Tottenham Hotspur face Manchester United in the Europa League final in Bilbao with both clubs hoping to salvage some pride after disappointing campaigns.
After a harrowing experience in the Premier League for both clubs with a combined 39 defeats leaving them 16th and 17th in the table, both sets of supporters will bid to overcome limited travel options to watch the game in the Basque Country.
Ange Postecoglou boldly claimed he “always wins” a trophy in his second year in charge of clubs, while the Red Devils are unbeaten in Europe and have enjoyed a thrilling ride throughout the knockout stages. After victory over Ajax to win this competition in 2017, United fell to Villarreal on penalties in the 2021 final.
And United have not beaten Spurs in their last six matches, with three successive losses, but Ruben Amorim’s side can boost hopes of a successful summer transfer window with victory here.
Follow all the latest team news and updates from chief football writer Miguel Delaney in Bilbao, with both managers and players set to speak ahead of Wednesday’s game:
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Europa League final: Tottenham v Man United
- Tottenham Hotspur face Man United at the San Mames in Europa League final on Wednesday
- Both clubs languish in the bottom half of Premier League; winners in Bilbao will qualify for Champions League 2025/26
- How ‘scandalous’ Europa League final left Tottenham and Manchester United fans scrambling
- Ange Postecoglou insists he is not a 'clown' in fiery exchange with reporter
- Ruben Amorim confirms Diogo Dalot, Joshua Zirkzee and Leny Yoro are all fit to feature
Ange Postecoglou’s ‘clown’ rant was petty - and Tottenham deserve better
18:35
,
Jack Rathborn
It is the eve of Tottenham Hotspur’s biggest game in six years, and one of the biggest in their history, but you wouldn’t have necessarily thought that from the discussion that dominated the pre-match duties. One scene immediately attracted everyone's attention. There was tension and consequently some theatre.
It lamentably had nothing to do with the actual football, although it has an awful lot to do with one of the stories framing this final: Ange Postecoglou's future and his general approach.
The Spurs manager chose the stage to upbraid a journalist over the use of the word “clown" in an article.
Read Miguel Delaney’s full comment on an extraordinary press conference from the Spurs boss:
Manchester United injury updates: Yoro, De Ligt and Dalot latest news and return date before Europa League final
21:45
,
Flo Clifford
The main concern for United is the trio of Leny Yoro, Diogo Dalot, and Mathijs de Ligt, with Amorim stating that the former two are both fit to feature in Bilbao. The Portuguese also said that Joshua Zirkzee, ruled out for the season with a hamstring injury, is also back and fit to play.
Two distinct vibes in the finalists' camps
21:15
,
Flo Clifford
Quite different atmospheres in those two press conferences. The mood was light in the Manchester United camp, with Maguire fielding questions on his status as makeshift striker and Fernandes joking that Amorim is under just as much pressure as Postecoglou.
The Australian himself took umbrage at a journalist’s phrasing in an article and gave an impassioned defence of his and the club’s record.
Maguire 'always happy to help'
21:00
,
Flo Clifford
Harry Maguire is asked about playing as a makeshift striker in previous Europa League games and his contributions up front.
“The manager has me dribbling every day in training up and down the wing. I found myself on the wing against Bilbao and managed to put a good cross in and Casa [Casemiro] scored the goal.
“In the Europa League game before that [the second leg against Lyon in the quarter-finals] the manager asked me to go up front in the later minutes of the game, but hopefully tomorrow night I will not be going up front.
“I don't want to be going up front and chasing the game, I want to be defending a lead from my position in defence. I am always happy to help, but also more than happy to play in my favoured position.”
Fernandes on previous defeats to Tottenham this season
20:51
,
Flo Clifford
“The main thing we have ahead of us is a massive final against a team that we know very well, but in a competition that is very different from the Premier League, so it's going to be a completely different game.”
'Name of this club speaks for itself' - Fernandes
20:41
,
Flo Clifford
Bruno Fernandes is asked about the importance of the Europa League final and what it means for United.
“Every game that you have the chance to win a trophy is very big, but apart from that every game at this club is massive. As the players we just think about what we have ahead of us, and what we have ahead of us is the chance to get our hands on a trophy."
“It won't affect what the past has done to us, but what it can affect is the future. Winning a competition gives you a lot of things. In this case you get a place in the Champions League and a lot of revenue for the club.
“It gets more players wanting to come to the club, but at this club it doesn't change that much in this aspect as every player wants to play for this club.That's a thing that will never change because the name of this club speaks for itself.”
