Tottenham Hotspur salvaged their season and delivered vindication for Ange Postecoglou as they defeated Manchester United 1-0 in a dismal Europa League final in Bilbao to claim a first trophy in 17 years.
United and Spurs showed exactly why they lie 16th and 17th in the Premier League table as they produced a low-quality affair and the only goal of the game reflected that perfectly. Just before the break, a combination of Brennan Johnson and Luke Shaw contrived to bundle the ball into the corner of the net.
Spurs required a spectacular goal-line clearance from defender Micky van de Ven as they defended doggedly in the second half, with the result delighting boss Postecoglou who said he always believed Tottenham would live up to his claim of “always winning a trophy in his second season”.
United, meanwhile, face a difficult rebuild with no Champions League football to finances their summer transfer plans. Ruben Amorim admitted afterwards that he would not ask for compensation if United decide to go in a different direction, but he vowed not to quit despite United’s worst season in 50 years.
Relive all the Europa League final action, including updates from our Chief Football Writer Miguel Delaney, with our live blog below:
Europa League final: Tottenham v Man United
- REPORT: Tottenham silence the noise with Europa League triumph and leave Man Utd facing bleak future
- DELANEY: Why Postecoglou could still leave Spurs despite ending trophy drought
- ANALYSIS: Man Utd have gone backwards under Amorim and there’s only one way out
- Bruno Fernandes admits Man United may have to sell him after Europa League final defeat
- Ruben Amorim will not ask for compensation if sacked by Man United
- Ange Postecoglou wants to build on Europa League triumph at Tottenham
- Uefa issues apology after Tottenham players left without Europa League medals
'We were not perfect, we have a lot to improve'
13:25 , Mike JonesRuben Amorim spoke about the game and believes his team were better than Tottenham yesterday.
He said: "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."
Postecoglou always wins trophies in his second season
13:05 , Mike JonesAnge Postecoglou was praised by Glenn Hoddle for his statement that he always wins trophies in his second season at a club and then backing it up.
Postecoglou replied: “I think people misinterpreted [his quote about winning trophies in his second year].
“It wasn’t me boasting, I was just making a declaration and I believed. At the time I said it we were still in the Carabao Cup and I just had this thing inside me.
“I know our league form has been terrible, nowhere near good enough but us finishing third wasn’t going to change this football and the only thing that was going to change it was us winning something.
“When I said that, that was my intent. If I fell short I was happy to cop it but I believed it, that was my ambition. I couldn’t expect any at the club to say that but I could say that and I was prepared to wear it if it didn’t happen.
“I was comfortable with it.”
Uefa issues apology after Tottenham players left without Europa League medals
12:50 , Jamie BraidwoodUefa have apologised after Tottenham captain Son Heung Min and vice-captain Cristian Romero were briefly left without medals after beating Manchester United to win the Europa League.
Uefa president Aleksander Ceferin was visibly surprised to see that there were not enough medals during the trophy ceremony, leaving Son, Romero and Rodrigo Bentancur, who were the three players last in line, empty handy.
“To our great displeasure, we did not have enough medals available on stage during the trophy ceremony presentation due to an unexpected discrepancy in the player count, as more team members – including injured players – participated in the ceremony than initially anticipated,” a statement from Uefa said.
“The missing medals were promptly delivered to the winning team in the dressing room, along with our sincerest apologies for the oversight.”
Uefa issues apology after Tottenham players left without Europa League medals
Ange Postecoglou reacts to ending Tottenham's trophy drought
12:45 , Mike Jones“I’m still taking it all in. I know what it means for this football club and unfortunately the longer it goes on [not winning trophies] it’s harder to break that cycle,” said the Tottenham boss after the game.
“I could sense the nervousness in everyone at the club because they’ve been in situation before and until you get there and take that monkey off your back you never understand what it feels like.
“We’ve got a really young group and I’m hoping that them tasting this success feeds into itself and they feel differently about themselves.”
'We got it done': Brennan Johnson reacts to Spurs' Europa League victory
12:25 , Mike Jones“I’m so happy, this season hasn’t been good at all but I swear not one of us players care about that.
“This is what it’s all about, this club hasn’t won a trophy in 17 years. It means so much. All the fans get battered, we get battered for not winning anything but we had to get the first one in a while.
“I’m so happy. Ever since I came here it’s been ‘Tottenham are a good team but can never get it done’.
