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      Athletic Bilbao 0 Man Utd 3: United on verge of final after thrashing Spaniards following controversial red card

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      MAYBE Manchester United fans could just stay in Bilbao for a few of weeks rather than fly home tomorrow.  Because – barring a miracle – their team will be back in the Basque country in just 19 days’ time for the final.Bruno Fernandes scored twice as Manchester United put one foot in the Europa League finalCredit: ReutersAnd if they do lift the trophy on May 21 and secure their lucrative pass through to next season’s Champions League, nobody will deserve it more than Bruno Fernandes.Two goals here during a first half of astonishing drama and another captain’s performance from him.Just where would they be without the Portugal international? Time and time again, he steps up when they need him most.  He was the coolest man in the San Mames Stadium – which was a cauldron before kick-off and threatened to boil over at times.READ MORE ON MAN UTDNothing will top the quarter-final victory over Lyon for excitement – yet the end of the opening half here took some believing.United weathered an early storm from the home team and struck three times in the space of 15 minutes – as Bilbao went down to ten men.Athletic have the meanest defence in Spain and have not lost a game at home in months – so this was completely out of the blue.There was an early warning for the home side as Alejandro Garnacho raced clear and had the ball in the net early but was denied by the offside flag.Most read in Europa LeagueJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old TraffordCasemiro headed in at the back post for the openerCredit: GettyHowever, for the next 25 minutes, the game went as expected – with United under the pump amid the deafening noise.  Alex Berenguer was given too much space and went for the bottom corner but was denied by Andre Onana.Man Utd fans celebrate outside Old Trafford after leaving Lyon game early Yuri Berchiche headed wide from the resulting corner while Inaki Williams nodded a lovely cross by Berenguer over the bar.Inaki’s cross was not cleared by Victor Lindelof but luckily the Swede was there to block Berenguer’s effort.It had been all Bilbao but on the half hour, United took the lead with their first effort of note.Harry Maguire somehow popped up on the right wing and did superbly to get to the byline and whip over a cross.Manuel Ugarte flicked it on and there was Casemiro to nod in at the back post.The veteran Brazilian has won the Champions League five times but it was obvious this meant a lot to him after a tough last year at Old Trafford.But what about the contribution of Maguire – United’s last-gasp hero in the quarter-final win over Lyon.The England centre-half was used as a makeshift forward that night – now he was doing his bit as a tricky winger.It was a bonus for the visitors but the whole tie turned on a huge moment just a couple of minutes later.Rasmus Hojlund looked to have wasted a golden chance as he failed to get on the end of a Noussair Mazrouai cross.But the VAR had spotted a tug on the Danish forward and after a long check, Norwegian ref Espen Eskas agreed.He showed defender Dani Vivian a red card and Fernandes was the coolest man in the stadium as he sent Julen Agirrezabala the wrong way.The San Mames was seething with the decision – while their team were falling apart before their eyes.Ernesto Valverde made a double change to try to reorganise his team but it didn’t work.Right before half-time, Ugarte’s backheel sent Fernandes clear and once again the skipper held his nerve to lift the ball over the home keeper.Now the stadium was stunned as their dream of playing in the final was in ruins.  It could even have got worse for them as Mazrouai took a swing from the edge of the box and saw it come back off the bar.This – don’t forget – was the team with the best defence in Spain this season – a team who have conceded the fewest goals at home in the top five leagues in Europe.And United – who have lost 15 times in the Prem this season – had run riot in a 15-minute period that was almost impossible to believe.Valverde was the Barcelona coach when they threw away a 3-0 first-leg lead at Anfield six years ago.Now his own team had an even bigger mountain to climb than Liverpool did in that famous semi-final.The home crowd were at boiling point over the sending off and it only got worse after the break.Rasmus Hojlund won a penalty when Dani Vivian pulled the striker backCredit: TNT SportsFernandes rolled home his penaltyCredit: GettyThey wanted Maguire sent off when he pulled down Maroan Sannadi but replays showed the United man had his shirt tugged first.And it was United who looked more likely to extend their lead with Casemiro seeing a shot tipped over.Read More on The SunFrom the resulting corner taken by Fernandes, the former Real Madrid man sent a header against the outside of the post.Meanwhile, the home team and their fans looked completely heartbroken. Surely their dream of hosting and playing in a final is over.The skipper made it 3-0 before the breakCredit: AFP More

