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      Man Utd staff to miss out on free Europa League final tickets – while 700 Spurs workers handed freebies

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      MANCHESTER UNITED are not going to be giving staff free tickets to the Europa League final – while Spurs workers are set for a massive handout.The Red Devils take on Tottenham in the Europa League final on May 21 after a semi-final demolition job of Athletic Bilbao gave them a shot to save their season.Manchester United staff will not be given free tickets to the Europa League final after the club booked their spot in final later this monthCredit: APSir Jim Ratcliffe and Ineos have implemented a number of cost-cutting measures since their minority takeover at Man UtdCredit: PAThe final, which is being hosted in Bilbao’s 53,000-seat San Mames Stadium, has seen both clubs 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 Man Utd 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.It’s reported that United will put on a screening in Manchester for the rest of the staff instead, with plus-ones also invited along.READ MORE ON MAN UTDStaff will get two free drinks at the event, but plus-ones will be expected to pay for theirs, it is claimed.Man Utd feel that they are putting the fans first when it comes to access to tickets for the final, given the high demand from supporters for tickets to a major final.There are currently around 50,000 season ticket holders at Old Trafford, meaning the demand for final tickets far exceeds that of the allocation of 15,000.A spokesman for United told SunSport: “Our overwhelming priority is maximising the number of tickets available for our fans.”Most read in FootballTottenham chief Daniel Levy has offered all 700 full-time Spurs employees a free ticket to the finalCredit: GettyManchester United are prioritising fans over staff for the limited ticketsCredit: GettyJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old TraffordMan 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…United are thought to currently employ around 900 people, marginally more than the 700 staff members that have been offered free tickets by Tottenham.Man Utd paid for flights, accommodation and food for staff in the last three Champions League finals the club appeared in – further exemplifying the change in process since Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s arrival.Casemiro STAYING at Man Utd? Amorim’s Shock U-Turn Explained!Ratcliffe, 72, has been cutting costs at the Theatre of Dreams since his minority takeover was announced in December 2023.The billionaire Brit and his Ineos company have implemented cost-cutting measures that have seen nearly 500 redundancies at the Premier League giants.Other more marginal financial savings have been made by scrapping free meals for Old Trafford staff, cancelling the staff Christmas party and stopping access to private chauffeurs and company credit cards.Ratcliffe also played a part in the decision to take legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson off the club payroll, axing him from his ambassadorial position with the club he managed for 26 years.It’s not the first time Ineos have made a big decision regarding finals either, last season they made staff and the players’ families pay for their own transport to the FA Cup final.Despite the mass cost-cutting, United announced in March plans to build a brand new £2billion 100,000-seat stadium in the near future.All this has coincided with United’s worst ever season on the pitch, with manager Ruben Amorim now handed a lifeline to save the club’s season with a European trophy and place in the Champions League as they languish in 15th in the Prem table.Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s first year at Man UtdSIR JIM RATCLIFFE’S minority takeover at Manchester United was announced on Christmas Eve in 2023 – and a lot has happened at Old Trafford since…December 2023 – Man Utd confirm Ratcliffe’s takeover on Christmas Eve, vowing to invest £245m into Old TraffordJanuary 2024 – Ratcliffe and right-hand man Sir Dave Brailsford photographed meeting Erik ten Hag during tour of Carrington January 2024 – Omar Berrada poached from Man City as new CEO February 2024 – Ratcliffe’s £1billion, 27.7 per cent takeover officially completed February 2024 – Former CEO Richard Arnold quits board as Ineos pair John Rees and Rob Nevin addedMarch 2024 – Ratcliffe bans words “awesome” and “lukewarm cappuccino” in bizarre moveMarch 2024 – Matt Johnson appointed head of women’s footballMarch 2024 – Ratcliffe announces plans to build “Wembley of the North” to replace Old TraffordMarch 2024 – Man Utd NYSE share price drops to $13.73 on March 21 – down from $20.52 immediately after Ratcliffe takeover in DecemberApril 2024 – Senior staff club credit cards and private cars cancelled April 2024 – John Murtough quits as football director April 2024 – Jason Wilcox appointed technical director after compensation package agreed with Southampton May 2024 – Ratcliffe turns Carrington “toxic” after sending email to employees slamming “disgraceful” lack of cleanlinessMay 2024 – Work finally starts on leaking Old Trafford roofMay 2024 – Man Utd finish eighth in Premier League, worst-ever finish May 2024 – Ratcliffe gives employees just one week to decide if they want to accept redundancy May 2024 – Staff forced to pay for own transport to FA Cup final and only given one ticketMay 2024 – Pre-match party and hotel for senior staff before FA Cup final axedMay 2024 – Man Utd shock rivals Man City to win FA Cup despite suggestions Erik ten Hag will be sacked regardless of resultJune 2024 – Man Utd announce £50m plans to upgrade Carrington training ground June 2024 – Ratcliffe introduces strict “back to work” policy forcing staff to come into officeJune 2024 – Ratcliffe scores own goal with comments about women’s teamJuly 2024 – Man Utd finally agree deal to bring in Dan Ashworth as sporting director after four months of gardening leave at Newcastle, who received £3m in compensationJuly 2024 – Erik ten Hag signs shock new contract extension until 2026July 2024 – Ruud van Nistelrooy and Rene Hake appointed assistant managers, Andreas Georgson first-team coach and Jelle ten Rouwelaar goalkeeper coach. Darren Fletcher’s role changes from technical director to first-team coach. Steve McClaren, Mitchell van der Gaag and Benni McCarthy depart.July 2024 – Ex-Chelsea technical director Christopher Vivell joins on short-term basis as interim director of recruitment July 2024 – Jean-Claude Blanc added to Man Utd board  July 2024 – Man Utd cut down number of staff on US pre-season tour to 125July 2024 – Ratcliffe makes 250 redundancies including popular media man John Allen, historian Cliff Butler and kitman Alex WylieAugust 2024 – Man Utd splash out £199m in the summer transfer window August 2024 – Matchday staff lunchboxes scrapped and some forced to eat beside toiletOctober 2024 – Man Utd stop paying £2m-a-year ambassador salary to Sir Alex FergusonOctober 2024 – Staff Christmas party cancelled October 2024 – “Back to work” policy costing Utd fortune to convert hospitality suites into temporary offices between home matchesOctober 2024 – Erik ten Hag sacked with club 14th in Premier League table, costing club £15mNovember 2024 – Ruben Amorim appointed new Man Utd manager on deal until 2027 after stumping up £10m release clause November 2024 – Coach Ruud van Nistelrooy axed by new manager Ruben Amorim November 2024 – Man Utd chiefs locked in blame game over summer shambles including Erik ten Hag situation and transfer signings November 2024 – Ratcliffe reportedly set to half £40,000 budget paid to Manchester United Disabled Supporters AssociationDecember 2024 – Ratcliffe admits “mediocre” Man Utd “still in last century” December 2024 – Fans protest after OAP and children concessions tickets ditched and minimum home ticket cost up to £66December 2024 – Dan Ashworth sacked after five months as sporting directorDecember 2024 – £100 staff Christmas bonus ditched for £40 M&S voucherDecember 2024 – Ceiling starts leaking during Ruben Amorim’s press conference after 3-0 defeat to BournemouthDecember 2024 – Reports of a mice infestation at Old Trafford as rodent droppings found in food kiosks and plush suites as food hygiene ratings drops to just two starsDecember 2024 – SunSport reveals Ratcliffe cuts £40,000 funding donation to Association of Former Manchester United Players charity More

