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      Fans poke fun at ‘best team in Europe’ Arsenal as they are 12th in Uefa’s rankings behind MAN UTD

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      FANS are laughing at Arsenal after the Uefa rankings put them behind Manchester United.The Gunners fell short of silverware for the third season in a row while the Red Devils had their worst campaign in modern history.Arsenal sit 12th in Uefa’s coefficient league tableCredit: Shutterstock EditorialDespite a poor season, Man Utd remain ahead of themCredit: GettyAfter crashing out the Champions League to eventual winners PSG, Mikel Arteta claimed his team are the “best in Europe”.But the coefficient league table disagrees and even has Arsenal below crisis club United.The rankings take into account each side’s performance in the Champions, Europa and Conference Leagues over the last five years and it is used for seeding.Arsenal sit 12th overall with 98 points and Man Utd are 11th on 102.5.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe North Londoners’ run to the Champions League semi-final this season earned them 36 points.But their score has been hindered by not appearing on the continent in 2020/21 and losing in the Europa League last-16 to Sporting Lisbon the following year.While United’s performances across the five-year period have been more steady, featuring in every season.Despite victories in the Europa being less valuable than the Champions League, two runner-up finishes and a run to quarter-final is enough to prop them up just above Arsenal.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSAnd fans have mocked the Gunners, with one saying: “As if the best team in Europe isn’t even ranked top ten.”Another laughed: “Chelsea is still ahead of Arsenal despite not playing Champions League for two seasons.”Jamie Carragher in huge row with Gary Neville over Arsenal title prediction and striker claimA third commented: “This can’t be right, the best club in the world Arsenal are not there. They have been telling me all year they are the best the world has ever seen. Forget the trophies.”The updated rankings have Real Madrid out on top on 143.5, narrowly ahead of Manchester City’s 137.75.PSG’s Champions League victory earned them 33.5 and rockets them to fifth.Chelsea got 30 from their Conference League glory and they can still count upon the 33 from Champions League success under Thomas Tuchel four years ago.Outside the top spots – Tottenham are 27th, West Ham sit 29th and Aston Villa place 46th.Join SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from The Emirates More

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      Tottenham speaking to other managers about replacing Ange Postecoglou with D-Day this week

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      TOTTENHAM are speaking to other managers about replacing Ange Postecoglou.But the Europa League-winning Aussie remains in the dark if the North Londoners will actually sack him or not.Ange Postecoglou won Tottenham’s first trophy in 17 yearsCredit: AFPDaniel Levy is leaning towards sacking Ange PostecoglouCredit: GettyBrentford manager Thomas Frank is on the list of TottenhamCredit: ReutersSpurs chairman Daniel Levy is still weighing up whether to axe Postecoglou or keep him on after the 59-year-old ended the club’s 17-year trophy drought with glory in Bilbao earlier this month.SunSport understands it is more likely a change in the dugout is made, with a decision expected this week, but it is not a foregone conclusion yet.The representatives of a number of possible successors are believed to have been contacted in the meantime.Brentford boss Thomas Frank and Fulham chief Marco Silva are among those Spurs are considering.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL Crystal Palace’s FA Cup winning hero Oliver Glasner has been a target but the German says he is “99 per cent” certain to be staying with the Eagles.While SunSport understands there has been interest in Champions League runner-up Simone Inzaghi of Inter Milan.Postecoglou has been made to wait on his future as he and a number of Spurs staff went on holiday last week.That was despite him clinching the club’s first piece of silverware since the League Cup in 2008 with victory over Manchester United in Spain in the Europa League final almost a fortnight ago.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKThe triumph meant ex-Celtic chief Postecoglou kept up his record of winning a trophy in the second season in every managerial job he has ever had where he has lasted that long.Spurs are set for a summer of change at executive level whether Postecoglou stays or goes.Ex-Arsenal CEO Vinai Venkatesham is coming in as chief executive, with chief football officer Scott Munn heading out the door.Former managing director of football Fabio Paratici is set to return once his two-and-a-half-year ban for financial malpractice at Juventus is over at the end of this month. More

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      How many European trophies have Chelsea won?

