Tottenham fans expected to greatly outnumber Man United supporters in Bilbao

Tottenham fans are expected to significantly outnumber Manchester United supporters in Bilbao, Mail Sport understands.

While both clubs have been allocated 15,000 seats for the Europa League Final on Wednesday, it is believed that around 15,000 Spurs fans without tickets will travel to the Basque country, compared to around 2,000 followers of United in a similar position.

While Spurs did go to the Champions League final in 2019, it is thought the novelty value is behind more numbers of their supporters travelling to sample the atmosphere.

Before 2019, their last appearance at a European final came in 1984. Meetings were held between both clubs on Friday and Saturday to plan for the match at the 53,000-capacity San Mames stadium.

Officers in Bilbao have travelled to Wembley where their British counterparts provided information on how to provide a ring of steel around the perimeter of the ground.

Following the wake of harrowing disorder outside the national stadium at the 2021 European Championship final, when ticketless fans stormed the venue ahead of England’s clash with Italy, a series of new security measures were introduced.

Similar to Wembley, Athletic’s home is located in a mainly built up area with bars and restaurants close to turnstiles. There is, however, a confidence that those without tickets will not be able to find a way inside for the season-defining clash.

Officers from Greater Manchester Police, Met Police and the UK Football Policing Unit will be in Bilbao for the fixture and have been working with the local force, the Ertzaintza, with whom they enjoy a strong relationship.

The Ertzaintza has a reputation for a more light-handed approach than forces in many other Spanish cities and their trip to London has been seen as a measure of their willingness to co-operate.

Officials at United and Spurs have often worked closely together in the past and there is a keen desire to ensure fans do not experience the issues suffered at recent Champions League finals in Istanbul and Paris.

Two separate fan zones will be set up, and no issues with locals are expected. Those who live in Bilbao are passionate about football and are known for their warm hospitality.