“We got it done. I knew I touched it but I didn’t catch it clean [his goal], I can’t describe the feeling.
“I couldn’t watch [the final few minutes] I was listening to what the boys were saying and asking how long was left.
“The relief was something I can’t describe.”
Emotional Son Heung Min now a Tottenham ‘legend’ after Europa League win
12:05 , Jamie BraidwoodTottenham Hotspur captain Son Heung Min admitted he can now be called a “legend” after he achieved his dream of lifting silverware at the club following Europa League success.
Brennan Johnson’s messy 42nd-minute finished proved enough to help Spurs down Premier League rivals Manchester United by a 1-0 score in San Mames.
It earned Tottenham a first trophy in 17 years and ended Son’s own wait for cup glory after painful defeats in the final of the Champions League and Carabao Cup during his 10 seasons in north London.
Emotional Son Heung Min now a Tottenham ‘legend’ after Europa League win
Alejandro Garnacho casts doubt on Man United future after not starting Europa League final
11:45 , Jamie BraidwoodAlejandro Garnacho was non-committal over his Manchester United future after expressing annoyance at being named on the bench for the Europa League final loss to Tottenham Hotspur.
The 20-year-old has been linked with a move away from the Red Devils this season, with Napoli and Chelsea expressing interest in signing the Argentina international during the winter transfer window.
That speculation will only intensity after Garnacho – like his brother Roberto on Instagram – expressed frustration at starting Wednesday’s 1-0 final loss to Spurs as a substitute.
Alejandro Garnacho casts doubt on future after not starting Europa League final
‘Serial winner’ Ange Postecoglou wants to build on Europa League triumph at Tottenham
11:25 , Jamie BraidwoodAnge Postecoglou hailed his Tottenham Hotspur players after they “climbed the mountain” and reiterated his desire to stay after the club ended its 17-year trophy drought with a Europa League final victory over Manchester United.
It was far from a classic at San Mames, but Brennan Johnson’s scruffy 42nd-minute finish alongside Micky van de Ven’s miraculous flying goal-line clearance in the second half to deny Rasmus Hojlund proved the difference.
Success in Bilbao means Postecoglou has delivered on his Autumn promise of always winning silverware in his second season, but doubts remain over whether chairman Daniel Levy will allow the Australian to still be in charge next season following a torrid Premier League campaign.
‘Serial winner’ Ange Postecoglou wants to build on Europa League triumph at Tottenham
Why was Brennan Johnson credited with Tottenham’s winning goal?
11:05 , Jamie BraidwoodBrennan Johnson will go down in history as the winning goalscorer in Tottenham Hotspur’s Europa League triumph - even though it appeared that Manchester United defender Luke Shaw got the final touch.
Spurs ended their 17-year trophy drought and delivered success as they defeated Manchester United 1-0 in Bilbao. The final was low of quality, with the winning goal proving a fitting end to a scrappy affair.
Tottenham won’t care, though, with their winning moment coming shortly before half time. Pape Matar Sarr’s cross from the right was met by Johnson though the forward’s touch went straight into Shaw and bounced towards the line.
Why was Brennan Johnson credited with Tottenham’s winning goal?
Which English clubs have qualified for Europe? Full breakdown after Europa League final
10:45 , Jamie BraidwoodTottenham Hotspur booked themselves a Champions League spot for the 2025/26 season as they battled past Manchester United 1-0 in a low-quality Europa League final.
That means there will be a record six Premier League teams in Europe’s top-tier competition next term, with Europa League and Conference League spots also up for grabs.
Which English clubs have qualified for Europe? Breakdown after Europa League final
Ruben Amorim will not ask for compensation if sacked by Man United
10:25 , Jamie BraidwoodRuben Amorim said he would not ask for any compensation if Manchester United to decide to sack him following the Europa League final defeat to Tottenham.
Amorim also told TNT Sports that he is more confident than ever that he is the right man to lead United but accepted others might have a different opinion.
"Yes, I am confident I am still the guy, more than the beginning.
"I know the patience of the fans is going to be really short in the next season but I guarantee you I will not quit. I will not go away, I am really confident.
"I'm not worried about that. If they (the club) say 'Ruben, it is better to change' I will leave the next day with no compensation.
"I rely so much on my confidence I am not worried about that. The biggest pain is to lose the game and lose this final, not to give something to the fans and my players.
"I am really confident with myself and I will continue to do my job if the board wants me.”