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      CHELSEA have beaten Real Betis in the Conference League final – and in doing so created European football history!The West Londoners defeated the La Liga side 4-1 after Cole Palmer inspired a second-half fightback.Chelsea won the Champions League for the second time in 2021Credit: GettyWhat European trophies have Chelsea won?Chelsea have won nine European titles – making them the second most successful English team.And now the Blues have added the newly-formed Conference League trophy to their cabinet – it means they have become the first team to have won ALL of Europe’s majors in their history.CHELSEA VS REAL BETIS LIVE – LATEST REACTIONChelsea won Europe’s elite competition, the Champions League, twice – in 2012 and in 2021.And the Blues won their second Europa League in 2019Credit: GettyThey also won the Europa League twice – in 2013 and 2019.The now defunct Cup Winners’ Cup was won in 1971 and 1998.And the UEFA Super Cup in 1998 and 2021.Only Liverpool have won more European titles for an English team with 13.Most read in Football More

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      Meet the Conference League final WAGs as Chelsea take on Real Betis…from Spain’s Posh & Becks to beauty with unusual job

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      THOUSANDS of football fans have descended on Wraclow, Poland for tonight’s hotly anticipated Europa Conference League final.Chelsea will take on Spanish side Real Betis – and the players will, of course, be cheered on from the stands by their devoted WAGs.Connie Grace will be there to cheer on Cole Palmer in the finalCredit: Instagram/conniegrace_She and the football ace have been Instagram official since last yearCredit: Instagram/conniegrace_Cole met Connie Grace at school but the pair didn’t start dating until recentlyCredit: SplashIt may be the third tier of continental football in Europe, behind the second tier Europa League and the first tier Champions League, but that doesn’t mean the glamour is any less dazzling – with the teams’ wives and girlfriends including a movie star.And the women certainly boast brains as well as beauty, with a law graduate, tax expert and entrepreneur amid their ranks.Here we take a look at the WAGs who are building up a fan base of their own.CHELSEACole Palmer and Connie GraceLike Cole, 22-year-old Connie hails from Manchester, where she runs a nail salon.READ MORE SPORT FEATURESShe has built up an impressive social media following thanks to posts showcasing her stunning figure on sun-kissed trips to Jamaica, Ibiza and Dubai.The cute couple have known each other since they were 17, but romance appears to have blossomed last summer when they were spotted together on a luxury boat in Ibiza after flying to the island on a private jet.They finally went Insta-official in November at the GQ Men of the Year awards where she dazzled with the Blues midfielder in a daring cut-out dress.In the documentary England’s Lions: A New Generation, blonde Connie opened up about their relationship, saying: “We met when we were 17. I think he knew me through mutual friends so I think he probably had his eye on me.Most read in Europa LeagueShe added: “Oh, he’s warm and cuddly. Well, with me, hopefully with no one else.”She later explained that fame hasn’t changed her partner, adding: “Cole now is still the same Cole that I met when I was 17. Obviously, he’s changed, he’s grown up, and his life now is completely different, but he’s still the same boy, he’s still laid-back Cole.”Marc Cucurella and Claudia RodriguezHarry Maguire’s wife Fern leads Man Utd Wags flocking to Bilbao for Europa League final with TottenhamClaudia often take the kids to see their dad play in matches around the worldCredit: Instagram/_claurodriCucurella met Claudia in 2018 and the couple have married and welcomed three childrenCredit: Instagram/_claurodriCucurella and Claudia’s love story began in 2018 in Barcelona when the left-back played for the Catalans.The defender and model Claudia now share three children – Mateo, Rio and Bella – and she has recently opened up to fans about Mateo’s autism diagnosis.Stunning Claudia, 25, allowed cameras into their family home as part of the TV show Married to the Game, and said: “We saw something different about Mateo when he was small, about 13 months old, but it was a long process to get the diagnosis. When he was smaller it was easier but now he’s growing up, it’s more difficult.“When we moved to Chelsea, we started him at school and he was very upset, and we didn’t know the solution. You have to find it yourself, and you feel very bad because you are not prepared for it.”Despite the family’s struggles, Claudia maintains a positive outlook and regularly posts glam pictures and snapshots of their daily lives on Instagram where she has amassed more than 130,000 followers.Filip Jorgensen and Noemie RomeeNoemie worked for the Ministry of Finance in HollandCredit: Instagram / @filipjorgensen1She moved to London with her goalkeeper Beau in 2024Credit: Instagram / @filipjorgensen1Stunning Noemie joined goalkeeper Filip in London when he signed for the Blues last year.Before that the stunning brunette worked in the tax department of the Ministry of Finance in Holland, and it is not known if she has kept on that role.But the hard-working young couple certainly know how to play hard too, regularly