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      Watch Harry Maguire turn into Lamine Yamal as he humiliates Athletic Bilbao defender to set up Man Utd goal

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      HARRY MAGUIRE channelled his inner Lamine Yamal to set up Manchester United’s opening goal against Athletic Bilbao.The centre-back defied his cumbersome frame as he found himself on the right wing in Spain.Harry Maguire produced a magic moment for Manchester UnitedCredit: APThe makeshift winger showed brilliant feetCredit: GettyHe turned his defender inside and out before delivering the perfect crossAnd just like Yamal 24 hours earlier, he produced his own moment of magic.Maguire jinxed inside and out and inside and back out again, showing genius quick feet and bamboozling his humiliated marker.The £85million man – who scored a dramatic winner in the quarter-final as a makeshift striker – justified his lofty price tag by then delivering an inch-perfect cross.Manuel Ugarte flicked it on and Casemiro had a free header at the back post to break the deadlock in northern Spain.READ MORE ON MAN UTDTNT Sports commentator Darren Fletcher joked Maguire had been watching 17-year-old Barcelona sensation Yamal yesterday as he tore Inter Milan’s defenders apart.Fletcher said: “Maguire… not the most orthodox of right wingers but he’s done well over there.”In fact, he’s going to have another go. Why not beat him twice when you can?”It’s a great cross… it’s a great chance… it’s 1-0 to Manchester United.Most read in Europa LeagueJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old Trafford”It’s finished off quite brilliantly by Casemiro but what about the twisting and turning from Harry Maguire?”He’s been watching Lamine Yamal last night.”Luke Littler and AngryGinge lose their heads on live stream after predicting Harry Maguire would score Man Utd winnerRobbie Savage was losing his voice after the “magnificent play” while Rio Ferdinand joked he will need to “renegotiate his contract as an attacking player”.A delighted Maguire could not hide his beaming smile during the celebrations. And United fans flooded social media with brilliant comments in response to the stunning piece of skill from their unlikely wide man.One said: “Yamal who? Nico who? Sir Harry Maguire.”Another wrote: “Harry Maguire is our Best CB, RWB, and ST. What a player!”A third added: “Harry Maguire really watched Lamine Yamal last night and said, ‘Watch this.'”A fourth typed: “Lamine Yamal has posters of Harry Maguire on his walls…”A fifth commented: “Lamine Yamal wakes up every single day thinking about how he can be more like Harry Maguire. Icon.”And a final user replied: “Harry Maguire is better than Lamine Yamal.”By half-time, United led by three and were a man up before Maguire escaped going from hero to zero despite pulling back Maroan Sannadi as the last defender.Read More on The SunMaguire was taken off shortly after as United held on for a 3-0 win.Maybe Ruben Amorim was saving his star attacking threat for the second leg and a likely final back at the San Mames on May 21. Casemiro headed in at the back post to break the deadlockCredit: GettyLamine Yamal put on a masterclass against InterCredit: Getty More

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      Man Utd files: Berrada grilled by staff at Carrington and Sir Alex Ferguson and Gary Neville clash… in an auction