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      ‘Don’t agree with it’ – Paul Scholes slams Ruben Amorim’s Man Utd team selection as it leaves ‘bad taste in your mouth’

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      PAUL SCHOLES has blasted Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim for sacrificing the Premier League in favour of a Europa League run.The Red Devils reached the final of Europe’s secondary club competition this week with a 7-1 aggregate win over Athletic Bilbao.Manchester United booked their place in the Europa League final this weekCredit: ALAMYWinning the tournament will paper over the cracks of an incredibly poor domestic seasonCredit: REUTERSManager Ruben Amorim has seemingly prioritised the competition over the Prem in recent weeksCredit: SHUTTERSTOCKClub legend Paul Scholes is far from happy with the Portuguese’s approach as of lateCredit: SHUTTERSTOCKUnited’s European run has brought some respite from their woeful league form, which has left them in 15TH PLACE in the table.Amorim has clearly prioritised the Europa League with his team selections in recent weeks, giving rising stars including Tyler-Fredricson and Harry Amass more game time than he might otherwise have done.TNT Sports pundit Scholes wrote in his column for the broadcaster: “Manchester United should be able to play in two or three competitions at once without sacrificing something, and they’ve clearly sacrificed the league.”I don’t like it and I don’t agree with it and I believe there has to be some sort of standards required in a Premier League team.READ MORE MAN UTD NEWS”It’s almost as if they go into Premier League games and there’s an acceptance that they’re not going to win the game, which is madness.”I think the acceptance has come from everyone.”Scholes firmly believes one figure is to blame for United seemingly being resigned to losing their league matches.He continued: “I think it’s come from the manager, even though he won’t admit it. Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSMan Utd ratings vs Bilbao as magnifent Mount sends Red Devils to Europa League final but ineffective Garnacho hooked earlyMANCHESTER UNITED all-but booked their spot in the Europa League final a week ago.And, despite a brief first-half wobble, it was never really in doubt at Old Trafford on Thursday night as the Red Devils secured a comeback 4-1 win at home over Athletic Bilbao.Mikel Jaureguizar sent a nervous shiver around the ground with his fine effort on the half-hour mark.United struggled to click and no doubt some feared of an almighty collapse.But, when Ruben Amorim turned to the bench, it made all the difference – as Amad Diallo, Luke Shaw and Mason Mount were all involved in Mount’s delightful equaliser.Casemiro scored with a clever header and even Rasmus Hojlund got in on the act to tap in.Then Mount finish the job in style with his long-range effort into an empty net. Smiles all round. Now United have an all-English blockbuster with Spurs later this month to save their dreadful season.Roll on, Bilbao…Here’s how SunSport’s Joshua Jones rated Ruben Amorim’s men at Old Trafford…”He’s not playing teams to win games of football in the league.”I think even fans are thinking, ‘Let’s get these league games out of the way because the league has been a disaster.’Casemiro STAYING at Man Utd? Amorim’s Shock U-Turn Explained!”They’re probably thinking, ‘Play whoever you want, we don’t care.’ “There’s an acceptance to it, which I think is wrong, because the Premier League is your bread and butter.”But if you’re going to get Champions League football by winning the Europa League, it’ll all be forgotten, I hope.”There is that bad taste in your mouth that the Premier League form is so bad, and they might regret it next year.”I think the manager should be using this time to learn how to win games when you’re not playing that well, because it’s going to happen again next year.”I don’t think you can just switch a button next season and, all of a sudden, you’re going to see them play brilliantly in the league.Read More on The Sun”I think it’s quite risky sacrificing the Premier League for the sake of Champions League football next year.”United will face familiar opposition in Tottenham – who bested Bodo/Glimt in their semi-final tie – in this month’s Europa League final in Bilbao. More

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      Whoever wins out of Man Utd and Tottenham has had a better season than Arsenal – they should be celebrated, not mocked

