes near the struggling Dane. Got absolutely no change out of the Chelsea defence and often gave away possession. Even with Josh Zirkzee injured, there must be a better option for the final. Rasmus Hojlund was woeful leading the line for the Red DevilsCredit: GETTYSUBSManuel Ugarte (for Casemiro, 70) – 4Made little impression on the game despite having 20 minutes to show what he could do. Late Chelsea sub Romeo Lavia made life difficult for him.Alejandro Garnacho (for Mount,  70) –  4It might feel harsh but it was the Argentinian who allowed James to wriggle away from him and then deliver the killer ball for Cucurella. Dropped very deep to try to redeem himself, but to no avail.Ayden Heaven (for Shaw, 81) – 3Lucky to escape a booking for a foul on Palmer and then to be shown only a yellow for a nasty lunge on Malo Gusto.Kobbie Mainoo (for Fernandes, 81) – 4Looked off the pace. What has happened to England’s great defensive midfield hope?Read More on The SunNot usedBayindir, Eriksen, Amass, Collyer, Fredricson More

  • in

    Man Utd and Tottenham will deserve a Champions League place if they win Europa League, whatever whinging Wenger says

    IF I was asked for my favourite moment in over 30 years in football, I wouldn’t need to phone a friend, ask the audience, go 50-50 or even ask Jeremy Clarkson.The day West Ham lifted a European trophy will always be a treasured pinnacle.Former Arsenal boss Wenger has said neither Man Utd or Spurs deserve Champions League football next seasonCredit: GettyMan Utd will face Spurs in Bilbao to contest the Europa League final after a league season to forgetCredit: ReutersSpurs are also desperate to qualify for the Champions League by winning in BilbaoCredit: ReutersThat win over Fiorentina in Prague in the Europa Conference League final ended 43 years of hurt at West Ham.For me and all our supporters it was something very special — a day to tell the grandchildren. You just cannot beat the feeling of winning silverware.So Wednesday’s Europa League final — the ‘British battle of Bilbao’ — is a clash which means the world to fans of Spurs and Manchester United.READ MORE MAN UTD NEWSOnly this one comes with a big, fat, juicy cherry on top of the cake.Victory means Champions League qualification next season and that comes with a cheque for £100million, and possibly a lot more.In a way, this is a final bigger than a trophy.But now the argument begins. Look at the Premier League table and you can’t fail to notice that both clubs are nearer the floor than the ceiling.Most read in Europa LeagueJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSFor both Ange Postecoglou and Ruben Amorim this is a chance to get their hands on silverware and to show that they can be genuine winners. Forget their stumbling league form as this showdown is a gateway to the elite level of European football.Bruno Fernandes matches Cristiano Ronaldo record as he wins Man Utd award – but admits he DOESN’T want itHere is the question — and it’s worth a lot more than the £1m on offer to contestants in Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?Is this a case of Champions League via a sneaky short cut? Or has it been truly earned?Fifa’s chief of global football development, Arsene Wenger, revealed his distaste for this back-door route into the Champions League.When asked if it was ‘right,’ Wenger said: “No. They should qualify automatically for the Europa League again but not necessarily for the Champions League.“Especially when you are in the Premier League where already five teams qualify. It is something to think about and to review.”West Ham won the Europa Conference League in 2023Credit: GettyCritics say the winners in Bilbao will benefit, while clubs who perform week-in, week-out in their domestic leagues are unfairly treated. They would argue that league tables should be key to unlocking European qualification, not one-off games.I’m fairly certain Manchester United and Spurs fans would disagree with that and may point to a long and gruelling midweek European campaign, which should be rewarded accordingly.Also, as any manager will tell you, performances often dip when you are playing three games a week and travelling to far-flung corners of the continent.A wet Wednesday in Bremen is knackering!Those same supporters say that a winner-takes-all-final creates true jeopardy and excitement. And I can see that as West Ham’s showdown two years ago triggered an astonishing reaction with over 20,000 fans travelling to Prague.If supporters love it, who are we to criticise?While the Hammers qualified for the Europa League following that victory, the winners in Bilbao will take a seat at the very top table.Champions League brings huge income — prize money, broadcast rights, sponsorship deals — as well as enhanced transfer appeal.For Spurs and Manchester United this game effectively decides their summer spending budget. Will it be Harrods or Peckham market?So are league positions no longer the true barometer of a team’s season? Wenger wants it to change so we shall see.Read More on The SunWhether the prize of Champions League qualification to the winners is right or wrong, this final will define more than just one season.It could define the future of European football. More