sharing posts on social media of their travels, trips to theme parks and their pet Pomeranian dog.Noemie is also Filip’s biggest fan, posting videos of herself wearing a Chelsea shirt with his name emblazoned across the back. In one of her posts she gushed: “You have my heart Filip Jorgensen”.Reece James and Mia McClenaghanStunning Mia has a law degree from Royal HollowayCredit: Instagram/miamcclenaghanThe couple went public with their relationship in 2020Credit: Instagram/miamcclenaghanStunning blonde Mia is not just a pretty face – she studied law at Royal Holloway, University of London, and graduated in 2021.She then went on to advise prisoners at HMP Coldingley about family matters.Away from her legal career Mia has been dating Chelsea captain Reece for years, and they made their relationship public in November 2020 when James, 25, posted a picture with Mia on her birthday, calling her his “best friend”. Since then they’ve shared glimpses of their life together, including celebrating milestones and luxury holidays.But Essex-born Mia recently decided to step away from the spotlight, making her social media profiles private.REAL BETISIsco Alcaron and Sara SalamoSara has over a million Instagram followers and appeared on hit TV showsCredit: Instagram/sarasalamoThe couple opted to have a secret wedding ceremony after years togetherCredit: Instagram/sarasalamoThe Real Betis star and his wife have been dubbed the Spanish ‘Posh and Becks’. Sara, 33, is a leading Spanish actress with more than 35 film and TV credits to her name.Her popularity from hit shows El Favor, Stories to Stay Awake, The Year of Fury and Drug Squad: Costa del Sol has won her almost a million Instagram followers.The couple have been together since 2017, but finally tied the knot last year in a secret ceremony.Posting incredible snaps from their fairytale wedding, Tenerife-born Sara wrote: “Seven years, three children, four dogs… And a few days ago we said that we love each other again in front of the altar.”Stunning Sara regularly posts pictures detailing her incredible career on social media, but also gushing comments supporting her husband in his football.Antony and Rosilene SilvaRosilene is regularly seen at football games supporting her boyfriendCredit: Instagram/rosiilenny_The couple are childhood sweethearts who met as children in BrazilCredit: Instagram/rosiilenny_Manchester United star Antony has had a career renaissance since going on loan to Real Betis last season, after being frozen out by the Red Devils manager Ruben Amorim.In the run-up to this week’s final, he broke down as he detailed his struggles at Old Trafford where he was so unhappy he went for days without eating.But no doubt his loyal WAG Rosilene Silva was there to provide support. The couple were childhood sweethearts who met during their school days in Sao Paolo, Brazil. In 2019 Rosilene and Antony welcomed a baby boy named Lorenzo. And last year the couple added a baby girl, Lavinne, to their brood.The mum-of-two regularly shares photos enjoying days out with their young family on social media, with both parents besotted with their babies.And her posts documenting their glamorous lives have earned her an impressive 112k followers on Instagram.Pablo Fornals and Tania Lara VelascoTania and Marin have a two sons together, one born before their marriageCredit: Instagram/tannialvThe couple regularly enjoy luxury holidays abroadCredit: Instagram/tannialvMidfielder Fornals married Tania in their native Spain in 2023, just 48 hours after helping his former club West Ham lift the Europa Conference League trophy. Before the big day, Fornals took to Instagram to post a short message joking: “Best week of my life for sure. No worries my love, I’ll be there.”The couple, who already had one son, Martin, recently welcomed their second son Mateo into the world, with Tania posting a loving picture on social media captioned: “Welcome to the world little prince. You have arrived to complete us. Seeing you and your brother together is the most beautiful thing our eyes have ever seen.”The family returned to Spain when Fornals moved to Real Betis in 2024.With her model looks, Tania regularly posts about their family life along with breathtaking snaps of luxury holidays to Thailand, the Maldives and Paris.Johnny Cardoso and Lela ObinoStunning Lela is often seen on trips abroad to places like ParisCredit: Instagram/lelaobinoHer boyfriend Johnny hails from New Jersey in the United StatesCredit: Instagram/lelaobinoAmerican midfielder Johnny joined Real Betis in December 2023 and prefers to let his football do the talking, keeping his private life under wraps.But his Instagram posts reveal his long-term love is Lela Obino.Blonde Lela has almost 35k Instagram followers herself and regularly posts snapshots of the couple’s glamorous lifestyle including a city break to Paris, a ski trip to the French alps, and beach holidays in Portugal, Marbella and Greece.Read More on The SunAnd she likes to keep super-active, sharing pictures of her practising yoga, skate-boarding and water-skiing.It isn’t known what Lela does for a career, but with her stunning good looks and burgeoning social media followers, she could soon be counted amongst the ranks of WAG influencers. 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      ‘Not allowed to do much’ – Amorim gives bad news to Man Utd fans hoping for huge transfer window as he reveals plan

