Europa League

Subterms

    More stories

    • 250 Shares72 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘It would be unfair’ – Premier League legend says Man Utd and Tottenham ‘don’t deserve’ to play in Champions League

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED and Tottenham “absolutely” do not deserve to play in the Champions League next season.That is according to an Arsenal legend who insists it would be “unfair” if either United or Spurs win the Europa League this month.Man Utd don’t deserve to play in the Champions League next season, according to a Prem legendThe Arsenal legend makes the same claim about TottenhamEmmanuel Petit believes none of the Premier League clubs deserve to win the Europa LeagueMan Utd and the North Londoners are the absolute favourites to compete in the final on May 21 at San Mames after dominating Athletic Bilbao and Bodo/Glimt respectively in the first leg of the semi-finals.The Red Devils destroyed Bilbao 3-0 in Spain on Thursday and dealt Ernesto Valverde’s side a devastating blow in heir hopes of playing in the final that takes place in their own stadium later this month.And Tottenham defeated Bodo/Glimt 3-1 in London and now need to survive the Norwegian outfit’s artificial pitch that has claimed so many other big names this season.Emmanuel Petit admits the Premier League duo have a massive chance to save their “terrible” season.Read More on Man UtdThe Manchester giants are set for their worst ever Prem finish as they are currently 15th in the table with Spurs below them.But one of them will still advance to next season’s Champions League if they win the Europa League.And Petit, 54, is adamant none of them deserve to be among Europe’s elite next season after their disastrous campaigns.Nevertheless, the ex-Chelsea star wishes both teams luck ahead of their crunch second leg.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSPetit told FastSlots: “Tottenham and Manchester United both have the chance to save terrible seasons in the Europa League, but does either side deserve to play in the Champions League next season?”Absolutely not. Both teams don’t deserve to be among the Champions League teams for the next season. Ange Postecoglou says he will be around ‘for a little bit longer’ after Tottenham victory over Eintracht Frankfurt “I wish the best of luck for Manchester United against Bilbao, but looking at the game against Lyon [in Leg 2 of the quarter-finals], Lyon should’ve finished United off.”Spurs could spring a surprise, but I don’t expect anything from Spurs or Manchester United this season. “To be honest with you, if one of those clubs wins the Europa League, I think that would be unfair.” More

    • 250 Shares66 Views

      in Soccer

      Brentford vs Man Utd LIVE SCORE: Amad strikes after Flekken error as United fight back in closing stages – updates