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      UNITED teen target Franco Mastantuono added to his glistening reputation with another stunning goal in Argentina’s biggest game.SunSport revealed how United are considering triggering the 17-year-old’s £38million release clause from River Plate.Man Utd target Franco Mastantuono impressed for River Plate last weekCredit: GettyAnd Old Trafford fans already excited about the prospect saw further evidence as he unleashed a brilliant free-kick from outside the box in the Buenos Aires derby with Boca Juniors.Mastantuono has been dubbed the “Argentine Phil Foden” with River Plate steeling themselves to lose him.But there was more than an echo of Lionel Messi as his left footer swept over the Boca wall and aeced into the top corner for the opener in a 2-1 win.No wonder United are interested but so are Manchester City and both Madrid giants.’REALLY NOT GOOD’THERE has been fury behind the scenes at United’s Carrington training ground – with chief executive Omar Berrada in the line of fire this week.Berrada turned up at the complex to tell staff who would be part of the second wave of 200 redundancies of their fates.Omar Berrada got a grilling from Man Utd staff members at CarringtonCredit: GettyBut it turned into a grilling for the former City exec as disgruntled staff lined up to have their say.One insider told Sun Sport: “Everything has changed since Ineos came in – and not for the better.Join SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old Trafford“Berrada stood in front of everybody at the academy and said we had to do it.“But someone stood up and told him ‘you said six months ago that we had to lose 250 jobs but this would be it.Ruben Amorim warns Rasmus Hojlund ‘he has to score many more’ goals after dramatic last gasp Man Utd equaliser“Now six months later we’re losing another 200 people. What’s to say in six months’ time it won’t be happening again?’”“A couple of months ago we got the email about lunches being ended and Berrarda told us it would save £1m a year.“But someone piped up ‘hang on a minute – that’s one month’s wages for Casemiro; you’re on £4m a year, so why don’t you take a £1m cut?’“The mood is really not good. It’s got to the point where people are choosing not to go to the training ground unless they have to be there.”HE’S A KEEPERTOM HEATON is not planning to retire in 2025 as Man Utd are set to offer the keeper a new 12-month contract.Rumours started last month that the 39-year-old was not only ready to leave Old Trafford when his current deal expires this summer – but also hang up his gloves.Tom Heaton is set to be handed a new contractCredit: AlamyBut SunSport understands Heaton has no intentions of quitting the sport just yet.The three-cap England stopper is hopeful of a fresh Red Devils contract with talks expected to ramp up between now and the end of the season.Heaton is third choice behind Andre Onana and Altay Bayindir and in Ruben Amorim’s travelling squad for tonight’s crunch Europa League semi-final first leg away to Athletic Bilbao in Spain.With United’s top two keepers Onana and Bayindir making high-profile errors this season to put their futures in doubt, it remains to be seen if Heaton will get a chance to make his first appearance of the season before the campaign ends.Highly-popular Heaton has not played for United’s first team since a run-out against Nottingham Forest in the Carabao Cup back in February 2023.All eyes for Amorim’s men are on the Europa League with the aim of winning the competition to book a Champions League spot next season.So could Heaton get some minutes in one of the remaining Prem fixtures against Brentford, West Ham, Chelsea or ex-club Aston Villa?ROO WHAT?!NOT for the first time, Man City hearts were broken by Rooney this week.Only this time it was Wayne’s son Kai scoring a dramatic late winner against the ‘noisy neighbours’.United’s Under 15s were 3-0 down with 12 minutes to go at City’s Joie Stadium but came back to edge it 4-3.Amid such drama, you might have known it would be a Rooney grabbing the headlines by scoring in the 96th minute to secure the Under-15 Premier League Floodlit North Cup.ROOM FOR ONE MORE?UNITED fans have been enjoying the sunshine in Bilbao this week and will no doubt fancy returning to the Spanish city in three weeks for the final.But they’d better start saving up now.Fans enjoyed their time in Bilbao ahead of United’s Europa League semi-finalCredit: ReutersFans in one hotel paid around £130 a night this week but were told that it will cost £800 a night to stay there for the final on May 21.It would be a dream for Athletic Bilbao to reach the final which will be played in their own San Mames Stadium.But at those prices, no doubt the hotel owners are secretly hoping it will be United who are back here later in the month.BEE READYRUBEN AMORIM took a larger squad than normal to Bilbao this week – with one eye on Sunday’s trip to Brentford.The United boss has already indicated he plans to make wholesale changes for the clash with Thomas Frank’s side as he prioritises the Europa League.Ruben Amorim took several young players to Bilbao to prepare for Sunday’s Prem match against BrentfordCredit: AlamyAnd due to the late kick off in Bilbao, the squad will stay in Spain on Thursday night and hold a training session here on Friday before flying home.Several youngsters who were on the flight will not feature in the first leg in the San Mames.However they will be put through their paces by the manager in Friday’s session with a view to playing against the Bees – giving the first teamers a chance to put their feet up.WELL I NEV-ERFORMER United skipper Gary Neville clashed with his old boss Alex Ferguson at Old Trafford last week.But it was all good natured – as he pair went head to head in an auction for a painting of club legend Denis Law.Sir Alex Ferguson went head-to-head with ex-player Gary Neville for a painting in a club auctionCredit: Times Newspapers LtdNeville edged out Sir Alex to secure the Stewart Beckett artwork at a function to mark the 40th anniversary of the Association of Former Manchester United Players (AFMUP).The organisation’s future was thrown into doubt when Jim Ratcliffe slashed the funding as part of his cost cutting.However United threw their full support behind the event and donated several items which helped raise important funds.Neville, Andy Cole and Jonny Evans shared some stories of Fergie’s infamous ‘hairdryer’ with guests at the function.FINE LINEATHLETIC BILBAO have got heavy with their own fans ahead of this game – warning them they could be hit with a £25,000 fine if they re-sell tickets for the clash with United.The club is determined to make the most of their first meeting in 13 years though – with the club shop selling official half-and-half scarves.Athletic Bilbao fans could face a huge punishment if they re-sell ticketsCredit: Getty More

