Manchester United and Tottenham fans follow the tricky road to San Mames in dire need of European salvation

If the Reds, should play, in Rome or Mandalay, we’ll be there, we’ll be there . . .

Next week thousands of Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur supporters will descend upon the brilliant Basque country for the Europa League final, a chance for both clubs to salvage something from the wreckage of wretched seasons.

It is bordering on hilarious that two beleaguered sides steered by two beleaguered managers who have hideously underperformed domestically this season — who start the weekend round of matches residing in 16th and 17th place in the Premier League — have found themselves in a major European final.

But Europe has offered salvation and Bilbao shines like a beacon of hope, and those fans who are able to make the trip do so knowing they could witness one of the defining fixtures in their club’s modern history at the glorious San Mames — fittingly nicknamed ‘La Catedral’.

Northern Spain is famous for its religious pilgrimage — the Camino — and the journey to Bilbao for Wednesday’s final is proving as tricky and exhausting as navigating the ancient footpaths leading to Santiago.

With a population of less than 350,000 Bilbao is a relatively small city, meaning accommodation options are at a premium. Hotels have been booked up for months, and mass gouging means any available rooms are costing thousands per night.

Ange Postecoglou: Tottenham job could ride on Wednesday's finalCredit: NurPhoto via Getty Images

Unsurprisingly, flights in and out of Bilbao airport are just as eye-wateringly expensive, so many supporters have had to get creative in finding their way to the final.

Our original route involved a flight from Manchester to Brussels, Brussels to Vitoria, a bus to San Sebastian, a bus to Bilbao, with a return journey of Bilbao to San Sebastian, San Sebastian to Hendaye, Hendaye to Bordeaux and Bordeaux to Manchester.

However, last week, rumours of a general strike in Belgium spread fear like wildfire through the camp, so a train to Bristol and a flight from Bristol to Bordeaux, before a train into the Basque country, was hastily booked. 

Another friend is starting in London, with a flight to Basel, before heading to Biarritz and across the border. If the outward journey sounds convoluted, the return is slightly easier to follow — although it requires a layover in Africa, as he flies back to London via Marrakech.

Tottenham supporters are in the same boat — literally in some cases. One Racing Post colleague is planning to drive his way down through France, and another jetting off to Malaga on Sunday night.

In some ways, none of this is out of the ordinary. European finals don’t come around very often and they are to be cherished, and finding your way there without a ticket or a bed is a part of football fandom.

But this is not an ordinary fixture. The short-to medium-term futures of both United and Spurs hinge on Wednesday night’s game. 

Not only would winning the Europa League define this campaign, but the money on offer to the winner via a return to the Champions League means it is likely to define the campaigns which follow.

Manchester United: beat Athletic Bilbao to progress to the Europa League finalCredit: Getty Images

Watching United this season has been a largely joyless and alarmingly emotionless experience. Defeats have become the norm, with 17 of them racked up in 36 games during the worst league campaign since the 1973-74 relegation season.

Off the pitch, it has been even worse. This month marked the 20th anniversary of the Glazer family takeover — two decades of mismanagement and decay, billions squandered and the soul of one of the world’s most revered and historic sporting institutions has been steadily eroded.

The bloodless Sir Jim Ratcliffe has attempted to clean up some of the Glazers’ mess but in doing so has further severed the cords linking the club to its history and community. 

Long-serving staff members and stewards have lost their jobs. Ticket prices have risen again, with OAP concessions being slashed from 50 to 25 per cent. Season ticket holders who have held their seat for generations are being moved so their prize spot behind the dugout can be flogged as hospitality.

The mood off the pitch has been mirrored by the lamentable performances on it. But the one thing which remains is the unwavering and undying support of a fiercely loyal fanbase, something which will be exemplified as they roar their side on in Bilbao.

To all United and Spurs fans making the trip, go well and enjoy. Who knows when the next time might be.

And if the Reds, should play, in Rome or Mandalay, tell the boys that we’ll be there.

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