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      RUBEN AMORIM says cash-strapped Manchester United must operate with a smaller squad after failing to qualify for the Champions League.The Red Devils are ready to spend £100million on Wolves forward Matheus Cunha and Ipswich striker Liam Delap, despite finishing 15th in the Prem and losing the Europa League final to Tottenham.Ruben Amorim gave bad news to Manchester United fans hoping for a huge transfer windowMan Utd failed to qualify for Europe and that will have an effect on the transfer windowThat Bilbao defeat by Spurs last Wednesday means there will be no European football on offer at Old Trafford next season and will limit Amorim’s summer transfer activity.The United boss said: “It’s not going to change so much because we have the financial fair play rules.“We are not allowed to do much in this summer, even if we had Champions League, so we are prepared for that.”Despite the Euro exile next term, Amorim will try to improve a squad that arguably delivered the worst season at United since the club were relegated in 1974. Read More on Man UtdYet the latest manager given the seemingly impossible job of restoring the club to its Sir Alex Ferguson glory era claims that a year outside Europe’s elite might be a blessing in disguise.Amorim added: “I have to say that for us not to be in the Champions League could be an advantage to perform better, to prepare better for the games, to build that work that we need for the future.“Without Champions League, we don’t need a big squad, we can control the squad in a better way. Then we have a plan to bring some new players.“But our big plan is to improve the team we have, to improve our academy, because I think that is the future. It was the past, so can be the future.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSUnited’s golden eras were built on the Busby Babes and the Class of 92, which featured academy graduates such as Paul Scholes, David Beckham Nicky Butt and the Neville brothers, Gary and Phil. Amorim had a reputation at Braga and Sporting Lisbon for identifying young players with the qualities to thrive in the first team and giving them their chance.Roy Keane smirks live on TV before responding to Ruben Amorim’s claim that the ‘good days are coming’ for Man UtdBut the Portuguese head coach recognises the dangers of too much, too young, especially at a club like United.Amorim said: “One of the issues with youngsters is sometimes we push too much from the beginning.“You have social media, all this pressure around young kids.“I believe in all of them and you have surprises.“This is a massive club, that is a big question in our club, putting our young kids on the pedestal and that is an important thing to change because we need to control that.”Amorim did not want to name names but Kobbie Mainoo has gone from being the great midfield hope of United and England last season to a bit-part player in the latest disastrous campaign.Focused on next seasonThe United boss himself cannot wait to put the terrible start to his Old Trafford reign behind him and focus on the new campaign.But first he must steer the team through their post-season, money-spinning mini-tour of the Far East.Amorim, speaking ahead of the friendly against ASEAN All-Stars in Kuala Lumpur, said: “It was important to finish the season, we needed to close that chapter.“It’s not fully behind us. I will rest from that when we finish the tour.“I closed that chapter, I’m excited, I’m nervous, I want to work to the next season.“I don’t have that feeling to disconnect, I don’t need rest.“We have a lot to do during this summer, we have to prepare the team — but when you are Manchester United, people are going to expect us to be at the top.Read More on The Sun“But we have to understand the context. So I don’t want a team to think about a big target.“Just a small target is to win the first game and then we pass to the second game.” More

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      Ange Postecoglou left in dark over Tottenham future and jets off on holiday with no idea whether he still has a job

