Ruben Amorim continues his push to reshape Manchester United’s squad this summer, with key players set to be assessed following the Europa League final in Bilbao.
The Red Devils are looking to end a troubled season on a high after losing six of their last eight Premier League matches.
Victory in the final not only offers silverware but a vital route back into next season’s Champions League.
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United fans have already begun flocking to Bilbao, turning parts of the city red ahead of Wednesday night’s clash.
However, behind the scenes, a growing storm is casting a shadow over the club’s presence in Spain — and it has nothing to do with player injuries or tactics.
According to BBC Sport, Manchester United Disabled Supporters’ Association (MUDSA) has slammed UEFA after only 26 wheelchair tickets were allocated to the club for the Europa League final — a number they described as “insulting”.
Despite each club receiving an allocation of 15,000 tickets for the 49,600-capacity San Mames Stadium, just 26 of those were reserved for wheelchair users, with an additional 15 designated as ‘easy access’ seats.
The figures were matched for Tottenham fans, who have voiced similar outrage through their representative group, Spurs Ability.
According to MUDSA secretary Rick Clement, the decision betrays disabled supporters: “UEFA, ultimately, have a responsibility to football fans to support your team.
“That should include people with disabilities.”
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UEFA defended the move by saying there were 75 wheelchair spaces available overall, including neutral areas, and claimed that 15% remained unsold as of Tuesday morning — a claim disputed by both fan groups.
UEFA initially allocated 33 disabled seats, but this figure was challenged by the supporters’ groups.
The San Mames stadium typically accommodates 208 wheelchair and 102 easy access seats, which fall short of UEFA’s own recommended guidelines.
Still, groups including Level Playing Field argue that with proper distribution, both clubs could have received at least 58 wheelchair spots and 28 easy access tickets.
Spurs Ability member Mark Spencer, who travelled to Bilbao without a ticket, said, “You feel that you’re being prevented from watching football and supporting your team because of a disability.
“It’s quite insulting.”
Dr Rita Egan from Spurs Ability added that UEFA had “ignored” correspondence and failed to properly address concerns.
Level Playing Field chair Tony Taylor called it another “failure” from UEFA and accused them of disregarding disabled fans once again.
UEFA responded that it considered factors like sightlines, historical demand, and seat quality when determining allocations, and insisted it had consulted with both clubs’ disability access officers.
But for many fans like Spencer and Clement, the damage is already done — and the governing body’s explanation offers little comfort.
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