  • in

    Tottenham could face ANOTHER Europa League final injury blow as star ‘escorted down tunnel by medical staff’

    TOTTENHAM have been hit by another injury blow after Pape Matar Sarr was escorted down the tunnel by medical staff.The midfielder was taken off in the 53rd minute and replaced by Yves Bissouma.Pape Matar Sarr was escorted down the tunnel after coming offCredit: GettyHe was immediately seen to by medical staff and gingerly walked straight down the tunnel at Aston Villa.Sarr, 22, is now an injury doubt for the Europa League final next Wednesday although Postecoglou said he was taken off as a precaution.He said: “Pape felt something in his back so we took him off as a bit of a precaution. “I don’t think it’s anything too significant speaking to him afterwards but he just felt something in his back and I think Mikey (Moore) was okay.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt is yet another blow for Spurs, who have lost James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski to injury in the build-up.That means Ange Postecoglou will be scratching his head over who to start in midfield, with Lucas Bergvall also out.Postecoglou made sweeping changes for the visit to Villa Park with the crucial trip to Bilbao on the cards.But Spurs could not avoid another injury, which has been the case all season long.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSIt comes after Postecoglou said his side “could not afford to lose” any more players to injury.He said ahead of the Villa clash: “The reality of our existence at the moment is we can’t lose another player to an injury. It’s just too finely balanced for us considering what’s at stake.How Europa League final will be decided – four key Man Utd vs Tottenham tactical battles”Look, in a normal world you use this to be sharpening up, but we’re not living in a normal world.”Even with the best planning we’re still getting hit with these setbacks. From my perspective I’ve got to take that into account when considering the [Aston Villa] game.” More

  • in

    ‘Should be illegal’ – Man Utd and Spurs fans face staying in £2,000 Squid Game-like hostel for Europa League final

    A BILBAO hostel has been slammed for charging football fans over £2,000 – to stay in beds reminiscent of Netflix show Squid Game. Manchester United and Tottenham fans are desperate for accommodation in the Spanish city ahead of the Europa League final. A hostel that reminds fans of Squid Game has gone viral for its Europa League pricingCredit: Jam Press/Bilbao Metropolitan Hostel by Bossh HotelsThe Bilbao Metropolitan Hostel is charging fans over £2000 for a three-day stayCredit: Jam Press/Bilbao Metropolitan Hostel by Bossh HotelsThe hostel is just a short distance from the Europa League final stadiumCredit: Jam Press/Bilbao Metropolitan Hostel by Bossh HotelsFans will be treated to bunk beds and lockers in the shared roomsCredit: Jam Press/Bilbao Metropolitan Hostel by Bossh HotelsThe Prem sides are set to do battle at the Estadio de San Mamés next Wednesday. But the Bilbao Metropolitan Hostel – just a nine-minute drive from the ground – has been accused of cashing in. Disgruntled supporters have likened the bedroom set-up to the dorms in Squid Game, which became a global phenomenon in 2021. Contestants are forced to sleep in a warehouse full of bunk beds in the South Korean show.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAnd fans were outraged to learn the price for a three-night stay in similar digs at the Bossh Hotels hostel. Four adults would need to fork out a whopping £2,338 if they wanted to stay from Tuesday, May 20 to Friday, May 23, as reported by NeedToKnow.Fans flocked to social media to complain about the hostel raising prices so dramatically ahead of Wednesday’s showpiece. One fan wrote in response: “Sleeping in Squid Game for £2,000.”Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKAnother joked: “You could win 45 billion Korean Won.”While a third added: “Should be illegal to take advantage like they are.”Bruno Fernandes matches Cristiano Ronaldo record as he wins Man Utd award – but admits he DOESN’T want itAnd a fourth countered: “Surely no one’s paying £2,000 for a hostel. I wouldn’t even pay £200. Would rather sleep in the airport.”Bossh Hotels has been approached for a comment.Last week, it was revealed United are not going to be giving staff free tickets to the final.Man Utd vs Spurs – Europa League final: Kick-off time, TV channel and live stream info for Bilbao clashBoth clubs have been allocated around 15,000 seats each by Uefa.It’s been reported that Spurs are offering all full-time employees a complimentary ticket for the match – a stance that United are not following.The Mail claim that United are instead holding a ballot with a small number of tickets available for their staff, but will see the majority of workers go without the opportunity to watch the club in Spain. More