Man United missed out on Champions League qualification for next season after losing 1-0 to Tottenham Hotspur in the Europa League final.
Tottenham Hotspur's players celebrate with the Europa League trophy.
Tottenham Hotspur's players reminded Manchester United of what they have missed out on following Spurs' Europa League triumph at the San Mames Stadium on Wednesday evening.
Spurs beat United 1-0 in Bilbao, securing a first trophy since 2008 via Brennan Johnson's first half winner. United huffed and puffed in the second half in the hope of getting themselves back into the contest, going close through Rasmus Hojlund and Luke Shaw.
But their efforts were to no avail, meaning they missed the chance to claim a European trophy for the first time since 2017.
Additionally, it means United will not participate in any European competition next season for the first time since the 2014/15 campaign. Champions League qualification is, of course, one of the prizes that comes with winning the Europa League.
Like United, Spurs have endured a forgettable Premier League campaign, meaning plenty was on the line for them in Bilbao as well. However, Johnson's winner shortly before the break means they will compete in Europe's premier club competition next term.
To celebrate their return to European football's top table, Spurs' players stood shoulder-to-shoulder inside the dressing room while the Champions League theme tune was played.
Ange Postecoglou's players stood next to each other in the same way players of all teams do ahead of kick-off for a Champions League fixture, with the theme tune blaring.
The actions of the likes of James Maddison, Archie Gray and match-winner Johnson will have rubbed salt into gaping United wounds, reminding them of what could have been.
As a result of failing to qualify for next term's Champions League, United have missed out on lucrative financial benefits that will impact their plans for this summer's transfer window. Just for qualifying for the league phase alone, Spurs will bank almost £16million.
Here at the Manchester Evening News, we're dedicated to bringing you the best Manchester United coverage and analysis.
Make sure you don't miss out on the latest United news by joining our free WhatsApp group. You can get all the breaking news and best analysis sent straight to your phone by clicking here to subscribe.
You can also subscribe to our free newsletter service. Click here to be sent all the day's biggest stories.
And finally, if you'd rather listen to our expert analysis then make sure to check out our Manchester is Red podcast, featuring The Samuel Luckhurst Show and The Midweek Debate. Our shows are available on all podcast platforms, including Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and you can also watch along on YouTube.