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      WE are getting to a stage in football where everyone is constantly miserable and negative, moaning about everything.All this talk that Manchester United or Tottenham should not be allowed to qualify for the Champions League by winning the Europa League because of their league positions.Troy Deeney has said Arsenal face having a worse season than Man Utd or SpursCredit: ReutersMan Utd made the Europa League final after beating Athletic Bilbao 7-1 on aggregateCredit: Shutterstock EditorialTottenham are in their first European final for six years after beating Bodo/Glimt 5-1 over two legsCredit: RexWhoever wins the Europa League will also book their spot in the Champions LeagueCredit: AFPAnd it has come from Arsene Wenger, of all people — the man who made a career out of finishing fourth with Arsenal to qualify for the Champions League and saying that was an achievement?He is now saying that winning in Europe to play in a bigger European competition is not good enough because of where they finish in the league? Nonsense.Manchester City have had a terrible year but could win the FA Cup — is that not allowed either?Why can’t we just be positive and happy for two English clubs reaching a European final? And let’s not forget — Chelsea are in one too. We want English teams to win stuff, don’t we? I can’t remember many having a whinge when West Ham qualified for the Europa League after winning the Conference League in 2023 when they finished 14th in the league.A lot of teams are now taking the FA Cup more seriously because it means European qualification.It is the same with the Europa — it makes people want to win it more. What’s bad about that?I don’t tend to agree with Ange Postecoglou on a lot, but I do when others are suggesting United and Spurs are “too good” for the Europa League, and Ange is asking: Why?BEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKHowever, when he said people “fear” Spurs winning it — what’s the fear? We would all welcome it.I would also hope the narrative around them not winning anything would change.Casemiro STAYING at Man Utd? Amorim’s Shock U-Turn Explained!My “fear” is that if Spurs win it, they will still be in the same place with their manager’s future up in the air and doubts over whether they can push on. Whereas, at least with United, I reckon it could be a real springboard to go attract proper signings and improve.On a wider point, is this not also a reflection of how poor European football is currently as a whole?We have got two teams sitting 15th and 16th in the Premier League, not doing anything and getting beaten up by the likes of West Ham and Nottingham Forest.Why can’t we just be positive and happy for two English clubs reaching a European final? And let’s not forget — Chelsea are in one too. We want English teams to win stuff, don’t we?Troy DeeneyAnd yet, they are both one game away from the very top table of Europe football. Is that saying more about us or them?We are routinely mocked for saying we have the best league in the world, and two teams close to the relegation zone are breezing through Europe with barely a scratch.I thought these lower competitions were supposed to be giving other teams on the continent more of a chance? It hasn’t been that way so far.Join SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old TraffordMan Utd ratings vs Bilbao as magnifent Mount sends Red Devils to Europa League final but ineffective Garnacho hooked earlyMANCHESTER UNITED all-but booked their spot in the Europa League final a week ago.And, despite a brief first-half wobble, it was never really in doubt at Old Trafford on Thursday night as the Red Devils secured a comeback 4-1 win at home over Athletic Bilbao.Mikel Jaureguizar sent a nervous shiver around the ground with his fine effort on the half-hour mark.United struggled to click and no doubt some feared of an almighty collapse.But, when Ruben Amorim turned to the bench, it made all the difference – as Amad Diallo, Luke Shaw and Mason Mount were all involved in Mount’s delightful equaliser.Casemiro scored with a clever header and even Rasmus Hojlund got in on the act to tap in.Then Mount finish the job in style with his long-range effort into an empty net. Smiles all round. Now United have an all-English blockbuster with Spurs later this month to save their dreadful season.Roll on, Bilbao…Here’s how SunSport’s Joshua Jones rated Ruben Amorim’s men at Old Trafford…Would Spurs say they have had the hardest draw? Probably not.Bodo/Glimt are not a top team and none of their players are suddenly going to get bought this summer by top sides.But that is the team that they were drawn against and they dealt with it.What do you want them to do? They are where they are.It is just opposition fans trying to spin the wheel, whether it is throwing knives at United or Spurs.We are routinely mocked for saying we have the best league in the world, and two teams close to the relegation zone are breezing through Europe with barely a scratch.Troy DeeneyOr Arsenal fans saying they are the best team ever after losing a Champions League semi-final.Or even worse, Mikel Arteta claiming they have been the best team in Europe this year. How? How do these things correlate?The reality is that United and Spurs are in a European final and whoever wins will technically have a better season than Arsenal have had, because they have actually won something.Just worry about yourselves, your own team, your own club, and stop moaning.Join SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from The Emirates More

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      Man Utd, Tottenham and Chelsea fans can watch their teams for FREE in Europa and Conference League finals