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      Why are Man Utd wearing a different shorts for their Europa League semi-final clash against Athletic Bilbao?

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      MANCHESTER UNITED are set to face Athletic Bilbao in a thrilling Europa League semi-final first leg TONIGHT – and the Red Devils will be dressed slightly different than usual.Ruben Amorim’s men are currently 14th in the Premier League and stand no chance of securing an all-important top-five position.Manchester United are wearing their blue strip tonight with a twistCredit: APMeaning that their one chance of qualifying for next season’s Champions League and securing silverware rests on winning the Europa League.And it seems almost unthinkable that after such a disastrous campaign, they’re in with a real shout of lifting a European trophy.But if they are to do it, they’ll need to overcome Bilbao tonight and they’ll have to do it in a change strip.Why are Man Utd wearing different shorts?Manchester United are wearing their blue changed shirt in order to avoid a clash with the red and white stripes of the host Bilbao.Read more on Man UtdHowever, they will not be using the same-coloured shorts, as they have previously away to Southampton, Arsenal (twice), Nottingham Forest and Lyon.For the Europa League semi-final first leg,United will be wearing shorts that are officially ‘clear onyx’ in colour, for the first time this season.Amorim’s side have worn the socks previously, against Forest at The City Ground, with the silver feel to them.The preference is for the Reds to wear a different contrast in shorts to the opposition, for instance lighter rather than darker, and Athletic Club wear black ones.Most read in Europa LeagueWhat time does Athletic Bilbao vs Man Utd kick off?Athletic Bilbao vs Man Utd will get underway at 8pm BSTSan Mames is the chosen venue for this huge Europa League first leg and it can host approximately 53,289.United and Bilbao last met in 2012 and the Spaniards got the better of the Red Devils. More

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      Tottenham vs Bodo/Glimt LIVE SCORE: Europa League semi-final updates as last-8 hero Saltnes narrows Lillywhites lead