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED suffered a 4-3 loss at Brentford – despite a late fight back.United played their youngest-ever Prem line-up with an average age of 22, with one eye on next week’s Europa League semi-final against Athletic Bilbao.Kevin Schade was on the double to put the Bees 4-1 up before goals from Alejandro Garnacho and Amad Diallo saw United put on a late comeback.TV/Stream: Not available to watch in the UKBrentford team: Flekken; Kayode, Collins, Van de Berg, Lewis-Potter; Norgaard; Damsgaard, Yarmolyuk; Mbeumo, Wissa, SchadeMan Utd team: Bayindir; De Ligt, Ferdricson, Shaw; Dorgu, Ugarte, Mainoo, Amass; Garnacho, Mount; ObiCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSFollow our live blog below…Amorim praises United kidsRuben Amorim believes the Manchester United future is bright after his young players fought bravely at Brentford.The Portuguese coach made eight changes as he named the third youngest Premier League starting line-up of all time.But despite falling to a 4-3 defeat, the United boss thought there were a lot of positives to take from the display.I liked (the performance of) the young kids. I liked how we controlled the game without many occasions to score. In the first 30 minutes, we struggle with set pieces, but we already knew we didn’t have the height to fight it. In second half we are near the draw and we suffer two goals like we did in the beginning when we suffer one and let it go. We fought, in the end we lost, but there are good things for the future.Ruben AmorimBBCCopy linkCopiedUnited’s youngsters give their allWith an average age of 22 years and 270 days, Manchester United’s starting XI against Brentford was the third-youngest any club has ever sent out for a Premier League match.Ruben Amorim’s team included 20-year-olds Tyler Fredricson, Patrick Dorgu, Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo, 18-year-old Harry Amass, and 17-year-old Chido Obi.Only Middlesbrough against Fulham in May 2006 (20y 181d) and Arsenal versus Portsmouth in May 2009 (22y 237d) have named younger sides.Copy linkCopiedWissa kinda magicYoane Wissa’s fabulous season looks set to go all the way to the end.The Brentford striker has scored in four consecutive Premier League appearances for the very first time following his tap in today.It takes him on to a total of 18 Premier League goals for the campaign, and level with Bryan Mbeumo.Only Ivan Toney with 20 in 2022-23 has ever netting more in a Premier League season for the Bees.Copy linkCopiedMatch stats from the GtechManchester United have lost a Premier League match in which they led for the first time this season. It means all 20 clubs have now done so in the 2024-25 competition.It’s only the third time in a single Premier League campaign that every side has lost at least one game in which they were ahead following 2015-16 and 2020-21.Copy linkCopiedSunday’s Premier League ResultsWith Chelsea still to host champions Liverpool at Stamford Bridge, here’s how today’s games have finished so far:Brentford 4-3 Man UtdBrighton 1-1 NewcastleWest Ham 1-1 TottenhamChelsea v Liverpool (4.30pm)Copy linkCopiedFull time – Brentford 4-3 Man UtdBrentford hold on to win by a scoreline that’s not nearly as exciting as it sounds.Copy linkCopiedBrentford 4-3 Man Utd90+7. Bryan Mbeumo is playing keep ball in the corner.Seconds remain now.Copy linkCopiedBrentford 4-3 Man Utd90+5. Amad Diallo sets up a grandstand finish!With injury time ticking down, the substitute finds room on the right to come inside and get his shot away.The shot takes a nick off Sepp van den Berg, but it shouldn’t be enough to trouble Mark Flekken, let alone beat him.Inexplicably, it sneaks through his legs, into the net, and once again Manchester United will scrap desperately in the final seconds of a contest for a 4-4 draw. Copy linkCopiedWell, well, well…Copy linkCopiedBrentford 4-2 Man Utd90. There will be seven minutes of stoppage time.Is that enough for Manchester United to mount a rescue? Surely not.Copy linkCopiedBrentford 4-2 Man Utd89. Brilliant footwork from Chido Obi inside the area takes him away from three Brentford players and presents his best opportunity of the afternoon.However, as he drills his strike goalwards, Sepp van den Berg throws himself at the shot to block brilliantly.Great football all round.Copy linkCopiedBrentford 4-2 Man Utd87. There’s finally been another goal elsewhere.Having had two penalties overturned by VAR, Newcastle finally get one that sticks; Alexander Isak takes advantage and the Toon are level at Brighton.Copy linkCopiedBrentford 4-2 Man Utd85. In fairness to the travelling Manchester United fans, they haven’t stopped singing all afternoon. It’s been the visiting supporters making all the noise despite the score.Copy linkCopiedBrentford 4-2 Man Utd82. Alejandro Garnacho has another stunner to add to his collection, but I’m not sure he’s going to be too bothered about it.The Argentine tricks his way down the left before cutting inside beyond Bryan Mbeumo and playing a one-two with Christian Eriksen. Receiving the ball back on the half-turn, he moves immediately for goal and lashes one into the far corner from 25 yards.Brilliant!Copy linkCopiedConsolation!Copy linkCopiedBrentford 4-1 Man Utd77. Another change is made by Ruben Amorim for what it’s worth.Victor Lindelof is on for the youngster Tyler Fredricson.Copy linkCopiedBrentford 4-1 Man Utd74. It goes from bad to worse for Manchester United, but for Brentford it gets better and better and better.It’s so simple too with the Bees cutting the visitors apart on the right.A pass is slipped in behind for the excellent Michael Kayode, who draws Altay Bayindir before squaring for Yoane Wissa to roll in.There’s a VAR check while two potential offsides are checked, but the green light is eventually given and Brentford fans can celebrate four home goals against Manchester United once again.Copy linkCopiedIt’s four!Copy linkCopiedBrentford 3-1 Man Utd72. That goal was Schade’s last involvement of the game.The two-goal winger comes off to a rapturous reception from the home fans, and it’s the welcome sight of Rico Henry that replaces him.Copy linkCopiedBrentford 3-1 Man Utd70. Three goals for Brentford, and surely all three points now!Kevin Schade has his second of the game, and it’s a second header for the German too.Manchester United switch off after thinking they have dealt with the Bees’ latest attack.But the home side win back possession, and when Bryan Mbeumo whips a cross over from the right, Schade has peeled away from his marker brilliantly to nod home.Copy linkCopiedWe need to talk about Kevin!Copy linkCopiedPremier League latest scoresThere have been no goals since half-time in the afternoon’s three top-flight fixtures:Brentford 2-1 Man UtdBrighton 1-0 NewcastleWest Ham 1-1 TottenhamCopy linkCopiedBrentford 2-1 Man Utd63. It appears Brentford are now fully prepared to concede possession and do their attacking on the counter.While Thomas Frank’s teams are good at playing without the ball, it seems odd given how threatening they were looking on the front foot.Copy linkCopiedBrentford 2-1 Man Utd60. Eriksen’s arrival has certainly given the visitors a lift. Such is his ability, the United sub is finding space that few others were managing before, and from one on the right, he goes looking for Chido Obi.The cross is teasing but has too much pace on it for the youngster to connect.Copy linkCopiedBrentford 2-1 Man Utd58. The game is opening up a bit now.Van den Berg almost pokes in a Brentford third at one end, only for United to expose their hosts seconds later at the other.Eriksen tries his luck with a shot that is blocked, and then Chido Obi is also denied by some brave defending.Copy linkCopied More

