Manchester United captain Harry Maguire was involved in an angry confrontation with Tottenham defender Cristian Romero after losing the Europa League final
22:58, 21 May 2025Updated 23:02, 21 May 2025
Harry Maguire and Cristian Romero clash in the Europa League final
Harry Maguire and Cristian Romero clash in the Europa League final(Image: PA)
Manchester United's Harry Maguire was pulled apart from Cristian Romero in the aftermath of the Europa League final.
The Red Devils, led by Maguire, suffered yet another humiliation in their worst season in more than 50 years as they lost to Romero's Spurs in a nail-biting match at San Mames, with tempers flaring post-match. Romero crossed paths with Maguire on the Bilbao turf before heading over to hug United right-back Diogo Dalot.
Maguire then turned back towards his rival, gesturing animatedly about an earlier incident during the match. At this point, staff members stepped in to defuse the situation. Maguire carried on pointing and talking, while Romero seemed to respond to his fellow defender.
The duo had already butted heads during the game's closing stages. Maguire was booked for a foul on Romero, sparking a melee involving players from both sides. In the end, it was Romero who had the last laugh, as Brennan Johnson netted the sole goal, securing Spurs' victory over United and bagging them a place in next season's Champions League.
Romero, a World Cup champion with Argentina, now has another winner's medal to his tally, reports the Mirror. And his club have qualified for the Champions League in a windfall worth up to £100m.
Harry Maguire was not happy at fulltime after the Europa League final defeat for Manchester United
Harry Maguire was not happy at fulltime after the Europa League final defeat for Manchester United
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"I'm so happy right now," goal hero Johnson told TNT Sports post-match. "This season has not been good at all, not one of us players care about that now. This club has not won a trophy for 17 years, it means so much.
"All the fans get battered, we get battered for not winning a trophy. We had to get the first one, I'm so happy. Ever since I came here it has been 'Tottenham, good team but can't get it done', but we got it done."
Ex-Tottenham gaffer Glenn Hoddle gave a nod to current boss Ange Postecoglou for his tactics in the triumph. "Ange Postecoglou got it right in the end," he commented.
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"He played three in midfield and particularly in the first half that overpowered Man Utd. Second half, there was a case of holding on and hanging in there. They defended like trojans. Hopefully, it's a stepping stone for more."
Meanwhile, former United centre-back Rio Ferdinand highlighted Romero's pivotal role in the victory. "Getting those defenders back was critical for this team," he observed.
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"Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven wanted to defend that penalty area. They were not bothered about Harry Maguire being up - they enjoyed the battle. They defended for their lives and they got what they needed."