Manchester United endured a disappointing end to their Europa League campaign on Wednesday night as they suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur in the final, which ended the North London club’s 17-year wait for a trophy.
While it was another bitter pill to swallow for the Red Devils' players and fans in Bilbao, it was Ruben Amorim’s quiet reaction after the final whistle that drew attention from journalist Laurie Whitwell.
He noted that Amorim appeared particularly down after the defeat and remained on the pitch long after full-time, walking slowly back and forth alone and exchanging only brief handshakes with his players.
The defeat on Wednesday night means United have missed out on next season’s Champions League and will not play in Europe for the first time since the 2014/15 campaign.
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‘The significance of this defeat is clearly felt’
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Whitwell, writing on X, said the significance of Man United’s defeat on Wednesday night was ‘clearly felt’ after the full-time whistle:
United have endured a dismal end to the season under Amorim and are on course for their worst-ever Premier League finish.
The Red Devils are sitting just 16th in the table with one game to play, a home clash with Aston Villa on Sunday, having failed to win any of their last eight top-flight matches.
Wednesday night’s loss is expected to have a major impact on United’s summer transfer plans, although they are progressing on a deal to make Matheus Cunha their first arrival.
The Brazilian forward is anticipated to join the Red Devils in the coming days, with his £62.5m release clause likely to be paid in instalments.
Ruben Amorim's Man Utd Record (2024/25)
Games
Wins
Draws
Losses
Points per game
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Statistics courtesy ofFbrefandTransfermarkt. Correct as of 2 2 -05-25.