MU and Spurs fans set off for Bilbao as locals brace for British 'colonisation'

Tens of thousands of Manchester United and Tottenham fans have set off on their journeys to Bilbao ahead of the Europa League final between the two English clubs.

As many as 80,000 United and Spurs supporters are expected in Bilbao for Wednesday night's final, with Spanish outlet El Correo suggesting locals are braced for the Brits to 'colonise' the Basque city.

Getting to Bilbao has proved to be an extremely challenging task for fans amid soaring prices for flights, accommodation and matchday tickets.

But that has not stopped some being willing to take obscure routes across the continent to see their team's bid for European glory.

United fan and YouTuber Flex charted his journey on X on Tuesday morning, and he started off by taking a plane to Prague.

'Road to Bilbao has began! he posted. '1st stop Prague lol!

'Bring this trophy back & Champions League money to rebuild this squad! YANITED!!!'

After touching down in the Czech capital, Flex gave another update, writing: 'Plane number 2! Madrid bound.'

That would at least put him in the right country, before a final trip to Bilbao to complete his quest.

Meanwhile, a group of Spurs supporters decided that heading to Paris first was the best route, as they wrote on X: 'In France, next stop Bilbao.'

Three of the fans were seen clutching a beer as they looked to get into the spirit ahead of what promises to be an exciting but nervy evening for both clubs.

One female United fan had the same idea for settling the nerves as she posted a photo of herself clutching two pints of Madri at the airport alongside the caption: 'See you in Bilbao'.

With airfares rising by the minute, some supporters have taken the decision to drive to Bilbao.

A Spurs fan account gave an update on their progress, writing on X: 'Bilbao Bound. An 8.5 hour drive from Lisbon. COYS!'

United and Spurs have both endured miserable Premier League campaigns, and currently sit 16th and 17th respectively in the table.

But they are just one game away from Europa League glory, with Wednesday's match having an estimated £100m on the line.

The winners will earn a place in next season's Champions League, and could improve their chances of landing their top transfer targets this summer.

However, the losers will face a season without European football, and will likely have to cope with a restricted budget for the upcoming transfer window.