• Coach clarified claim he could quit after West Ham loss
• ‘What I am saying is we must perform or they will change’

Ruben Amorim has insisted he is “very far from quitting” Manchester United, the head coach moving to clarify his suggestion after Sunday’s loss to West Ham that he could walk away.

After the 2-0 defeat at Old Trafford that left his team in 16th Amorim stated that if next season started with the same dismal form it may be time for “new persons to occupy this space”.

• Portuguese coach to be given chance to rebuild squad
• Matheus Cunha and Liam Delap top summer targets

Manchester United intend to retain Ruben Amorim as head coach next season even if they lose the Europa League final to Tottenham. The club have endured a horrible league campaign but the hierarchy feels the Portuguese deserves this summer transfer window to improve the squad and sign players better suited to his tactics.

United are 16th in the Premier League, having lost 17 games, their worst performance since 1973-74. Amorim replaced Erik ten Hag in November but has failed to oversee an upturn in fortunes domestically, also being eliminated by Fulham in the FA Cup and Tottenham in the League Cup.

Born in a curry house amid fury with the Glazer regime at Old Trafford, FC United’s own story is not without turmoil

On the Saturday in late March this year that FC United of Manchester and The 1958, a Manchester United supporters group, held a joint-action against 20 years of Glazer ownership of United, Tom Kerse displayed his own protest at Broadhurst Park, FC United’s home, which read: “The Glazers? FCUM Hall.” The 69-year-old, like many FC United fans, followed Manchester United before the American family’s leveraged purchase of the club in May 2005. “‘FCUM Hall’, as in ‘fuck all the Glazers’,” Kerse says, just in case anyone missed his point.

FC United were born 20 years ago on Tuesday, on 13 May 2005 in a Rusholme curry house named Dilda. Paul Hurst, a founder, is the board lead for communication and co-ownership, the latter a core value of the club, with all members having a vote on each key decision. “What we’ve seen [happen] at Manchester United is what we said [would happen] 20 years ago,” Hurst says. “It’s maybe taken a bit longer, that’s all.”

Twenty years after the club’s takeover a look at some of the most striking evaluations during their tenure at Old Trafford

Initial percentage of Manchester United bought by Malcolm Glazer in May 2003 – by the end of the year it stood at 15%.

Bradley offers pointers to Liverpool’s future, Forest at risk of losing stars and Watkins epitomises Villa’s sunny outlook

• Golden Boot race: the latest top scorer standings

Late-season at Anfield, a welcome show of spirit in a comeback from Arsenal became the tale of three full-backs. Following an early booking, Myles Lewis-Skelly, who began sketchily, found the measure of Mohamed Salah. There may be no tougher discipline for a defender in 2025. Does “MLS” have a long-term future as a defender or is his broad skillset better suited to midfield? The same questions have long been asked of Trent Alexander-Arnold, whose second-half arrival gave rise to a loud, vicious barracking, rancorous accusations of treachery that will grab headlines. If not unprecedented – Steve McManaman received similar treatment in 1999 – it was shocking to hear the Kop’s open contempt for one of their own, though one who has dared to flee the Merseyside nest. Before Alexander-Arnold’s arrival, Conor Bradley staked claims to be a first-teamer with typical ferocity in the tackle and speedy overlaps. He was also booked. As his replacement arrived to boos, the Kop pointedly sang the youngster’s name. John Brewin

Match report: Liverpool 2-2 Arsenal

Match report: Newcastle 2-0 Chelsea

Match report: Manchester United 0-2 West Ham

Match report: Nottingham Forest 2-2 Leicester

Match report: Tottenham 0-2 Crystal Palace

This was an exercise in how not to utilise the first of only two matches to tune up before a major European final from Manchester United that left Ruben Amorim so disenchanted he spoke of not being in charge if the start to next season is the same.

The head coach said: “I’m talking about myself, I’m talking about the culture in the club and the culture in the team. We need to be really strong in the summer and be brave. We will not have a next season like this if we start like this. If the feeling is still here we should give space [his position] to different persons.”

• Forward admits ‘hard times’ during difficult campaign
• ‘We are in a good position now to win a European trophy’

Rasmus Højlund is determined to prove himself “on the biggest stage” with Manchester United, although the centre-forward admits his 21-match scoring drought earlier in the season was a test of character.

Højlund’s goal in Thursday’s 4-1 defeat of Athletic Bilbao was only his 10th in 48 games, a return that has prompted some criticism. But the 22-year-old Dane is clear he can turn his form around. “I know what this football club is all about,” Højlund said. “It’s a lot of pressure, but that’s why I’m here. I want to show myself on the biggest stage.”