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      TOTTENHAM hold comfortable lead against Bodo/Glimt despite having lead narrowed in the closing stages in the first leg of their Europa League semi-final. The Norwegian champions entered the contest with a depleted squad as several key players are missing the trip due to suspension or injury.Spurs, who are unbeaten in their last 14 Europa League matches at home, were headed into the lead as fellow winger Richarlison flicked the ball into Brennan Johnson path to tuck away inside the opening 40 seconds. Following a period of superiority, Pedro Porro’s looping ball would bypass the Glimt backline and locate James Maddison, who would take it down and finish with the utmost composure. Striker Dominic Solanke would add a third after the referee adjudged Cristian Romero to be clipped by the ankle in a knee-high challenge for the ball. Ulrik Saltnes, who scored the brace to aid Bodo’s progression to this stage, showed a clean set of feet before bending his strike with aid of a deflection to narrow Spurs’ lead. Full-time result: Spurs 3-1 Bodo/GlimtCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSFollow our live blog below…Spurs dominate huge occasionThe atmosphere outside the stadium hours before kick-off really showed how much this meant to the Tottenham fans.A semi-final in Europe does not come along every day after all.Tottenham played the perfect game as they dominated from start to finish but the one blemish on their resume would be conceding a goal during one of their best periods of the match.Copy linkCopiedNorway Spurs can let this goTottenham have themselves in a great position heading into the second-leg with a two-goal lead.They will be the favourites to progress to the final to meet the winners of Man Utd and Athletic Club.The competition offers Postecoglou’s side a chance to secure Champions League football next season, something their league position is nowhere near being able to offer.Credit: AlamyCopy linkCopiedBoss hoping niggles not an issueFor most Tottenham fans, it would have been a real concern seeing both James Maddison and Dominic Solanke come off injured.They need both of these attacking threats for the trip to Norway if they hope on progressing to the final.After the match, Ange Postecoglou told TNT Sports that these were just niggles and he was being safe by deciding to rotate his squad.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedAussie having reason to smileIt has been a tough campaign for Ange Postecoglou, often having to field very awkward questions with the media.The manager always said that he wins trophies in his second season with clubs and this may be no different in North London.Seeing his team get into a three-goal lead, the manager seemed very pleased with their showing in this first-leg of the Europa League semi-final.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedSouth American puts in shift for LillywhitesRodrigo Bentancur covered a lot of ground for Tottenham tonight.Often doing the work that goes unnoticed, the Uruguayan was integral to the win in the capital.It will smart having seen the visitors’ goal deflect off him and beat his own keeper but he will no doubt use that as motivation in his performance in Norway next week.Copy linkCopiedTottenham show focus to tacticsAfter the game the players spoke about how they had identified that this Bodo/Glimt side tend to grow into games and they planned to get straight at them.They played out their manager’s tactics perfectly as they scored with less than a minute on the clock.That complete deflated the visitors and led to Spurs controlling the game but conceding the late consolation goal will not have been part of the script they were given.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedAnge to stay focussed on finalThe goal from Bodo/Glimt will have been celebrated in East London this evening.Tottenham travel to struggling West Ham on the weekend and the fact that tie now hangs in the balance, is likely to affect team selections.Postecoglou will not risk any of his key players, with nothing to play for in the Premier League other than pride.Copy linkCopiedBig man gets his goal in semiSpeaking with TNT Sports, goalscorer Dominic Solanke gave his view on his team’s performance:Yeh we are pleased with the performance, it is nice to have a two-goal lead. We know the tie is not done and it will be a tough game over there. I think it was not ideal to concede late on, we wanted to take the clean sheet and three goal lead over there. It doesn’t change it much we know we need to go there and score. Dominic SolankeTottenhamCopy linkCopiedBrits looking for epic meetingWith two Premier League sides heading into the Europa League semi-finals, most neutrals would love to see them meet in Spain in the final.While Tottenham take a two-goal lead to Norway, Man Utd won 3-0 in Spain against Athetic Club.It is all set up for an all-English final if everything goes according to plan in the second-legs next week.Copy linkCopiedGaffer has his say on winSpeaking with TNT Sports, Postecoglou shared his thoughts:Yeh look I thought in terms of performance, I could not ask anymore from the lads. We were dominant, I don’t think the scoreline reflects that. All you can ask from a first leg is that you get yourselves into a good position and I think we have done that. It just the way of our season but nothing too serious with the injuries. We decided to take them off as more of safety measure. Ange PostecoglouTottenhamCopy linkCopiedA game of fine margins Tottenham almost put in the perfect display this evening.Scoring after only 40 seconds, they never looked back and seemed in total control of this game.However, Bodo/Glimt’s first shot on target in the match took a big deflection off Bentancur to take it past Vicario in the Spurs’ goal.That now means this is a completely different tie when Postecoglou’s side head to Norway next week.Credit: ReutersCredit: AFPCopy linkCopiedScorer gives thoughts on gameSpeaking with TNT Sports after the game, Johnson spoke about his side’s performance:Yeh we are pleased, I think before the game if you had offered us a two-goal cushion we would have taken it. Disappointed to concede towards the end but this is how it goes. We knew we had to be onto them straight away and getting the early goal we did just that. Brennan JohnsonTottenhamCopy linkCopiedFT: Tottenham 3-1 Bodo-GlimtThat deflected goal for the visitors has completely changed the mood in North London.With Bodo/Glimt having such a good home record, this one really hangs in the balance.Spurs still have a lot of work to do in Norway next week.Copy linkCopiedView from SunSport’s Dan King in North LondonSuddenly – and unnecessarily – next week looks interesting. Bodo fans are bouncing  and singing. Spurs  paid the price for taking the foot off the gas and not going in for the kill. The visitors’ first bit of decent play in and around the Tottenham box brought a goal for stand-in captain Ulrik Saltnes. Suspended skipper Patrick Berg and midfield partner Hakon Evjen will be back for the return, in which the Norwegians now have a glimmer of hope. It would be criminal if Spurs found a way not to reach the final. Yet Bodo have a formidable home record on their artificial pitch. Dejan Kulusevski missed a later chance and what should have been an unequivocally positive night for Tottenham had the shine taken off it.Copy linkCopiedFT: Tottenham 3-1 Bodo-GlimtThe referee brings this first-leg to a close.A comfortable win for Spurs in front of their own fans.That consolation goal gives the visitors hope in this tie however.Copy linkCopiedTottenham 3-1 Bodo-Glimt90+4. Kulusevski forces a late corner for Spurs.Porro whips it in but Gundersen is first to it once again.He has dominated the aerial duels in this second-half.Copy linkCopiedTottenham 3-1 Bodo-Glimt90+2. It all seems a little nervy in the Tottenham Hotspurs Stadium.Losing Maddison and Solanke has made a big difference the spine of this team. Bodo/Glimt are growing in confidence here.Copy linkCopiedTottenham 3-1 Bodo-Glimt90. A lot of Tottenham fans are making their way to the exits.It always make you wonder with these types of fans, top-flight football is known for its dramatic finishes.They are about to miss five added minutes in the capital.Copy linkCopiedTottenham 3-1 Bodo-Glimt88. Porro looks to whip a cross in from out wide but it takes a deflection behind for a corner.What Totenham would give for another goal now.On this occasion Gundersen heads clear for the visitors.Credit: AFPCopy linkCopiedTottenham 3-1 Bodo-Glimt86. The Norwegians have a great record at home in this competition this season, having won all their games by two goals or more.As a result of that goal from Saltnes, this tie is back in the balance.Stick or twist time for Bodo/Glimt now.Copy linkCopiedTottenham 3-1 Bodo-Glimt84. Bodo/Glimt score from their first shot on target.The effort from Saltnes took a big deflection off Bentancur to take it up over Vicario.If they could get another goal this would be seen as a decent result away from home.Copy linkCopiedGoal – Ulrik Saltnes (Bodo/Glimt)Copy linkCopiedTottenham 3-0 Bodo-Glimt82. The Norwegians are looking a little punch-drunk here.In all their games in the competition so far, they have always been competitive.That has not been the case so far in North London.Copy linkCopiedTottenham 3-0 Bodo-Glimt80. What a night this could be in the Europa League semi-finals.Both English teams three-nil, up from their first-legs.Kulusevski has some time and space in the box but he shoots early and it deflects behind for a corner.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedTottenham 3-0 Bodo-Glimt78. Tottenham will be worried about the injuries to Solanke and Maddison.With Bergvall sat on the sidelines with a boot on, they do not need any more concerns on that front.Udogie gets down the left and tries to shoot from an impossible angle, much to the dismay of Johnson in the middle.Copy linkCopied More