Inept Man Utd have many problems but improving this one area must be the priority
10:05 , Pete HallAs emotion poured from Ange Postecoglou in a heartwarming sight on the San Mames turf, Manchester United’s dejected players, stood, to a man, as desolate figures.
There was no consoling of friends. Nobody offering a shoulder to cry on. Just underperforming, inept footballers alone with their thoughts.
Top of their concerns, other than a handful of more useful assets, is how they can go about convincing their employers to keep them for another season after limping to a 20th defeat of the campaign against Tottenham in their Bilbao or bust Europa League final. Or whether, in fact, they actually want to stay.
Inept Man Utd have many problems but improving one area must be the priority
Tottenham vs Man United player ratings
09:45 , Jamie BraidwoodTottenham ended their 17-year trophy drought as they defeated Manchester United to win the Europa League final in Bilbao.
Spurs delivered victory for Ange Postecoglou in the all-or-nothing clash as Brennan Johnson forced in a scrappy winning goal before half time.
Tottenham were resilient defensively as they held onto their lead, with Micky van de Ven producing the standout moment with an acrobatic goal-line clearance.
But Tottenham will not care and can now celebrate a season-saving trophy, as well as qualification for next year’s Champions League.
Tottenham vs Man Utd player ratings as Van de Ven stars in Europa League final
Son Heung Min left empty-handed after Uefa run out of Europa League medals for Tottenham
09:25 , Jamie BraidwoodSon Heung Min was left empty-handed moments before the Tottenham Hotspur captain got his hands on the Europa League trophy when Uefa ran out of medals.
The Spurs captain was last among teammates walking up to the stage to celebrate after their 1-0 victory over Manchester United in Bilbao.
But as Uefa president Aleksander Ceferin continued to hand out trophies, he could be seen discussing with colleagues the eventual issue.
Eventually Ceferin handed over the last remaining medal to Yves Bissouma, before Rodrigo Bentancur and Cristian Romero followed.
Son Heung Min left empty-handed after Uefa run out of Europa League medals
Will Tottenham Hotspur have a trophy parade after winning Europa League?
09:05 , Jamie BraidwoodTottenham Hotspur secured one of the greatest nights in their history with Europa League glory after a 1-0 victory over Manchester United in Bilbao.
Spurs triumphed in the San Mames thanks to a scruffy goal from Brennan Johnson, sparking scenes of jubilation and confirming a trophy in Ange Postecoglou’s second season, just as he had vowed months earlier.
Tottenham’s testing Premier League campaign, which has seen them lose 20 times, concludes on Sunday against Brighton, with the Seagulls still pushing for the points and a shot at European football.
Despite Spurs sitting in 17th, they can look forward to Champions League football next season.
Will Tottenham have a trophy parade after winning Europa League?
Luke Shaw questions Man United squad after Europa League final defeat: ‘Are we good enough?’
08:46 , Jamie BraidwoodLuke Shaw says the whole squad need to consider whether they are good enough to play for Manchester United as the long-serving defender apologised to fans for a miserable end to their wretched season.
Asked to sum things up after the worst possible end to a horrible season, the England international said: “I think how you just said it.
“It’s hard to put into words the season, but I think for a club like Manchester United, it’s not really good enough.
“I think definitely me and I think all of us have to question ourselves tonight. Are we good enough to be here? Because this club, this season, it’s not acceptable.
“We know that and it’s down to us. So, like I said, I think it’s really tough to take.
“It’s hard to say anything else really apart from what I’ve just said. I think we have to look at ourselves. Something has to change.”
Bruno Fernandes admits Man United may have to sell him after Europa League final defeat
08:25 , Jamie BraidwoodManchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has no intention of leaving this summer but admitted the club could end up cashing in on him following the damaging Europa League final loss to Tottenham.
The 30-year-old has been a rare shining light in a dreadful season at Old Trafford, but even his star was dimmed in Wednesday’s 1-0 loss to fellow Premier League strugglers Spurs in Bilbao.
Fernandes has recently been linked with a move to Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal, leading head coach Ruben Amorim to stress United should try to keep “one of the top players in the world”.
“I’ve always said I will be here until the club says to me that it’s time to go,” Fernandes said. “I’m eager to do more, to be able to bring the club to great days.
“In the day that the club thinks that I’m too much or it’s time to part ways, football is like this, you never know it. But I’ve always said it and I keep my word in the same way.
