Unveiled: how UEFA is planning to keep Man United and Spurs fans apart with tens of thousands set to travel to Bilbao for Europa League Final

Bilbao is brace for an invasion of tens of thousands of English fans when Manchester United And Tottenham bump into the Europa League Final in 11 days.

An important security operation will be launched for the showpiece between the two Premier League Rivals in the Estadio de San Mames on May 21.

Both clubs are assigned 15,000 tickets at the location, which has been reduced to a capacity of 49,600, but many more supporters are expected to make the trip to the relatively small Basque city.

UEFA confirmed on Friday that the match will take place in Bilbao, because it would not be logistics to switch to a larger location in the short term and did not advise fans without tickets to travel.

Special measures were signed last week for the first stage of the semi -final of United against Athletic Bilbao after problems on fragments when Glasgow Rangers Played there in April, which led to 13 injuries and six arrests.

All police leave was canceled and dozens of riot police in distinctive red helmets were used in the area around the stadium for the 3-0 victory of United, some armed with weapons.

UEFA confirmed on Friday that the match will take place in Bilbao because it would not be logistics to switch to a larger location

Special measures were placed last week for the first stage of the semi -final of United against Athletic Bilbao

The administrative body advised fans without tickets not to travel. Displayed: UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin

Ruben Amorim’s side completed a 7-1 total victory in Old Trafford on Thursday evening, while Tottenham was 5-1 against Bodo/Glimt.

Another enormous safety operation is expected for the final on the north coast of Spain while thousands of supporters descend on Bilbao through the air, the road and even sea.

Greater Manchester Police and the one with the local Ertzintza and will send officers to Spain for the game.

UEFA has also broadened his discussions with the authorities and both clubs, while it is understood that Tottenham had people in Bilbao who carried out logistics work on Friday.

A UEFA spokesperson said Mail Sport: “We always work together with the two clubs, their respective authorities and police, as well as the local authorities and the police of the last location to guarantee the safety and security of all involved.”

There have been concerned about organizing such a big game in a city with a population of only 345,000 and a modest airport.

The San Mames received the final because Bilbao had to give up hosting competitions at Euro 2020 because of Covid and was replaced by the Estadio de la Cartuja in Seville.

In addition to the limited number of fans of United and Spurs who can buy tickets, 11,000 in general sales go with the rest reserved for sponsors and hospitality packages.

Manchester United achieved their place in the final after completing a 7-1 total demolition of Athletic Bilbao

In the meantime, Tottenham drove to a 5-1 total victory over the Norwegian Minnows Bodo/Glimt

UEFA will separate the two teams and their supporters by designating hotels, training grounds and fan zones in various areas in the city. United hoped to return to the five -star Melia Hotel where they stayed last week, but the decision was taken from their hands.

The clambering for tickets, accommodation and travel took on Friday when they continued to rise the prices.

Direct flights went for around £ 1500 returns, while some fans are expected to drive to Bilbao and others to make the 33-hour intersection by ferry from Portsmouth.

Spurs said they will e -mail fans who have been successful in getting a ticket with travel advice and plans.