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      Xavi new favourite to replace Ange Postecoglou as Tottenham tipped to make stunning swoop for ex-Barcelona manager

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      BARCELONA legend Xavi is the new favourite to replace Ange Postecoglou at Tottenham should he leave at the end of this season. Postecoglou, 59, has spoken of feeling like he is in “parallel worlds” as Spurs simultaneously sit 16th in the Premier League whilst also being in the final four of the Europa League.Barcelona legend Xavi is the new favourite to take over from Ange PostecoglouCredit: GettyPostecoglou could be relying on Europa League glory to save his jobCredit: RexBut, despite the prospect of European glory, their terrible form domestically has caused many Spurs fans to call for him to be sacked.Postecoglou’s side face Bodo/Glimt in their semi-final first leg tonight and have the chance to win a first trophy since the League Cup in 2008.With the prospect of a ‘back door’ route into the Champions League, this competition is a lifeline for Postecoglou to save his job.However, it would not be a surprise if he were to leave anyway come the end of this season after a tumultuous campaign.Read more footballThere are a substantial list of potential suitors if Postecoglou gets the boot including Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola (6/1) and Fulham’s Marco Silva (6/1) who have both enjoyed successful seasons.Brentford manager Thomas Frank is also short in the market at 5/1 after yet another impressive season in west London. But the former Barcelona boss Xavi, 45,  has had his odds slashed with BetVictor into 2/1 from 33/1 to be appointed.Former Spurs manager Mauricio Pochettino is second favourite at 11/4 to return to the club after being sacked in 2019, the season after he took Spurs to a Champions League final.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBut Pochettino only took over the USA national team last year and will be hoping to lead them into a home World Cup next summer.Xavi won four Champions League titles and eight La Liga crowns as a player with Barcelona and returned to the club as a manager in 2021. Tottenham fans fume at Spurs flops as Ange Postecoglou ‘stays out firing line’ after GOADING them during loss at ChelseaMauricio Pochettino is currently in charge of the USA national team but could be tempted by a returnCredit: ReutersAfter retiring as a player in 2019, Xavi managed Al Saad in the Qatar Stars League before his move back to his boyhood club.He guided Barcelona to a league title in 2022-23, but was sacked by the Catalan giants in 2023 following a disappointing run of results.  More