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      SPURS, Manchester United and Chelsea fans are set to be able to watch their sides’ European finals for free this month.Broadcaster TNT Sports is understood to be planning to make all three of this season’s Uefa Finals available to all fans through its Discovery Plus channel.Bruno Fernandes hopes Man Utd put aside domestic woe to beat fellow Prem strugglers Tottenham in the Europa League final on May 21Credit: ReutersBrennan Johnson and Co might not save boss Ange Postecoglou’s job if Tottenham defeat the Red Devils in the Bilbao finalCredit: GettyCole Palmer’s Chelsea are gunning for Real Betis on May 28 in the Conference League showdownCredit: GettyWhile a formal announcement is yet to be made, Sun Sport understands TNT will repeat last season’s model for the three games.It means the all-Prem Europa League showdown between United and Tottenham in Bilbao on May 21, Chelsea’s Conference League climax with Real Betis in Wroclaw seven days later and the Munich Champions League Final between Inter Milan and PSG can all be watched by fans without a TNT subscription.Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou is under so much pressure he could even be axed if he triumphs.Tottenham have been trophyless since lifting the League Cup in 2008.READ MORE TOP STORIESAnd United counterpart Ruben Amorim says victory for his team is the least his club’s fans deserve – after admitting he must get better at his job.It comes as the English top flight could have a record NINE teams competing in Europe next season.That would smash the previous best of five from 2017-18, which saw United miss out on the top four but win the Europa League.The Prem has been awarded five Champions League spots next season – thanks to performing so well under Uefa’s coefficient rankings.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKMan Utd and Spurs will fight for the Europa League trophyCredit: GettyThe key achievement in being rated so high was Arsenal beating Real Madrid in their quarter-final first leg.The Gunners went on to exit against Paris Saint-Germain in the semis – with Emirates boss Mikel Arteta sparking a mixed response for claiming his team were the best in the competition.Join SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old TraffordThis Conference League trophy is the prize at Chelsea vs BetisCredit: Shutterstock EditorialStamford Bridge erupts in brawls as Chelsea are accused of ‘most serious breach of stadium security in recent memory’Arsenal’s Real success meant the Prem’s Europa and Conference League places would now be filled by the sides finishing sixth and seventh.And they will down a spot further – if Manchester City beat Crystal Palace in the FA Cup final.Spurs and United are far closer to the bottom of the table than the teams challenging for European places.But whoever wins the Europa League final will book a Champions League place.Join SUN CLUB for the Chelsea Files every Tuesday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Stamford Bridge More

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      Premier League set to have NINE teams playing in Europe next season as Spurs and Man Utd reach Europa League final

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      THE Premier League is set to have NINE teams competing in Europe next season after Spurs and Manchester United set up an all-English Europa League final.The tally includes a record number of six English teams in the Champions League.Manchester United will hope to qualify for the Champions League by winning the Europa LeagueCredit: Shutterstock EditorialChelsea and Nottingham Forest will fight for European positions in the leagueCredit: ReutersThe previous record was five, set in 2017/8 when Man Utd finished outside the top four but won the Europa League.Traditionally only the top four go through to the Champions League, with fifth place reserved for a Europa League slot and sixth for the Conference League.This season the Premier League was awarded a fifth slot for next year’s Champions League after English teams impressed in Europe.England was a top-two nation in UEFA’s coefficient rankings after Arsenal beat Real Madrid in the first leg of their quarter-final.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThis means that Europa and Conference League spots have moved to sixth and seventh, but could be bumped down once more if Manchester City beat Crystal Palace in the FA Cup.Tottenham and Manchester United sit well outside of the European standings having both suffered disastrous league campaigns.But their respective Europa semi-final wins, on aggregate 5-1 against Bodo/Glimt and 7-1 against Athletic Bilbao, have meant that one of them will take home the trophy and the Champions League spot that it offers.Who’s involved?Nearly half of the Premier League’s teams will play in Europe in the 2025/6 season.Most read in FootballLiverpool have claimed their Champions League spot, with Arsenal looking set to join them – only needing one win in their final three games.JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSThe final three Champions League spots will be decided in the race for the top five between Newcastle, Manchester City, Chelsea, Nottingham Forest and Aston Villa.Only four points separate the high-flyers with three games left to play. Bournemouth, Brentford, Brighton and Fulham are in contention for the final European places but will have to compete with the losers of the Champions League race. The lower placed teams will doubtless feel sore if they miss out on Europe next season as either Spurs in 16th or 15th-placed Man Utd will leapfrog them into the Champions League.Porro helped Spurs seal a Europa League final placeCredit: Getty More

