Lynsey Hipgrave, TNT Sports Presenter and Rio Ferdinand, Former Manchester United speak to Gareth Bale, Former Tottenham Hotspur footballer and Dimitar Berbatov, Former Player of Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United in an interview prior to the UEFA Europa League Final 2025 between Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United at Estadio de San Mames on May 21, 2025 in Bilbao, Spain.Lynsey Hipgrave, TNT Sports Presenter and Rio Ferdinand, Former Manchester United speak to Gareth Bale, Former Tottenham Hotspur footballer and Dimitar Berbatov, Former Player of Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United in an interview prior to the UEFA Europa League Final 2025 between Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United at Estadio de San Mames on May 21, 2025 in Bilbao, Spain.
Lynsey Hipgrave, TNT Sports Presenter and Rio Ferdinand, Former Manchester United speak to Gareth Bale, Former Tottenham Hotspur footballer and Dimitar Berbatov, Former Player of Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United in an interview prior to the UEFA Europa League Final 2025 between Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United at Estadio de San Mames on May 21, 2025 in Bilbao, Spain. | Getty Images
Manchester United’s season ended in disappointment as they lost to Tottenham in the Europa League final
The Red Devils had hoped for the victory that would save a disastrous season but on a night of little quality in northern Spain, it was Spurs who emerged as victors and secured a spot in the Champions League next season.
United dominated possession with 73 per cent of the ball but could not break down a resolute Tottenham defensive line as, despite 16 shots, they failed to breach their opponents’ rear-guard. The taste of defeat was made all the more sour as Tottenham managed just one shot on target all game.
Brennan Johnson scored the only goal after 42 minutes as he fluffed a shot only for it to hit off Luke Shaw and allow him one more touch on the way into the net past Andre Onana.
Amad Diallo Manchester United’s “bright spark”
Speaking at half time on TNT Sports’ coverage of the final, former Premier League stars Rio Ferdinand and Gareth Bale hailed United forward Amad Diallo for the impact he was having on the game.
The winger created a good chance for the Red Devils in the first half as he flashed the ball across the goal with it just begging for a touch. Ferdinand said: "Amad has been the bright spark for Manchester United. The only one who looks like he can go past somebody and create something.”
Bale added: "Yeah, I think Amad has been the standout player in terms of the whole game."
Diallo had two shots in the game with a pass success rate of 92.3 per cent. He also made two key passes with two successful dribbles while winning three fouls for United. The player had fought hard to get back for the end of the campaign after an injury and did his best to try give the Red Devils a big win to help put a tough campaign behind them.
Ruben Amorim rues missed opportunities
After the game, Amorim insisted his side were the better team but failed to take their chances. He reacted: "I was always really honest with you guys. We did not perform well today but we were better than the opponent. In the second half we tried everything with the centre defenders players wide, crosses, going inside the box.
"I think today was not the day. We were not perfect, we have a lot to improve but I am always honest with you guys."
He added: "I only have to share the pain of our fans, they deserve better. We tried everything. About the future we will see what we are going to do."
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