    • 225 Shares119 Views

      in Soccer

      Tottenham coach Ryan Mason wanted by West Brom to become new boss… but Baggies hit by major hurdle

      by

      TOTTENHAM’S Europa League progress is causing problems for West Brom’s bid to land coach Ryan Mason as boss.Highly-rated Mason, 33, is part of Ange Postecoglou’s staff and Spurs’ desperate need to win the competition is his priority.Ryan Mason is wanted by West BromCredit: GettyThe Baggies are willing to wait before deciding on their next manager, but a delay over Mason leaves the door open for other candidates to move into pole position.Tony Mowbray was sacked by West Brom last month after getting only five wins in 18 league games, ending their play-off hopes.The Baggies’ season officially ended on Saturday as the club had to settle for a 9th-placed finish.The club were four points off the top six despite boasting the fifth-best goal difference in the league.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLSpurs have one foot in the Europa League final after they saw off Bodo/Glimt 3-1 in the first leg of their semi-final.It is likely to be an all-English final against Manchester Utd in Bilbao on May 21.Mason, 33, harbours ambitions to be a manager one day – but also is keen to do the right thing by Tottenham.The former midfielder had two stints as interim Spurs boss following the exits of Jose Mourinho in 2021 and then Cristian Stellini, who himself has succeeded Antonio Conte, in 2023.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSOutside of those brief spells as boss, Mason has worked as an assistant manager, technical coach and head of academy coaching at the North London club.Ex-England international Mason was forced to retire as a player in 2018 after a sickening head clash with Chelsea’s Gary Cahill while playing for Hull a year earlier.Moment Graham Potter ‘loses entire West Ham fanbase in 20 seconds’ with shocking Tottenham comments_1His brief spells in charge of Spurs saw him oversee 13 games, winning six, losing six and drawing once – including a 1-0 defeat to Man City in the 2021 Carabao Cup final.Mason had previously been linked with a move to become the Anderlecht manager.In October 2024, it was reported that he held talks with the Belgian club but ultimately stayed put in North London.Ryan Mason’s full record as interim managerHere’s a look at the 13 results managed by Ryan Mason during his two spells as Tottenham’s interim boss…Post MourinhoLeicester 2-4 SpursSpurs 1-2 Aston VillaSpurs 2-0 WolvesLeeds 3-1 SpursSpurs 4-0 Sheffield UnitedMan City 1-0 Spurs (Carabao Cup final)Spurs 2-1 SouthamptonPost ConteLeeds 1-4 SpursSpurs 1-3 BrentfordAston Villa 2-1 SpursSpurs 1-0 Crystal PalaceLiverpool 4-3 SpursSpurs 2-2 Man Utd More