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      Ruben Amorim warns Man Utd fans that winning Europa League would be ‘nothing more than a shortcut’ after horror season

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      RUBEN AMORIM has admitted Manchester United’s horror season can’t be saved – even if they lift the Europa League.But the under-fire Red Devils boss reckons Euro glory could spark a major shake-up at Old Trafford.Ruben Amorim has struggled to have an instant impact in the leagueUnited scraped through against Lyon, sparking wild celebrations at Old TraffordCredit: GettyUnited sit at a disappointing 14th in the Premier League, with just 39 points from 34 games. But winning the Europa League would book them a golden ticket back to the Champions League.Speaking ahead of Thursday’s semi-final first leg away at Athletic Club, Amorim said: “Everybody knows it’s really important. “It won’t save our season, but it can be huge.”READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe former Sporting Lisbon boss pulled off a miracle comeback in the last round with United netting twice in the final minute of extra-time to knock out Lyon 7-6 on aggregate.But Amorim, who replaced Erik ten Hag in November, is under no illusions that winning a trophy will fix their season. He added: “Lifting a trophy won’t fix our problems. “It gets us Champions League cash and games , but we need better decisions, better recruitment and to win the fans back with consistency.Most read in Europa LeagueBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK“This is just a shortcut- nothing more.”Injury-hit United will again be without Amad Diallo and Matthijs de Ligt, who are both back in training but not match-fit.Ruben Amorim responds to question about dropping Andre Onana after disasterclass against LyonAthletic are also missing top scorer Oihan Sancet.Elsewhere, Tottenham take on Norwegian side Bodo/Glimt in the other semi. Both English sides are languishing domestically with Spurs 16th, two points behind United.Critics say it’s unfair that teams with shocking league form could still land a Champions League place through Europe.But Amorim hit back: “Those are the rules. Maybe it’s not fair, but that’s football. We’ll fight for our chance.”The final takes place in Bilbao on May 21.Man Utd player ratings vs BournemouthBy Katherine WalshMANCHESTER UNITED managed to secure a 1-1 draw against 10-man Bournemouth in the sixth minute of injury time.Rasmus Hojlund’s last-gasp equaliser leaves United 14th in the Prem, after Evanilson was sent off for serious foul play with 20 minutes to go.Man Utd target Antoine Semenyo fired the home side into the lead with a thunderbolt opener, after a calamity of mistakes while playing out from the back.Yet United somewhat responded well, mainly through Alejandro Garnacho’s flurry of chances.So was the Argentine the star player for Man Utd? Check out how the players rated. More

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      How Athletic Bilbao built squad for less than the price of Man Utd’s Andre Onana with unique transfer policy