Amorim on his system in last final, in last year's FA Cup
20:30
,
Flo Clifford
“Our system is a normal system that can change the characteristics. It's not about playing with or without a striker.
“It doesn't matter what happened in the last final because it was a different team, competition, context - everything was different.
‘I just focus on the way we play, Tottenham play, what we can do to be better than the last two games, that was my focus, not the last time we won a cup.”
Amorim on pressure he and Postecoglou face
20:21
,
Flo Clifford
Topically, Amorim is asked his reaction to not being under the same kind of pressure as his opposite number Postecoglou at Spurs.
“I know that at this kind of club, also in Tottenham but especially at Manchester United it's strange because you have some coaches here that lose some games and they are sacked - it's hard to explain.
“I think people see what we are trying to do. I think people see that sometimes I am thinking more in the club than in myself. People understand, especially the board understand that we have a lot of issues that in the context is really hard. I don't know how to explain. I will try to prove myself to the fans, board but I don't have an explanation for you.
“We will reach a moment that we have to win no matter what. I don't have an explanation for that.”
You can see here how unimpressed Postecoglou was at some of the coverage of him in his press conference earlier.
'You can be an amazing player and the following week the villain'
20:15
,
Flo Clifford
Harry Maguire is asked about his revival at the club and fighting back into the squad.
“It's amazing to be back in the team and playing regularly. This season I have played a lot of football. I don't take too much notice of the plaudits from the media and things like that. When you play for this club you can be an amazing player and the following week you can be the villain. That's part and parcel of playing for this club.
“I don't read too much into it. I try and stay as level as I can. Every game I go into it and try my best, and that's all you can do.”
'We have bigger things to deal with' - Amorim
20:01
,
Flo Clifford
Amorim is asked about a previous statement that winning the Europa League wouldn’t fix the underlying issues at United, and he reiterates that.
“I think it's hard to speak about it in this moment because we need to be excited and confident but we already know the problems. There are a lot of things we need to change in our club. The way we do everything during the week in Carrington, the recruitment, the academy I think we need to improve.
“It's hard to point one thing. That will not be solved by winning a cup. I will say it again, for me we have bigger things to deal with to put this club back to the top.
“Tomorrow, it will be important for us and our fans that feeling of winning can help us have the strength to do every job we have to do. We have a lot to do in our club, not just winning tomorrow but tomorrow will be massive for us and our fans.”
'Special occasion' - Maguire
19:52
,
Flo Clifford
“I am sure next season we will improve an awful amount, after a full pre-season [with Amorim]. As players we are all looking forward to that but we have got a big game tomorrow night, and that's first and foremost.
“It's a special night, a special occasion - we have prepared well the last few days and it's one that we are looking forward to.”
Season 'a frustration' - Harry Maguire
19:45
,
Flo Clifford
A bit from Harry Maguire now, who responds to a question on United’s rather mixed bag of results this season.
“Of course it is a frustration. When you play for this club you want to win every football match and this season we have been far too inconsistent.
“We haven't won enough, in the Premier League it's not been good enough. Europa League has been different, we have performed at a high level and we have proven that we can beat anybody.”
'When we play our game we can control any game' - Amorim
19:36
,
Flo Clifford
Amorim is asked what advantage United might have from how they’ve approached the game. “The advantage I don't know. I don't know the context of Tottenham. What I know is the last game against Bilbao, we had that game and then we rested some players because we were afraid of some injuries and then we had a full week to prepare for the game and I felt with five days to the final, I felt that the best thing to prepare for the final was to give time to the players to play so I cannot respond from the side of Tottenham.
“For me it was really clear, we need to compete, the best way to prepare something is to compete. I had that feeling and I pushed the players against West Ham in the end of the game and I felt that against Chelsea we showed something and to prove that we when we are focused, when we play our game we can control any game in a any place so it was a good day to compete and prepare the final, that was the idea.”
United 'can have revenues without Champions League' - Amorim
19:27
,
Flo Clifford
Amorim is essentially asked if he and the players’ jobs are at stake if they don’t win, given the penny-pinching at Old Trafford.
“I think it's not the case. We are doing things that we need to do but for example I came from the club that in order to survive and to maintain the players you need to be in the Champions League. This is not the case.
“Our club can have revenues without Champions League. It's a big, massive club with fans around the world. It is a big brand. We just need to be focused and do things in the right way so I don't see it like that. I'm always playing for more than myself. I'm coaching for my players, staff and especially the fans.”