    • 263 Shares92 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd star Casemiro ‘in line for massive pay rise if club win the Europa League giving Ruben Amorim huge headache’

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED ace Casemiro will pocket a HUGE pay rise if Ruben Amorim’s side win the Europa League, reports suggest.And the midfielder’s new wages would see him making the exact same amount as Cristiano Ronaldo during his second stint at Old Trafford.Casemiro will receive a massive pay rise if Manchester United win the Europa LeagueCasemiro would make the same amount as Cristiano Ronaldo during his second stint at Man UtdUnited have switched their attention to the Europa League as it poses as their only hope for Champions League qualification amid an awful season that has seen them slump down to 15th place in the Premier League.According to The Star, however, winning the trophy would bring a major dilemma for Man Utd manager Amorim regarding what to do with Casemiro.The Brazil international has a clause in his contract which guarantees him a staggering 25 per cent raise if the Red Devils return to the Champions League.The ex-Real Madrid star made that agreement with the Manchester giants before moving from Santiago Bernabeu in 2022 at a time when the Prem outfit weren’t in Europe’s elite competition.Read More on Man UtdTherefore, if United win the Europa League on May 21 in Bilbao then Casemiro will see his salary go up by a whopping £100,000 a week.That would see the Brazilian making £500,000 a week, which is exactly the same amount Ronaldo pocketed from 2021 until 2022.That could pose as a problem for Amorim, who’s been asked to slash the wage bill by minority shareholder Sir Jim Ratcliffe.Casemiro has endured an inconsistent three-year spell at Old Trafford but the Portuguese tactician still values him as he managed to regain top form in recent weeks.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe defensive midfielder helped Man Utd destroy Athletic Bilbao with a score of 3-0 in the first leg of the Europa League semi-finals on Thursday at San Mames, which is where the final will take place.Bilbao now have all to do in Thursday’s second leg, therefore United pose as favourites to advance to the final where they could face Premier League foes Tottenham.Rio Ferdinand blasts ‘highly disrespectful’ Jamie Carragher for brutal eight-word assessment of Man Utd star CasemiroBut a triumph in Bilbao, which would see the Red Devils salvaging their dreadful season, will see Casemiro becoming their highest-paid player.And he doesn’t seem keen on leaving before his contract runs out in 2026 as he and his family are happy in Manchester.Therefore, Amorim’s hand may be forced as he also need to raise funds to put together a major squad revamp in search of players that can apply his favoured 3-4-2-1 formation next season. More

    • 238 Shares76 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd ‘axe longest-serving worker after 47 years’ service’ as part of 550 job losses in Ratcliffe’s cost-cutting blitz

