Manchester United’s defeat means Ruben Amorim has lost his first European final as a manager.
An own-goal from Luke Shaw gave Tottenham a 1-0 win over Manchester United in Bilbao.
The only way the Red Devils could salvage their terrible Premier League campaign was to lift the Europa League on Wednesday evening, but ultimately they fell short.
United’s players flopped in the final and the problems that have plagued the entire season re-emerged on the biggest of stages.
Since arriving as head coach, Ruben Amorim has been refreshingly honest about what he wants from his United players, but they betrayed his biggest demand in the final.
Photo by Michael Regan - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images
Photo by Michael Regan – UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images
Man United outrun by Tottenham in Europa League final
Less than a month after arriving in Manchester, Amorim told United to ‘run like mad dogs’ if they wanted to win titles and trophies.
Outrunning opponents and being intense in their play was a non-negotiable for Amorim, yet United were second best in Bilbao.
As pointed out by journalist Nathan Salt, Tottenham players covered more distance on average than United.
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On average Tottenham players covered 5.02km in that first half.
The #mufc average was 4.66km…
— Nathan Salt (@NathSalt1) May 21, 2025
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Amorim wants more intensity and athleticism in this United squad, and that is something he will desperately want to address in the summer transfer window.
Man United’s biggest problem continued in Europa League final
Watching Manchester United in the Europa League and the Premier League has been like two different teams this season – up until the final.
Amorim has explained United’s league form and the problems his side have when facing domestic opponents. The intensity of the Premier League has often proved too much for this United side.
While United were unbeaten in Europe before heading to Bilbao, Amorim’s side came up against Premier League opponents in the final and once again they failed to perform.
READ MORE: Five losers and the only winner from Man United’s Europa League final defeat to Tottenham
Particularly in front of goal, United were extremely flat. Rasmus Hojlund has faced plenty of criticism and once again he failed to make an impact.
Signing a new striker will be the top priority in the summer, but Amorim will want more physical and athletic players to arrive at Old Trafford.