“If the club thinks it’s time to part ways because they want to do some cash in or whatever, it’s what it is, and football sometimes is like this.”
Why Ange Postecoglou could still leave Tottenham despite ending trophy drought
08:23 , Miguel DelaneyIt was the moment that Tottenham had been waiting for. That wasn't a trophy, though, since Ange Postecoglou had already just delivered that.
It was how he would would mark it, at least with the media. Brennan Johnson, in effect the match-winner, had already set it up.
“I will be looking forward to his interview,” Johnson said. “If ever there was a moment for a mic drop it is now.”
Except, it didn’t come. The trophy lift was sufficient. Postecoglou, just like in the whole Europa League campaign, adapted.
But, amid this general celebration, some more layered analysis is due.
Why Ange Postecoglou could still leave Tottenham despite ending trophy drought
Man United have gone backwards under Ruben Amorim and there’s only one way out
08:22 , Miguel DelaneyWhile Ruben Amorim was talking about staying but staring at the floor, Luke Shaw looked like he was going to let it all out. The left-back, who was inadvertently responsible for the Europa League final's decisive own goal, seemed on the brink of tears. Sir Jim Ratcliffe was understood to be “heartbroken". There was a “numbness” inside Manchester United.
After all the talk of what the Europa League to the club meant financially, you could now see the true emotional cost. United figures felt humiliated, fully aware this was going to be a fall-out like no other in football.
Amorim, for his part, didn’t want to do the supporters the disservice of defending the season; of going through the motions of insisting it will be better.
Man United have gone backwards under Ruben Amorim and there’s only one way out
Ruben Amorim will not ask for compensation if sacked by Man United
08:21 , Jamie BraidwoodRuben Amorim said he would not ask for any compensation if Manchester United to decide to sack him following the Europa League final defeat to Tottenham.
When asked if United had to take responsibility for a “failure” of a season, Amorim said he was well aware of how far the club has fallen this year.
“In this moment, I’m not going to be here defending myself,” Amorim said in a news conference. “It’s not my style, I cannot do it. It’s really hard for me.
“I have nothing to show to the fans to say, I am going to improve because of this, I will not do that. In this moment, it is faith. Let’s see.
“I’m always open, if the board and the fans feel I am not the right guy I will go in the next day without any conversation of compensation.
“But I will not quit. Again, I am confident about my job. As you can see I will not change nothing in the way I do things.”
Ruben Amorim will not ask for compensation if sacked by Man United
Ange Postecoglou always ‘believed’ Tottenham would win trophy in second season
08:20 , Jamie BraidwoodAnge Postecoglou wants to build on Tottenham’s Europa League triumph and said he always believed that the club could win a trophy this season.
Spurs’ victory in Bilbao delivered a first trophy in 17 years and saw Postecoglou live up to his words of “always winning in his second season”.
“I think people misinterpreted it. I wasn’t me boasting,” he told TNT Sports. “It was me making a declaration. I had this thing in me: I know that our league form has been unacceptable but us finishing third was not going to change this football club. The only thing that was going to change this football club was winning something.
“When I said that, that was my intent. I’m not afraid to declare it and if I fell short I was happy to cop it, but I believed in it. I couldn’t expect anyone from the club to say that. But I can say that. I was prepared to wear it. People kept reminding me of it. I was comfortable with it.”
Ange Postecoglou always ‘believed’ Tottenham would win trophy in second season
Tottenham silence the noise with Europa League triumph and leave Man Utd facing bleak future
08:19 , Miguel DelaneyAnge Postecoglou dared to say it, and his players have gone and done it. The Greek-Australian has won a trophy in his second season, and Tottenham Hotspur’s first in 17 years.
The Europa League has often been discussed in terms of what it means regarding everything else in football but, for Spurs, it is suitably about glory. This is their moment, this scrappy 1-0 win over Manchester United was deserved.
That means it might also be another even longer period of pain for Ruben Amorim – if he remains at the club for that long. The promise and hope of United’s season is gone, and all because Postecoglou lived up to his own promise. United now have so many more questions, from what they do with transfers to – most pertinently – what the manager is doing with this system.
United, put bluntly, remain so much less than the sum of their parts. While they are left reeling at the worst campaign in their modern history, Spurs can forget all of that.
Spurs silence the noise with Europa League win and leave Man Utd facing bleak future