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      Athletic Bilbao star shows off horror gash as wild Lindelof challenge leaves him needing stitches after Man Utd clash

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      MANCHESTER UNITED defender Victor Lindelof left his mark on one of the Athletic Bilbao players last night. The Swedish centre-back played a crucial role in United’s 4-1 Europa League semi-final win over the Basque side at Old Trafford. Prados took to Instagram to complain about his cutLindelof plants his studs on Prados’ legBenat Prados, a second-half substitute, had a battle scar to demonstrate the blood, sweat, and tears that Ernesto Valverde’s visitors put in trying to overturn their first-leg deficit. Prados had been introduced in the 62nd minute, with Bilbao leading 1-0 on the night. The midfielder completed a neat backheel before Lindelof raked his studs into the Spaniard’s leg, causing blood to flow from a nasty cut. He was forced off just a minute after Mason Mount had equalised for United. Read more footballPrados took to Instagram to show the cut that he sustained from a challenge by Lindelof, that referee Daniel Siebert didn’t see. Prados made no attempt tp hide his dissatisfaction on his Instagram, captioning the photo “No red, no yellow, no foul… play on.”The midfielder was required to leave the field and needed stitches to repair the damage that Lindelof had done.Bilbao themselves issued an update on Prados’ condition on Friday morning.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKThe statement read: “The midfielder suffered a hard tackle that was not penalized by the referee (or VAR) and caused a laceration and contusion to the front of his right leg. His progress is pending.”The Red Devils moved into the final of the continent’s secondary competition with a 7-1 aggregate victory, with Mount netting his second and third goals of an injury-hit campaign. Casemiro and Rasmus Hojlund also got their names on the scoresheet as Ruben Amorim’s side came from a goal down. Benat Prados made his feelings felt to referee Daniel Siebert, but to no availLindelof was in the wars against BilbaoThey set up a meeting with fellow Premier League underperformers Tottenham Hotspur, who braved the Arctic Circle to grind out a 2-0 win over Bodo/Glimt. Bilbao were dominant in the early exchanges on Thursday, and deservedly took the lead through Mikel Jauregizar’s sumptuous curler that Andre Onana got a hand to. But Mount equalised, Casemiro scored with a clever header and even Rasmus Hojlund got in on the act to tap in before Mount scored a second with his long-range effort into an empty net.Prados will now probably be a doubt for Bilbao’s game on Saturday against Alaves, when they return to La Liga action at San Mames.  More

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      ‘I’d dive head first through a brick wall for him’ – Ange Postecoglou’s rallying speech reduces Tottenham fans to tears

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      TOTTENHAM fans were left in tears after hearing Ange Postecoglou’s “chilling” Europa League rallying cry.The North Londoners booked their place in this month’s final with 2-0 win on Thursday night to seal a 5-1 aggregate victory over Bodo/Glimt in their semi-final tie.Tottenham reached the Europa League final with victory in their semi-final tie against Bodo/GlimtCredit: GettyAnge Postecoglou gave his players a rousing speech in the dressing roomCredit: X@SPURSOFFICIALHis rallying cry sparked jubilant scenes and left several Spurs fans emotionalCredit: X@SPURSOFFICIALAnd under-pressure Postecoglou gave his troops a speech for the ages to hype them up for their all-English final against Manchester United.The Aussie – who hit back at a reporter after the game over a comparison to United – said: “I’ve said it before, what you, as a group, players and staff, have gone through this year.”Let me tell you, I’ve been in this game a very long time and I’ve experienced it all.”But I’m so proud of just how all of you have stuck together. READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS”Not one time have I felt like people are not believing or have lost what we have in here.”It was just outstanding. People will never realise what it’s taken for you guys to be in this position. “And you deserve all the credit for that, it’s unbelievable what you’ve done.”He added: “Now we’ve got just under two weeks to prepare. Every day is important.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSAnge Postecoglou could maintain his incredible record of winning a trophy with each club he’s been at in the second seasonCredit: SHUTTERSTOCK”Every day, every training session and every game we have between now and then is about getting ready for that big game.”But you can change things. You saw what you did. Four hundred supporters here today, they’ll never forget it, and there are thousands back home.‘Spurs does crazy things to people’ – Postecoglou takes swipe at Wenger as Arsenal legend proposes shock rule change”You can make it something really special. This is the group of players that are going to do it. “Focus on that for now, but you deserve all the credit.”The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium faithful were well and truly moved by Postecoglou’s war cry, with one saying: “I’M LOVIN BIG ANGE INSTEAD.”Another added: “Great, was ange out now I’m crying.”And a further comment on Twitter read: “That speech and body language gave me chills. The players must be so motivated now.”One remarked: “What an emotional speech.”Read More on The SunAnother chimed in: “Yeah, I’d dive head first through a brick wall for him, ICL (I can’t lie).”Victory in the May 28 final in Bilbao will well and truly make up for Spurs’ woeful domestic form, which has left them 16th in the Premier League table.Solanke gave Spurs the lead last nightCredit: ReutersPedro Porro doubled their advantageCredit: reuters More