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      ANGE POSTECOGLOU is being made to wait on his Tottenham future with Daniel Levy not expected to make a decision this week.Chairman Levy is still mulling over whether to back or sack the Aussie, who delivered the North Londoners’ first trophy in 17 years with last week’s Europa League success.Ange Postecoglou is still in the dark about his Tottenham futureCredit: Shutterstock EditorialDaniel Levy is not expected to make a decision this weekCredit: PAPostecoglou, who also oversaw Spurs finishing 17th in the Premier League, is currently on holiday with his family.No meetings are believed to have been held with the 59-year-old before he left and with a number of other staff also jetting off for some post-season R ‘n R, a call on Postecoglou is not anticipated for some time yet.Levy had been of the mind to axe the ex-Celtic chief but the Europa triumph could spark an emotional U-turn.That has been the case for a vast number of supporters who previously wanted a change in the dugout but now are demanding Postecoglou stay after the glory in Bilbao.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFormer Tottenham centre-back Ramon Vega says it is “bizarre” Postecoglou’s future is even being discussed after ending the club’s silverware drought.The Swiss, who won the League Cup with Spurs in 1999, told SunSport: “The question of whether he deserves to stay on is disrespectful. It would be a huge mistake to sack him.“We had managers who were names and potentially more expensive than Ange and they won nothing whatsoever.“I don’t know where these guys (the board) are living, in reality, or cuckoo land?Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS“It’s the board’s responsibility now (to back him). The club was a laughing stock until last week, let’s be honest.“He’s suddenly put Tottenham on the map internationally and finally won a trophy with an unbelievable season with injuries.How Tottenham won the Europa League final v Man United“He has to stay, that’s it. If he’s the person who brought a trophy to the club, why is there even a question? Why do we have to wait for yes or no? That’s it, continue.”Postecoglou urged Spurs to ensure they keep hold of talismanic defender Cristian Romero in his final press conference of the season on Sunday.Romero was key to Spurs’ Europa triumph but has seemed to agitate for a move at times this season, stating publicly his desire to play in La Liga amid interest from Atletico Madrid.Yet the World Cup winner, 27, hinted he could stick around by claiming he had “no doubt that staying together led us to success. We must continue, this is the path” in a social-media post.Former centre-back Vega, 53, reckons it is essential to keep Romero – and believes retaining Postecoglou could be the key to it.The ex-defender, who played for Spurs between 1996 and 2001, added: “Absolutely we need to keep hold of Romero. He’s top notch.“If Ange stays, most likely Romero and all these guys will say ‘Yes I will stay’. If another person comes in, then Romero might say ‘I’m prepared to leave now’.“Ange can convince them to stay. If you have a manager who is respected from top to bottom within the dressing room, you can achieve anything.“This is what the board needs to realise. They have a manager that the players believe in going forward.”Meanwhile, James Maddison is targeting a return from his serious knee injury in time for next season’s kick-off.Read More on The SunThe England midfielder, 28, said: “I’ll have to work over the summer and rest and recover. I’ll be back hopefully for the start of next season. That’s the aim.”Maddison will likely miss much of Spurs’ pre-season match schedule, which they announced on Tuesday will include a friendly against Newcastle in South Korea, though the date and venue are yet to be confirmed.Postecoglou led Spurs to their first trophy in 17 yearsCredit: Getty More

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      Daniel Levy’s Ange Postecoglou dilemma is ultimate head vs heart debate… he simply must think like a Tottenham fan