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      ATHLETIC BILBAO will be hoping their unique transfer policy will pay dividends when they face Manchester United.The LaLiga side take on the Red Devils in the Europa League semi-finals with the first leg in Spain on Thursday.Athletic Bilbao have a unique transfer policyCredit: GettyBasque-born Nico Williams (left) and his brother Inaki are Athletic Bilbao’s poster boysCredit: AFP
      The team cost less than Andre Onana’s potential feeCredit: PABilbao are unlike most clubs in world football with a self-imposed transfer limitation.The current team has been assembled for less than the £47.2million that Man United could end up paying for Andre Onana.Ernesto Valverde’s squad only has five players who have been paid for in transfer deals totalling just £46.1m.They are Yuri Berchiche (£21m), Oscar de Marcos (£255,000), Alex Berenguer (£9.5m), Alvaro Djalo (£12.8m) and Maroan Sannadi (£2.55m).READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe remainder of the squad came through the youth academy or have been free transfers.With the likes of Oihan Sancet, Inaki Williams and his brother Nico in the mix, they have assembled a top squad.The Basque Country where Bilbao is located has a population of 2.2million – a quarter of the size of London – and has a low number of immigrants.Despite this relatively small pool and limited transfer strategy, the club has enjoyed success.Most read in Europa LeagueJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSBilbao have won EIGHT LaLiga titles – which is only less than Real Madrid (36), Barcelona (27) and Atletico Madrid (11).They also have six more league titles than Basque rivals Real Sociedad.Man Utd legend, 61, set to take charge of National League side as he says ‘it wouldn’t be beneath me’Oihan Sancet is one of the stars at BilbaoCredit: RexYuri Berchiche cost the club £21m in 2018Credit: GettyThe club have also won TWENTY-FOUR Copa del Rey titles with their last success coming in 2024.They have never won a European honour and will be hoping to achieve that this season by getting past Manchester United.What is Athletic Bilbao’s transfer policy?The club has instilled a “Basque-only” policy, which means not just any footballer can play for the club.The San Mames outfit has stated that every one of their players has to either been born or raised in the Basque Country.Another statement reads: “As an institution, Athletic Club and all its supporters are characterised by a steadfast belief in a set of values which are becoming increasingly uncommon in football and 21st century sport.”Athletic Club takes pride in its own and has a philosophy and way of seeing football that is unique in the world of football.”This ideal is fully reflected in its policy of promoting academy players.”Athletic Club is based in Bilbao, a city situated in Biscay, a province which makes up part of the Basque Country.”The club’s sporting philosophy is governed by a code which states that Athletic Club may only field players who have come through its own academy or the academies of other clubs in the Basque Country, or players who were born in the following territories which constitute the Basque Country: Biscay, Gipuzkoa, Alava, Navarre, Labourd, Soule and Lower Navarre.”Why do Athletic Bilbao only sign players from the Basque region?The rule was introduced in 1911 after a dispute between Bilbao and fellow Basque-based side Real Sociedad.Bilbao had fielded ineligible players from England as well as some non-Basque players in a Copa del Rey match.The Spanish FA ruled that players must be Spanish citizens to appear in the competition from the following season.Bilbao opted to maintain the approach even when regulations were later relaxed. A statement on the club website reads: “During the Copa tournament held at Jolaseta in April 1911, several of the participating teams denounced Athletic for improperly fielding foreigners.”From then on, Athletic Club would compete only with home-grown players, thus giving birth to the philosophy that today distinguishes it from any other team in elite football.”The policy makes the club prioritise the signings of players who were born in the Basque Country.The region is in the north of Spain and borders France on the western coast.The policy was implemented in order to preserve the unique culture and identity of the region.Have Athletic Bilbao ever signed non-Basque players?The club states that every player since the start of the rule has been born in the Basque Country or raised there.However, some players who have turned out for the club have sparked debate.Former Manchester City star Aymeric Laporte became the first Frenchman to graduate from the club’s youth system in 2012.He was only connected to the Basque Country via his great-grandparents.France star Antoine Griezmann has been a controversial one as he was developed by Basque-based Real Sociedad.He arrived at the club at the age of 14 with the likes of Bilbao’s academy director, Jose Maria Amorrortu, believing that he would qualify.However, some argue that he is ineligible, like adults who have been transferred in by Sociedad.Do Athletic Bilbao managers have to be Basque and have they had non-Basque managers?There are some exceptions to the rule as the club’s coaching staff does not need to be Basque.The club has had managers from England, Germany, France, Argentina and Hungary.Read More on The SunEnglish managers of Bilbao have included Henry John Bagge, William Garbutt, Ralph Kirby, Ronnie Allen and Howard Kendall.The most recent manager who was not even Spanish was Argentine Eduardo Berizzo for 15 matches in 2018.Join SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old Trafford More