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED have axed their longest-serving worker after 47 years as part of the latest wave of job losses at the club, according to reports. The club announced in February that up to 200 MORE jobs would be lost as part of a further cost-cutting initiative started last summer, which saw 250 staff made redundant.Man Utd are set to sack their longest-serving staff memberCredit: GettyIt comes as part of the latest wave of job cuts announced in FebruaryCredit: PAA statement at the time said the cuts were to help “transform” the “corporate structure as part of a series of additional measures to improve the club’s financial sustainability and enhance operational efficiency.”However, the decision to make the club’s longest-serving employee, Marie Marron, redundant has left staff “shaken” at Old Trafford and Carrington.According to The Times, Marron was told in a face-to-face meeting that a decision had been made to relieve her of her duties at the end of the season.It is a decision which is said to have left her “devastated”, having worked for Man Utd since 1978.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut she travelled ahead of the team, as she always has done, for their Europa League semi-final clash against Athletic Bilbao in Spain, which Ruben Amorim’s side won 3-0.Marron originally started out as the personal assistant to the club secretary at the time, Ken Merrett.She eventually became a key figure with first-team logistics, acting as the club liaison to Uefa, the Premier League, the FA and opposing teams before matches. Marron was also the chief co-ordinator for United’s historic Treble in 1999 and was one of five staff specially honoured by club sponsors in 2013 for “exceptional dedication and commitment” to the team.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old TraffordHowever, sources are said to have told the Daily Mail that the decision is provisional and the start of a process.Marron’s long service to the club is only eclipsed by much-loved receptionist, Kath Phipps, who worked at the club for over 55 years before passing away in December.Ruben Amorim blames results on the pitch for Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s brutal Man Utd cuts Other long-serving staff members to be given the boot as part of the brutal cuts include club writer and best-selling author, Wayne Barton, and former comms officer John Allen – SunSport revealed how club captain Bruno Fernandes took Allen out for a meal last month.An annual payment of £2million to legendary former manager, Sir Alex Ferguson, was also among the cuts made by the club.Ineos chairman and minority owner, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, claimed Man Utd would be facing bankruptcy without the cuts, which have also stretched to stripping back staff perks and canteen lunches.A fresh report from France earlier this week claims the British billionaire is willing to listen to offers for Ligue 1 outfit Nice, with Suadi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund – who also own Newcastle – “seriously considering” an offer.SunSport understands that any potential cash raised from a sale of Nice would fall well short of that needed to fund a full Ineos takeover of Man Utd.The petrochemicals company now owns 28.94 per cent of the club after an injection of £79.3m last year, with the much-maligned Glazer family still owning the majority of the shares.With the team on the pitch bringing in the worst season in the club’s Premier League history, United are facing a £100m blackhole if they fail to win the Europa League in Bilbao on May 21.Winning the competition will be worth £50m on its own through Champions League qualification and £25m in gate receipts for four home games in the league phase of the competition.There is also an additional £30m in bonus and prize money if they can reach the last 16, and a £10m bonus they will receive from kit sponsors, Adidas, which is taken away if they do not qualify for Europe’s premier competition.Their likely opponents for the final currently look set to be Tottenham, who have a 3-1 advantage following a home win over Norwegian champions Bodo/Glimt.Read More on The SunThe second legs of the Europa League clashes take place next Thursday, with Spurs travelling to Bodo’s artificial pitch at the Aspmyra Stadion and United taking on Athletic Bilbao at Old Trafford.Fans have already been drawing up travel plans, but it will cost a small fortune for both accommodation and travel following a huge surge in demand and prices.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

    • 275 Shares132 Views

      in Soccer

      How Man Utd and Spurs fans can avoid paying £1,000 a night on hotel for Europa League final in Bilbao including glamping