United have a big opportunity - Fernandes
19:21
,
Flo Clifford
“Tomorrow we have a big chance in a competition where our aim at the start of the season was being in Bilbao for the final. Everything we have to focus on is that we have a big game, a big final and a big opportunity,” the United captain continues.
'Everything we are involved in, this club needs to be fighting for' - Fernandes
19:16
,
Flo Clifford
Strong words from Bruno Fernandes, who sets out United’s stall.
“We want to be at the top of everything. Not only the Europa League, not only the Premier League, we want to be at the top of the FA Cup, the Carabao Cup. Everything we are involved, in this club needs to be fighting for.
“Obviously we know it is not always possible to be in the final or winning trophies, but our aim and our goal has to always be to be in until the end of the competitions fighting for the possibility of winning trophies and that's what we want.”
'Nothing is going to change our season' - Amorim
19:09
,
Flo Clifford
Asked about the importance of this game in relation to the rest of their season and whether it could give United “a new future,” Amorim says: “A new future for me I think is not the case, but it's going to help us to finish the season and many people will look at our team in a different way because winning a European title is really important.
“But, again, nothing is going to change our season, everybody knows winning a European title can help us have the feeling that can help us to build a future.”
'Main thing is our club brings the trophy back to Manchester' - Bruno Fernandes
19:02
,
Flo Clifford
Bruno Fernandes is asked about following in the footsteps of United’s five previous captains to lift European silverware, but downplays it.
“The Europa League is everything that is in our minds because we play the final tomorrow. We can be successful in the Europa League.
“Obviously, we know that in the Premier League we haven't been as good as we want, and all the other cups the same because our aim is always to get to the end of the competitions and win the trophies.
“I am not here thinking I am going to be one of the captains lifting the European trophy. Obviously, it's a very good feeling, I'm very proud of it but at the same time for me the main thing is that our club gets to bring the trophy back to Manchester.”
Dalot, Zirkzee and Yoro all fit and in matchday squad
18:51
,
Flo Clifford
Amorim says Leny Yoro, Joshua Zirkzee and Diogo Dalot are all fit and in the squad for the game.
“They [Yoro, Zirkzee and Dalot] recovered quite well, they pushed,” Amorim says of the three returnees. “Of course we respect the feeling of the player but we push a little bit because they want to be part of the team and that is a very good sign and it's very good for us.
“Of course they are limited in the minutes for the game but they can help us win the game.”
Amorim in action
18:43
,
Flo Clifford
Man United manager Ruben Amorim takes a seat alongside captain Bruno Fernandes and Harry Maguire.
Coming up...
18:25
,
Harry Latham-Coyle
We’re expecting Manchester United on deck shortly in Bilbao, manager Ruben Amorim joined by Harry Maguire and Bruno Fernandes to look ahead to the Europa League final. After fireworks from Ange Postecoglou a little earlier, what does his opposite number have in store?
Why ‘shambolic’ Tottenham v Manchester United final is entirely by Uefa’s design
18:15
,
Harry Latham-Coyle
Yes, it’s a final that doesn’t necessarily feel like a final given the lowly states of these two domestically. But that only heightens the importance of this battle in the Basque Country, raising questions over the point of the Europa League. Miguel Delaney has more.
The surprise Ruben Amorim pick that can inspire Manchester United to Europa League glory
18:00
,
Harry Latham-Coyle
One figure who Ruben Amorim has consistently praised in the last few months is Mason Mount, who has overcome injury and could play a key role tomorrow - as Pete Hall explores.
The farcical and fragile moments behind Manchester United’s lucky Europa League run
17:45
,
Harry Latham-Coyle
Manchester United’s own journey to Europa League final hasn’t necessarily been straightforward. Richard Jolly recalls the sometimes fragile, often farcical moments that mattered on the way to the San Mames:
How ‘scandalous’ Europa League final left Tottenham and Manchester United fans scrambling
17:30
,
Harry Latham-Coyle
There are plenty ofTottenham and Manchester United fans already in Bilbao, and a great many more will be arriving in the coming hours. Not that it has been easy to get there, as Miguel Delaney explains.
Ange Postecoglou confirms huge Tottenham injury blow for Europa League final
17:15
,
Mike Jones
Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou has confirmed that Lucas Bergvall will be absent from the Europa League final at a press conference on the eve of the clash with Manchester United.
The midfielder has been missing since the end of April due to a significant ankle ligament injury and missed the semi-final victory over Bodo/Glimt.
He was initially ruled out for the rest of the season but travelled with the Tottenham squad to Bilbao and was seen in training with the team.
Despite hopes of a last minute return, Bergvall lacks match fitness and won’t be involved in the game.