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      HE wears a chip on one of his shoulders, his heart on his sleeve and a winner’s medal around his neck.Ange Postecoglou is one of the most fascinating men in football and his boss, Daniel Levy, faces a fascinating dilemma over whether to keep him.Daniel Levy (right) has a huge decision to make over Ange Postecoglou’s futureCredit: GettyThe Aussie ended Spurs’ long wait for silverware despite a dismal domestic campaignCredit: AFPWhile Levy rarely attracts sympathy, how on Earth should he weigh up a first trophy in 17 years against 22 defeats in one Premier League season – a record number for any team which has avoided relegation?Before last week’s Europa League final victory over Manchester United, most Tottenham fans wanted Big Ange out.Yet, having celebrated silverware after so long, the majority are now clearly ‘Ange in’.And that swing in opinion shows that Postecoglou called it right with his bold approach to the second half of the season — to prioritise the Europa League and largely toss off the domestic campaign.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe most joyous moments of this season have arrived when Spurs, Newcastle and Crystal Palace all ended long trophy droughts, as well as Aberdeen, north of the border.Because actually winning things – as opposed to finishing as high up a league table as possible – is the essence of sport.The game is about glory, as Danny Blanchflower famously said.‘To Dare Is To Do’ says Tottenham’s club motto.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKAnd the charismatic, prickly Aussie manager recognised both.Big Ange dared to gamble on the singular glory of Bilbao, over the possibility of finishing mid-table rather than 17th. He won.Ange Postecoglou drops huge hint over Tottenham future with incredible mic-drop moment at Europa League paradeEven though last Wednesday’s final was a terrible game between two terrible teams, in which Spurs showed the lesser attacking ambition.And even though winning a knockout competition tends to do little for a manager’s job prospects – just ask Tottenham’s last trophy-winning boss Juande Ramos, or Erik ten Hag and Louis van Gaal at Manchester United.Arsenal have finished second in the Premier League for three consecutive years – which is harder than winning the Europa League but nowhere near as fun. And sport is supposed to be fun.This kind of thinking has become increasingly unfashionable among managers and club owners in recent years. Postecoglou went against the grain and, in doing so, showed himself to be in tune with Tottenham supporters.Tottenham ratings: Bissouma dominates Europa League final as occasion gets to UdogieBRENNAN JOHNSON was Tottenham’s hero as they finally ended their 17-year trophy drought in the Europa League final.Despite being without James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski for the clash in Bilbao, Spurs came up with a massive win against Manchester United.Johnson scored the goal as he helped bundle in from a corner in a tussle with Luke Shaw to send fans into dreamland.But Spurs also owe a huge thanks to Yves Bissouma who was totally dominant in midfield.At the other end, Destiny Udogie struggled to get up to the pace of the match as he was up against Manchester United’s Amad Diallo.Spurs had just three shots, only 27 per cent of the ball, and completed a mere 115 passes over 90 minutes.But it didn’t matter, as United never really looked like finding a leveller to take it to extra time.SunSport’s Henry Tomlinson gave his ratings for the Tottenham players…Just as he has been with his consistently brilliant take-downs of the lunacy of VAR, as well as modern football’s obsession with largely meaningless stats. In an industry polluted by bulls**t, Big Ange is the fumigator.For the gaiety of the nation at large, and certainly for us lot in the footballing media, it is sincerely hoped he remains in post.Postecoglou’s press conference on the eve of the Europa League final was extraordinary theatre.At various points during that 20-minute session, Postecoglou was chippy, charming, angry, funny, bullish, touching, wise, petty, proud and scathing.Which basically meant he was extremely, obviously, human. And while a manager’s performance in media interviews shouldn’t really be important, they are.As Postecoglou pointed out, Spurs have played 60 times this season, which means he conducted 120 rounds of pre-match or post-match interviews.He is the frontman for the club.Levy, like most other Premier League club owners, rarely utters a word in public.Postecoglou can certainly be thin-skinned. When he cupped his ears to fans after Spurs scored a soon-to-be disallowed goal at Chelsea in early April, it was a significant point in turning supporter opinion against him.During that press conference in Bilbao, Postecoglou sounded like a man who knew he was leaving.But the response to the Europa League win — including a turnout for the open-top bus parade which was (probably) visible from the Moon — is making Levy think again and has increased Postecoglou’s confidence that he may be afforded a third season.Would that be the best decision for Spurs’ future?After Tottenham’s hungover players were battered at home by Brighton on Sunday, it feels a difficult case to argue.Tottenham have a huge decision to make after ending a 17-year wait for silverwareCredit: GettySpurs can’t keep finishing 17th and targeting knockout competitions.Not least because, with such a mindset, they might well end up relegated.Tottenham’s league campaign was beyond awful — but then their injury crisis earlier in the campaign was also extreme.Their record when their first-choice keeper and back four — Guglielmo Vicario, Pedro Porro, Micky van de Ven, Cristian Romero and Destiny Udogie — play together is excellent.Tottenham win 62 per cent of games with their preferred backline compared to 38 per cent without.And during his first season, Postecoglou led Spurs to fifth place, despite the loss of their all-time record scorer Harry Kane.Now, Champions League qualification has boosted Tottenham’s finances and their desirability as a destination among potential summer recruits.Levy’s decision will not be easy. It is a classic head-versus-heart dilemma. If Levy votes with his heart, and sticks with Big Ange, he will at least prove to Spurs fans that he has a heart.And that he is a Tottenham fan at heart, before he is a hard-headed businessman.Which might not be a bad starting point.REF’S NO VILLANASTON VILLA’S frustration was understandable after referee Thomas Bramall ruled out Morgan Rogers’ ‘goal’ against Manchester United and Unai Emery’s men missed out on Champions League qualification.But making a formal complaint over the selection of the ‘inexperienced’ Bramall was daft.Experienced refs make mistakes, too.And inexperienced refs only become experienced by refereeing big matches. Also, it was a mistake by the experienced World Cup-winning keeper Emi Martinez, which earned him a red card and played an equally significant role in the Villans’ failure to make the top five.Emi Martinez saw red as Aston Villa missed out on the Champions LeagueCredit: GettyBOXES GENIUSGOALSCORING and broadcasting are two ­difficult crafts to master.Before Gary Lineker, only Jimmy Greaves had been seriously good at both.No ex-footballers were in the running to succeed Lineker as Match of the Day host.And the fact the BBC are replacing him with a rota of three journalists — Mark Chapman, Gabby Logan and Kelly Cates — says much about how he made the show his own over the last 25 years.Whatever your opinions on Lineker’s social-media posts, at least he never stuck to the tiresome belief that those involved in football, should only ever ‘stick to football’.Gary Lineker has signed off after 26 years fronting Match of the DayCredit: PAAMORIM HAMMERINSHORT of sticking them in the stocks and pelting them with rotten fruit, it’s difficult to know how much more public punishment Manchester United’s players can take.The sight of these humiliated flops staring awkwardly at their feet in the Old Trafford centre circle, while Ruben Amorim issued an apology for the club’s  ‘disastrous’ season, was genuinely cringeworthy.And this was swiftly followed by a post-season tour of Asia, to recoup a few million in lost revenues, which knackered players need like a hole in the head.Read More on The SunNobody involved with United really needed Amorim’s David Brent-like apology.They just require things to get significantly better,  very soon. 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      Amorim’s secret flight to Monaco hours after Europa League final revealed as Man Utd boss jetted in for showdown talks