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED and Tottenham fans are scouring for accommodation in Bilbao with both sides seemingly destined for the Europa League final.It’s set to be an all-English affair in Spain later this month after the Premier League duo took control of their respective semi-finals.Man Utd fans face paying £1,000 for a Europa League final hotelCredit: AlamySpurs fans are also in the same boat with both sides looking destined to meetCredit: RexThe final takes place in Bilbao, where hotel prices have already soaredCredit: GettySpurs beat Bodo/Glimt 3-1 in the first leg at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.While United thrashed Athletic Club 3-0 away from home.And the Red Devils seem certain to return to the Estadio de San Mames in Bilbao for the final on May 21.The showdown between Spurs and United has more than just a trophy at stake, with the winner also booking their spot in next season’s lucrative Champions League.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd fans on both sides know how much of a game-changer that could be, with tens of thousands now looking to snap up accommodation for the big night.However, it will cost an arm and a leg to stay in Bilbao that evening.Hotel prices have soared, with the price of one person in a single room for the night costing a mind-boggling £1,000.But thankfully, there are cheaper alternatives for those hoping to witness the match in person.Most read in Europa LeagueBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSThey definitely do not include staying in an Air Bnb in Bilbao, with prices for a city centre flat costing a whopping £2,300.Instead, supporters hoping to remain as near as possible could have better luck elsewhere.Man Utd and Spurs on course for £100m winner-takes-all Europa League final despite two of their worst seasons everBERMEOLocated 21 miles from Bilbao, Bermeo is a just a 35 minute drive for fans to reach their destination on game day.And Air Bnb flats featuring three beds for one night range from £568 to £714.But a single person travelling may instead fancy their chances in a hotel, with the average cost of one in Bermeo just £100.Bermeo is located in the province of BiscayCredit: GettySAN SEBASTIANMeanwhile, the city of San Sebastian is located 100km away from Bilbao to the east.It would take around 70 minutes to reach the stadium on game day.And a top-rated hotel for one person, staying one night, would cost about £300.But there is a cheap-and-cheerful option for those on a shoestring, with hostels in San Sebastian only costing £34 for a bed in a shared complex.San Sebastian is located to the east of BilbaoCredit: AlamySANTANDERMoving west of Bilbao, the city of Santander offers promising prices too.Located the exact same time and distance away as San Sebastian in the east, a top hotel there costs a bargain £68.While a hostel is dirt cheap at just £22 for one night.Santander is west of where the final will be heldCredit: AlamyGLAMPINGThose fancying some outdoors action could also enjoy a spot of glamping.Known as “glamorous camping”, it provides the feel of sleeping in the wild while also basking in the amenities of every-day life.And one glamping site, located an hour away from Bilbao, has bungalows available for £50 per person, per night.There is yet another option for those who leave it late for their tickets.Those wishing to spend time outdoors can go glampingCredit: GettyBIARRITZThe town of Biarritz is located just over the border in neighbouring France.It is a 1 hour 45 minute drive from Bilbao.But Biarritz boasts plenty of top hotels, as well as peace and quiet from bustling bigger cities.And a night there costs just £90 per person.Read More on The SunCheaper options include glamping in a log cabin, with a six-person berth costing £580.While for those looking to save big time, static caravans can be rented for just £150 — sleeping up to five people.Biarritz is a picturesque town just over the border in FranceCredit: Alamy More

    • 250 Shares73 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘Do you know the rules?’ – Bruno Fernandes gives blunt Spanish interview after red card controversy in Man Utd clash

      by

      BRUNO FERNANDES brutally shut down a Spanish journalist who disagreed with Athletic Bilbao’s red card.Fernandes bluntly explained the rules of the game after guiding his side to a 3-0 win in their Europa League semi-final first leg in the Basque Country.Bruno Fernandes gave a frosty interview after a reporter quizzed him about Athletic Bilbao’s red cardCredit: X @elchiringuitotvAfter a lengthy VAR review, Bilbao centre-back Daniel Vivian was sent off and conceded a penalty for pulling down Rasmus Hojlund in the 35th minute.With United already 1-0 up thanks to Casemiro’s back-post header five minutes before, Fernandes converted the penalty to double their lead under huge pressure from the home support.Fans inside the San Mames were stunned when Vivian was given his marching orders by referee Espen Eskas, who claimed he failed to make an attempt for the ball when denying a clear goal scoring opportunity.This point appeared to be lost on the reporter when questioning Fernandes, who had no issue setting the record straight. READ MORE MAN UTD NEWSThe United playmaker questioned whether the reporter knew the rules of the game in a frosty exchange.The journalist began asking: “What did you think of the referee and whether he might have harmed Athletic Club?”Fernandes quizzed back in Spanish: “Do you think it wasn’t a penalty?”Before the reporter replied: “I think it could be a penalty but not a red card.”Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old TraffordBut that prompted Fernandes to hit back: “Why wasn’t it a red card? Do you know the rules?”If he tries to tackle with his feet it’s a yellow card. If he pushes him or does it with his hands, it has to be a red card.”Bruno Fernandes walks out for Manchester derby with first wheelchair mascot after he saw 7-year-old’s celebration onlineBilbao players were outraged that Alejandro Garnacho had not been pulled up for a handball in the lead up to Vivian’s foul. Striker Inaki Williams said: “There are some plays that raise doubts. “The play before the penalty comes from a handball by Garnacho, which the referee doesn’t see.”Fernandes insisted that he did not see the incident and pointed to a decision United should have got moments before.The 30-year-old star then compared chatter around refereeing between Spain and his native Portugal with England.He said: “I didn’t see it but I think there was also a penalty on Garnacho.”Talking about the referee here, I think it’s a custom in Spain and Portugal.”But I’m in England and my mind has changed a long time ago and I’m not going to do it. “The referees are like us, they make mistakes but I don’t think he made a mistake today.”The comment appeared to upset at least two of the hosts back in the studio.Fernandes made it 3-0 with a composed finish from Manuel Ugarte’s through ball on the brink of half-time.Read More on The SunThe Portugal international is approaching 40 goal contributions this term, having scored 19 goals and provided 18 assists.He already has the most assists in Europa League history, with 18 and his 27 goals are the third most scored in the competition. More