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      ‘Why do I care what Man Utd think?’ – Postecoglou starts mind games early as Tottenham boss bristles at question

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      ANGE POSTECOGLOU has wasted no time trying to gain the mental advantage over Manchester United after Tottenham sealed a Europa League final spot against their Premier League rivals last night.Spurs will take on fellow Prem strugglers Man Utd in Bilbao later this month after the North Londoners beat Norwegian side Bodo/Glimt 5-1 on aggregate in the Europa League semi-finals.Ange Postecoglou has wasted no time trying to gain the mental advantage over Manchester UnitedCredit: GettySpurs booked their spot in the Europa League final with a 5-1 aggregate win over Norwegian side Bodo/GlimtCredit: GettyAnd Aussie boss Postecoglou, 59, has already started the mind games in a bid to gain an edge on Ruben Amorim’s side.The former Celtic manager was asked if he thought that winning the Europa League would save Spurs’ poor season or not, having come under immense criticism for the club’s shocking league campaign.Man Utd manager Amorim has been posed similar questions throughout the season given their league form too, and has insisted that “nothing will save our season”.Speaking in his post-match press conference, Postecoglou defiantly batted away the idea that Spurs should take United’s standpoint on the idea.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe said: “I don’t care. Why do I care what Man Utd think? Why is that relevant to me?”Okay so, ask the Man Utd manager why he says that. Me? I’ve said this is important all along.”Probed to delve deeper into what a first trophy in over 17 years would mean for Spurs, Postecoglou implied that it was obvious what ending the drought would do for the club.Turning the question around on the reporter, he added: “To be fair, you know better than me. You’ve followed this club probably more than I have.Most read in FootballRuben Amorim has insisted that a Europa League success wouldn’t save Man Utd’s shocking seasonCredit: EPACASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”What do you think a trophy would do for us? The question answers itself, it doesn’t need me to.”But, you know what? What’s happening right now is that people are fearing that, that it actually might happen.Ange Postecoglou says he will be around ‘for a little bit longer’ after Tottenham victory over Eintracht Frankfurt “Because it might happen, let’s see how we can tear it down somehow. Diminish it somehow by saying it’s been a poor season or that we don’t deserve this or we don’t deserve that.”Tottenham haven’t won a trophy since they lifted the League Cup back in 2008, failing to win in three League Cup finals and one Champions League final since.While it’s not out of the ordinary to question their league campaign this term, given they are currently languishing in 16th place in the table.Spurs have managed just 11 wins from 35 Prem games this season, losing an astonishing 19 times – more than any other team that hasn’t already been relegated.While only West Ham and the three relegated sides have conceded more goals in the league than Postecoglou’s side this term.That said, they have had an impressive run in the Europa League – finishing fourth in the league phase and losing just two of their 14 clashes.Now they have the chance to secure qualification into the Champions League next season with a win over Man Utd in the final – a team Postecoglou has already got the better of three times this season.Tottenham’s league form has been disappointing this seasonCredit: Reuters More