Manchester United were defeated in the Europa League final by Tottenham in a disappointing 1-0 defeat.
Despite a fast start for Manchester United, promising moves down the right from Amad Diallo resulted in nothing too threatening for Spurs.
Ruben Amorim’s worst nightmare came true just before half-time when Tottenham took the lead in scrappy fashion as the ball deflected off Luke Shaw and past Andre Onana.
The second-half followed a pattern of neither side causing too many problems to the defence of the opposition.
Ultimately, United’s Europa League campaign died with a whimper as Spurs ended up winning 1-0 in the end.
Here are five things we learned.
Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images
Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images
Ruben Amorim’s indecision over substitutions cost United
By the time the second half kicked off, it was crystal clear that Amorim had got it wrong and that starting Mason Mount over Alejandro Garnacho was a mistake.
However, as minutes ticked by and United failed to apply pressure to the Spurs defence, bizarrely Amorim didn’t turn to his bench.
This hesitation cost United valuable minutes as the Argentine made an immediate impact upon his introduction.
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Casemiro revival comes to brutal end
Heading into the final in Bilbao and Casemiro was seen among the most important players in the team after his inspired form en route through the competition.
However, in the final, as feared, the Brazilian was back at the levels which left him heading towards the exit doors earlier this season.
Casemiro looked sluggish and immobile at the base of the midfield, which allowed Spurs to evade him with ease on their counterattacks.
As beloved as he is as a player and personality, this performance was a reminder that it is time to go this summer.
Tottenham wanted it more than United
As much as United had to win this final, on the night, the players didn’t play as though they felt a need to beat Spurs, instead being timid and toothless.
Spurs were first to every ball, covered more ground, and won more tackles than United, which tells us that Ange Postecoglou’s side simply wanted it more.
Amorim deserves criticism as he failed to get his players up for the game.
All eyes on the 2025/26 season
Amorim was clear before the game that this final changes nothing, win or lose, this campaign has been a disaster, and now this season has finally ended.
Amorim admitted his team might be better off not getting Champions League football, with more time to work on the training pitch.
Now, the pressure is truly on for Amorim ahead of a difficult summer.
Ineos have a huge summer ahead of them
After the atrocious performance from United, it is clear that Ineos need to sanction a complete clear-out of this team, which is miles from being good enough.
Incomings and outgoings need to be made, with this squad requiring open heart surgery still, three years on from Ralf Rangnick’s comments.
Amorim will be here in August, but how many of these players will be?