Manchester United were second best to Tottenham in the 2025 Europa League final.
Both sides headed to Bilbao knowing that getting their hands on the Europa League trophy was the only way to salvage what has otherwise been a humiliating season.
In what was a scrappy final, a goal from Brennan Johnson in the first half – which could even go down as a Luke Shaw own-goal – made the difference.
United players fell flat in the final and were unable to find a response. Shaw went close with a header, and Rasmus Hojlund had an effort cleared off the line, but once again the Red Devils just weren’t clinical enough up front.
Photo by James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images
Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images
Brennan Johnson aims dig at Man United fans in Bilbao
United fans travelling to Bilbao knew everything was on the line in Wednesday’s final, yet they watched their side fall short again.
Just minutes after the full-time whistle at the San Mames Stadium, Johnson spoke to TNT Sports and suggested that United fans were outclassed in Spain.
“We’ve had an unbelievable Europa run and the fans have been so good. Every home game, every away game,” Johnson said.
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“Then coming here, I just thought they had the edge on the United fans to be honest.
“Ever since we got to the stadium, we literally walked out and they were all here singing our names. It got us through the game.”
Man United fans deserve more from Europa League final
Despite enduring another disappointing season, United fans have stuck with the side through thick and thin across all competitions.
United planned a fan banner for the final and the supporters responded by drumming up a fiery atmosphere in the San Mames stadium.
Ultimately, the fans will always respond to what they are seeing on the pitch and United’s performance was not good enough.
READ MORE: Man United players betrayed Ruben Amorim’s non-negotiable demand in Europa League final defeat
According to the Daily Mail, United fans were outnumbered by Tottenham in Bilbao due to travel issues, but the supporters still turned up in their thousands for the final.
The loyal United fanbase deserved a trophy to end the season on a high, but Amorim will have to regroup his players and get the supporters excited for the 2025/26 season.