Ange Postecoglou wraps up
17:04
,
Harry Latham-Coyle
That’s all from Ange Postecoglou, who heads out into the San Mames to put the Spurs squad through their paces on match eve. Spiky stuff at times, illuminating at others - can he guide Tottenham to a long-awaited trophy?
Ange Postecoglou insists more work to be done at Tottenham
16:57
,
Harry Latham-Coyle
Ange Postecoglou has batted away a question suggesting he may walk away if Tottenham win the Europa League tomorrow night.
"I don't think my job is done here,” he insisted. “I really feel like we are building something and what a trophy does is hopefully accelerate that.
"I still think there is a lot of work to be done. That is quite obvious with the challenges we've had this year, but I think there is some reasoning in the context of that but also there has been some growth that I would like to see through.
"Whether that happens or not, that's not important right now but I don't think this job is finished. I feel like there is some growth there that we can take this club where it needs to be."
Ange Postecoglou on the importance of Son Heung Min's return
16:43
,
Harry Latham-Coyle
"It's massive to get Sonny back. We were a little bit worried when he picked up the injury because we weren't sure how long he was going to be out for. We were really pleased the other night to see him play 60-70 minutes. You could see his sharpness is coming back.
"He is so important to the group. He is so important as a leader and he is such an important figure at this football club. It's a big motivation and driver for all of us to give him a trophy that his career deserves.
"He is a guy that has come from the other side of the world. Not many guys have come from Asia and stayed in the Premier League - the top league in the world - for so long, maintaining that excellence. It would be great to cap that off with a trophy for him.
"He knows and we all know that we still have to do the work. He has been in this position before with the Champions League final so he has had that experience and I am sure he will pass that on to the players."
Ange Postecoglou insists his focus is on the final, not his future
16:29
,
Harry Latham-Coyle
"It doesn't matter really,” Postecoglou stresses when asked over speculation around his future. “The reality of it is, the opportunity is the same. For me and more importantly for the club.
"Whatever happens beyond tomorrow is irrelevant when you think about the opportunity that exists right now and that is to provide something special for this football club, its supporters and everyone that has worked so hard for a trophy.
"If I was worried about my tenure at this football club, it's fair to say we wouldn't be in this position because I would have been distracted long ago.
"I'm pretty good at ensuring my focus is on giving this football club its best opportunity that it has had for a while to do something special.
"Whatever happens after that, I'm very comfortable that I will continue trying to win trophies wherever I am."
Confidence or pressure?
16:23
,
Mike Jones
Are Spurs more confident having beaten Manchester United three times already this season?
"It's a final and those kind of things aren't important. What I do know is, even your form going into it, even if you're in terrible form - it doesn't matter.
“What matters is how the players cope with the occasion, how they cope with understanding the importance of the game - from both clubs.
“You just don't know how players will react to such a big occasion.”
Ange Postecoglou: 'I'm not a clown'
16:19
,
Mike Jones
Ange Postecoglou has hit back at a reporter who earlier today wrote that the Tottenham boss was “teetering between a hero and a clown”, depending on tomorrow’s result.
Asked about whether he was aware how much is riding on this single game, Postecoglou said: "That depends on your outlook but I'll tell you one thing, irrespective of tomorrow, I'm not a clown and never will be.
"You really disappointed me that you used such terminology to describe a person that for 26 years, without any favours from anyone, has worked his way to a position where he is leading out a club in a European final.
"For you to suggest that somehow us not being successful means that I'm a clown, I'm not sure how to answer that question."
Spurs boss on his two years in charge:
16:15
,
Mike Jones
Ange Postecoglou said: "It's hard to contextualise the challenges of the last couple of years. From my perspective, I came into the club with some pretty clear objectives.
"I've tried as hard as I can to stick to that process in getting the club to a position where they can challenge for trophies and at the same time, rejuvenate the squad and change the playing style. It has been a fair assignment with plenty of challenges along the way."
"With such a big game tomorrow, there is an opportunity to fulfil at least the main task I was given which was to bring trophies to the club."
Postecoglou now speaking
16:11
,
Mike Jones
Ange Postecoglou is now addressing the media and has revealed that Tottenham’s squad is pretty much the same as their previous match.
Lucas Bergvall will be absent in that case but Pape Sarr could feature.
'Physically I'm ready'
16:06
,
Mike Jones
More from Son Heung-min who gave an update on his own fitness levels saying: "I’m ready.
“Obviously back from injury it was my first game against Crystal Palace and afterwards I played against Aston Villa. I didn't expect to play that long, but I was managing to play.