Fans protested against the leveraged takeover but were offered little support and the toxicity has had a lasting impact

The first time the Glazer family visited Old Trafford, in June 2005, they paid a visit to the megastore. Outside, hundreds of furious Manchester United fans turned up with banners and placards, shouted slogans such as “Die Glazer die”, and a few clashed with police. Inside, the Glazers were doing a spot of – and here we must stretch the word to its broadest possible definition – shopping.

For Joel, Avram and Bryan had no intention of doing anything quite as undignified as parting with their own cash. Instead they swarmed the aisles, scooped up armfuls of replica shirts and merchandise, which shop staff dutifully ran through the tills and bagged up. When the time came to leave, the Glazers simply took the bags and left. This was, after all, all their own property, theirs to take and use as they pleased. And as a metaphor for how they intended to run Manchester United over the next 20 years, it is about as good as any.

• ‘Exorbitant’ Europa League final travel costs hitting home
• Fans ‘exploited by airlines, hotels and Airbnb owners’

Supporters hoping to travel to the all-English Europa League final in Bilbao could end up paying thousands of pounds for the privilege. There are ways to drive that cost down, however, especially for those willing to spend two days on a ferry.

After Tottenham and Manchester United confirmed their places at the San Mamés on 21 May via their respective semi-final second leg victories over Bodø/Glimt and Athletic Bilbao on Thursday, eyes immediately turned to the prospect of attending a game both Ange Postecoglou and Ruben Amorim described as “massive”. Uefa has allocated 15,000 tickets to each club, with a further 11,000 tickets on general sale, out of a total capacity of 49,000. Tickets reserved for official allocations start at €40 (£34), the same price as last year, but general admission has risen in price, with the most expensive Category 1 ticket costing €240 (£203), up from €150 last year.

• ‘They will push each other’ for places against Tottenham
• Manager will be careful with Mount and Maguire

Ruben Amorim expects ­Manchester United’s training sessions to be intense as his players compete for a place in the Europa League final against Tottenham.

United face Spurs at San Mamés in Bilbao on Wednesday week after a 7-1 aggregate victory against ­Athletic Club. In three meetings with ­Tottenham this season, including one in the Carabao Cup, they have been beaten three times.

Manchester United and Tottenham booked their place in the Europa League final with wins on Thursday night. Ruben Amorim's side beat Athletic Bilbao 4-1 on the night, thanks to a brace from Mason Mount, and 7-1 on aggregate. Meanwhile, Ange Postecoglou's team beat Bodø/Glimt 2-0 on the night and 5-1 over the two legs. The English clubs, who have struggled in the Premier League, will meet at the San Mamés Stadium in Bilbao on 21 May.

• Europa League win for Tottenham would be ‘massive’, says Ange Postecoglou

• Amorim praises ‘perfect’ Mount for driving Manchester United into final

There are high stakes at St James’ Park, City could yet nab second and will Forest cope with playing on the front foot?

Antonee Robinson has been one of the best full-backs in the league this season. He flies up and down the left flank, defends well and whips in crosses. However, the Fulham defender was not at his sharpest during his side’s defeat by Aston Villa last weekend. He found it difficult to contain Morgan Rogers and his crossing was not up to its usual high standards. The concern is whether Robinson, who had missed Fulham’s previous game, is in peak physical condition. It has been a long campaign but Marco Silva needs the USA international to be ready to go when Everton visit Craven Cottage on Saturday. Robinson’s raids are a key part of Fulham’s attacking setup. Jacob Steinberg

Fulham v Everton, Saturday 3pm (all times BST)

Ipswich v Brentford, Saturday 3pm

Southampton v Manchester City, Saturday 3pm

Wolves v Brighton, Saturday 3pm

Bournemouth v Aston Villa, Saturday 5.30pm

Newcastle v Chelsea, Sunday noon

• Mount scores twice in home win over Athletic Bilbao
• 7-1 aggregate victory sets up final against Tottenham

A delighted Ruben Amorim praised “perfect” two-goal Mason Mount, as Manchester United swept past Athletic Bilbao and into the Europa League final against Tottenham, with four late strikes in 19 minutes.

Ruben Amorim’s men trailed 1-0 to Athletic Bilbao following Mikel Jauregizar’s first-half opener at Old Trafford and led 3-1 on aggregate before Mount equalised on 72 minutes of the second leg. Goals from Casemiro and Rasmus Højlund, in the 79th and 85th minutes followed before Mount scored again in added-time’s first minute.