    • 263 Shares76 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd and Tottenham fans facing brutal reality check for Europa League final as hotel rooms soar to £1,000 PER NIGHT

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED and Tottenham fans need to dig deep into their pockets to be at the Europa League final as prices soar.It looks set to be an all-English final in the Spanish city of Bilbao on May 21.It is set to be an all-English Europa League final in BilbaoCredit: ReutersFans face a travel headache trying to get to the Spanish cityCredit: GettyThe cost of flights and hotels for fans have soaredCredit: GettyUnited took a 3-0 lead back to Old Trafford for the semi-final second leg after beating Athletic Club last night.While Spurs saw off Bodo/Glimt 3-1 ahead of going to Norway.Both clubs have one foot in the final and supporters are researching their trips to Bilbao for the showpiece.But with less than three weeks to the game, the prices of hotels and flights have rocketed.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLMany places to stay in the city centre have been booked up already and very few remain under £1,000 per night.All direct flights to Bilbao from London and Manchester across the entire week have sold out.The cheapest option to go the day before the game and leave the day after now involves a stop in Milan – though that will still break the bank at around £350.Fans could potentially fly to cities like Madrid and get a train or coach, or they face gruelling drives across Spain after landing elsewhere.Most read in Europa LeagueJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSUnited and Spurs fans have been left horrified at the costs, with one saying: “Just looked at hotels in Bilbao. Is there any camp sites near by?”Another added: “Good luck booking a hotel in Bilbao for the 21st.”Ruben Amorim will go all out to secure Europa League glory for Man Utd A third wrote: “Literally stuck between I need to get to Bilbao for the final and my bank account disagreeing with the flight paths.”More commented: “Corr flights and hotel priced for Bilbao are crazy for the Europa League final.”Man Utd ratings vs Athletic Bilbao as Fernandes leads by example but Ugarte strugglesMANCHESTER UNITED are on the cusp of a first European final since 2021 after stunning Athletic Club 3-0 in Bilbao.Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes ran the show in Spain to sink one of LaLiga’s meanest defences.Ruben Amorim opted for a bold XI as United faced up to Europe’s best home rearguard.Bilbao had conceded just 11 goals at the Estadio de San Mames all season, with the arena a cauldron of noise in the early stages.But after some half chances for the hosts, the game turned on its head following Casemiro’s opener against the run of play – after Harry Maguire channelled his inner Lamine Yamal.The Brazilian headed United ahead, with Dani Vivian controversially sent off just minutes later for hauling down Rasmus Hojlund in the box.Bruno Fernandes stepped up to roll in the spotkick before adding to the rout on the stroke of half-time, firing past Julen Agirrezabala one-on-one.Bilbao retreated into their own half for the remainder of the game, keeping the score down to three.And United – so dismal for much of this season – are now overwhelming favourites to reach the Europa League final.Here’s how SunSport’s Jim Sheridan rated the Red Devils in Bilbao… More