"Physically I am ready - ready to go. Also the boys are ready to go for the biggest game of the season."
Son on the fans:
16:05
,
Mike Jones
"I really appreciate that they are supporting me or us in the morning time, night time [especially those from South Korea].
“They are always there and supporting us.
“As I say all the time, I want to give them something back and tomorrow I hope we can enjoy it together and celebrate together."
Manchester United prepare for Europa League final
16:00
,
Mike Jones
Manchester United’s training session is well underway in Bilbao with the players seemingly in good spirits ahead of tomorrow’s final.
Ruben Amorim will be talking to the media later this evening and we’ll have all the updates from him about the match.
Tottenham press conference
15:58
,
Mike Jones
Son Heung-Min on what it would be like to win a trophy with Spurs:
"It would be very special and would be a historic moment but I [have been] here 10 years and I just want to win the trophy, which nobody has done in the 10 years I have been here.
"Tomorrow is going to be a massive day for the club and the boys and for me as well."
Tottenham press conference starts
15:57
,
Mike Jones
Alongside Ange Postecoglou are two players, Son Heung-Min and Pedro Porro.
Son is speaking first and says it would be ‘very special’ to win a trophy with Tottenham having been at the club for 10 years...
No De Ligt for Man Utd
15:46
,
Mike Jones
As we wait for Ange Postecoglou we can glance over at Manchester United.
Only Lisandro Martinez and Matthijs de Ligt have missed out on the squad that travelled to Bilbao. Both are injured and can’t feature.
That means there is a chance that Leny Yoro, Diogo Dalot and Joshua Zirkzee will all play some role in the game but we’ll know more when Ruben Amorim speaks this evening.
Ange Postecoglou speaks to the media
15:45
,
Mike Jones
The Tottenham boss is due to speak to the media in his final press conference before the final tomorrow and we’re expecting him in the media room shortly.
We’ll have all the updates from Postecoglou and his thoughts on how the match will play out.
Joshua Zirkzee, Diogo Dalot and Leny Yoro train as Man Utd prepare for EL final
15:40
,
Mike Jones
Joshua Zirkzee, Diogo Dalot and Leny Yoro were all involved as Manchester United trained on the eve of their Europa League final against Tottenham.
Forward Zirkzee has missed United’s last eight games in all competitions due to injury and had last month been ruled out for the rest of the season by boss Ruben Amorim.
Tottenham's unwanted Premier League records
15:30
,
Mike Jones
Tottenham have conceded 61 goals, only the sixth time they have topped 60 in a Premier League season. Similarly to United, they will not match their worst defensive record unless they let in five on Sunday – but just two would equal their second-worst tally, 63 in 2022-23.
Having scored 63, they could become the first team ever to finish as low as 17th in the Premier League with a positive goal difference. Manchester City were 16th in 2003-04 with a goal difference of plus-one.
Manager Ange Postecoglou said in September that “I always win things in my second year. Nothing’s changed”. Wednesday provides a final opportunity to maintain that record, hvaing won trophies with South Melbourne, Brisbane Roar, Yokohama F. Marinos, Celtic and Australia’s under-17, under-20 and senior sides.
Tottenham's unwanted Premier League records
15:20
,
Mike Jones
Spurs are not yet guaranteed their lowest Premier League position, having finished 15th in 1993-94 and 14th on two other occasions. Lying 17th, though, they must beat Brighton and hope United, Wolves and West Ham do not all win.
They have won just 11 games, with one final chance to avoid matching their lowest total. Their 21 defeats are already two more than in any other season in the Premier League era.
They will finish with fewer points than ever before, with 38 currently and a maximum of 41. Their previous low was 44 in 1997-98, with 45 in a 42-game season in 1993-94.
Man Utd's unwanted Premier League records
15:10
,
Mike Jones
Man Utd will finish with their lowest Premier League goal tally, barring an improbable seven against Villa to equal their 49 in 2015-16. Only twice have they conceded more than this season’s 54, with 57 in 2021-22 and a record 58 last season.
Unless Bruno Fernandes scores two goals or Amad Diallo three against Villa, this will be the first Premier League season with no United player reaching double figures.
United sacked manager Erik ten Hag in October, just four months after extending his contract. Replacement Ruben Amorim has lost as many games as he has won in all competitions, 15, with his 37.5 per cent win rate the worst of any Red Devils manager since Sir Alex Ferguson’s departure.
Man Utd's unwanted Premier League records
15:00
,
Mike Jones
Manchester United’s eighth-placed finish last