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      RUBEN AMORIM was summoned to Monaco for crunch talks with Manchester United execs – just hours after defeat in the Europa League final.The Portuguese boss watched his flops go down 1-0 to Tottenham in Bilbao last Wednesday. Ruben Amorim was in Monaco for crunch talks on ThursdayCredit: Shutterstock EditorialThe 40-year-old has agreed to stay on as United managerCredit: Shutterstock EditorialAmorim’s side endured a dismal domestic campaign, losing 18 Premier League matches and finishing 16th. The 40-year-old only joined the club last November after the Red Devils parted ways with Erik ten Hag.According to The Athletic, he was summoned to a monthly gathering of United’s executive committee.Amorim jetted to Monaco hours after Wednesday’s loss to fight for his job. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe club’s ownership and executives meet every month, but the manager is not usually required to attend. Following the meeting, Amorim returned to Manchester and the following day told his squad that he would be staying for next season.Amorim admitted prior to Bilbao he would consider quitting Old Trafford if the “board and the fans feel I am not the right guy.”He has now committed his immediate future to the club.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKAnd the former Sporting Lisbon chief had a scathing message to his flops as he addressed fans following Saturday’s 2-0 win over Aston Villa.Amorim said: “First of all, I want to apologise.Champions League places CONFIRMED after Aston Villa VAR controversy as Newcastle have to be saved by Man Utd”It was really disappointing with the team. Secondly, I want to say thank you.”We are very grateful for your support during the season.”I know it was really hard to support us in many games.”But now we have to make a choice or we stay stuck in the past.”Because this season is in the past, it’s over.”We fight each other or we stick together and move forward. “Six months ago, in my first three games in charge, with two victories and one draw, I said to you a storm is coming.”Today, after this disaster season, I want to tell you the good days are coming.”Amorim also apologised to his players, adding: “Sometimes I was not fair but I try always to be honest with you guys.”United are set for a busy summer, with almost EVERY player up for sale.Read More on The SunAmorim has reportedly told Alejandro Garnacho to find a new club when the transfer window reopens.And a deal to bring in Matheus Cunha from Wolves looks to have already been agreed. More