Amid a gloomy season, pyrotechnics lit up Old Trafford and Mason Mount led United into the Europa League final

This match meant everything to Manchester United’s season, the one that could save it from oblivion. Amid the Sir Jim Ratcliffe penny-pinching, there was budget for pyrotechnics to complement the tifos and raucous chanting from both sets of fans to create a glorious backdrop for what could be one of the final great European nights at Old Trafford.

With plans in place to knock down the Theatre of Dreams and replace it with a 100,000-capacity stadium in as soon as five years and the current United squad going through a transition under Ruben Amorim, the prospect of reaching the final four in major competitions before the final brick is laid is not guaranteed.

The Mason Mount strike that sealed Manchester United’s Europa League final berth was as sublime as Ruben Amorim’s team were slipshod until the substitute took charge.

With 72 minutes gone, Leny Yoro prodded the ball to Mount who, with the sweetest touch of his right instep, swivelled, then bent the equaliser past the helpless Julen Agirrezabala.

• Hostile reception for world champion is greeted by boos
• Teenager beats Nathan Aspinall in Premier League

Luke Littler goaded the baying Leeds fans on his way to beating Nathan Aspinall in his opening match of night 14 of the Premier League. The world champion was given a hostile reception at the First Direct Arena owing to his Manchester United allegiance.

The 18-year-old was booed on to the stage and the fans, who have been celebrating their city’s football club winning the Championship, also whistled when he was throwing at doubles.

• Europa League updates, 8pm BST kick-off (first leg: 3-0)
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Taking a closer look at that United team, I’m not surprised it’s unchanged. They might’ve played Luke Shaw at left-centre-back and sent Yoro over to the right – that’s probably a better option than the one they’ve gone for, in Victor Lindelof – but Amorim is, as you would, easing Shaw back in slowly. If they make the final he’s still fit, having played the games in between, the manager has a decision to make.

Also going on:

• Manchester United lead 3-0 in Europa League semi-final
• Athletic missing Williams brothers and top scorer Sancet

Ruben Amorim admits Manchester United “can lose their minds” during games so is unsure how they will perform in Thursday’s Europa League semi-final second leg against Athletic Bilbao, despite holding a 3-0 lead.

United are favourites to reach the final on 21 May at the San Mamés after their victory there last week thanks to Casemiro’s header and two goals from Bruno Fernandes. In the previous round’s return leg at Old Trafford they allowed a 2-0 advantage over Lyon to become a 4-2 deficit before scoring three goals in the final seven minutes of extra time to secure passage to the last four. United also led Lyon 2-1 in the first leg but conceded a 95th-minute Rayan Cherki equaliser.

From flop in Manchester to prince of Seville, flying winger is rivalling his new best friend for title of La Liga’s finest player

Antony Matheus dos Santos has played football with some bad men. Raised in Inferninho (Little Hell), a favela outside São Paulo, the way the Real Betis winger tells it, he grew up without shoes to play in or a bed of his own to sleep in, surrounded by drugs and guns. Some days he wouldn’t eat and one day, when he was six or seven, he had to jump over a dead body to get to school. Life was just the way it was, even on the rough concrete courts where his bleeding feet moved faster than the rest. “I played against traffickers and all sorts,” he said. “If you ask if I was scared, of course I was. But I always had a strong personality and the harder it was, the more I wanted to be there.”

So when someone threatened to kidnap him a week ago, Antony just laughed – and so did everyone else. This wasn’t São Paulo, this was Seville. And, like a lot of what is said there, it was just a joke, even if there were true words said in jest, born of fondness and admiration, a kind of desperation too, a disbelief that he is here with them and a determination to keep it that way. There was no anonymous letter this time, no ransom note cut from newspaper letters; instead, there was a message on Isco’s Instagram. “Antonio of Triana,” it read, “we’re going to kidnap you: this is your first warning.” A few days later, the second came. “If I have to provide the car to kidnap him, I will,” said former Betis player Joaquín. “However it happens, he has to stay.”

• United beaten 4-3 in 16th loss of league season
• ‘As a club we need to understand our responsibility’

Ruben Amorim kept his focus firmly on the Europa League despite Manchester United losing their 16th Premier League match of the season in being beaten 4-3 by Brentford.

“I think it’s stressful to lose games – when we’re fighting for a title it’s not stressful,” Amorim said in reference to United’s midweek need to defend their 3-0 lead against Athletic Club to reach the Europa League final. He made eight changes here, for the third youngest Premier League starting XI on record.