Tottenham Hotspur salvaged their season as they beat Manchester United 1-0 in a dismal Europa League final in Bilbao to claim a first trophy since 2008.
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 Red Devils defender Luke Shaw contrived to bundle the ball into the corner of the net, with a flailing Andre Onana unable to stop it dribbling across the line.
Spurs won’t care however, as a first trophy since their 2008 League Cup success vindicated boss Ange Postecoglou who claimed pre-match he “always wins” a trophy in his second year in charge of clubs and created waves of headlines in the build-up by taking a swipe at a journalist for writing that he was “teetering between hero and clown”. Presumably, he will now go down as a hero in the white half of north London.
Relive all the Europa League final action, including updates for our Chief Football Writer Miguel Delaney, with our live blog below:
Europa League final: Spurs v Man United
- REPORT: Tottenham silence the noise with Europa League triumph and leave Man Utd facing bleak future
- RATINGS: Micky van de Ven stars in scrappy Europa League final victory
- ANALYSIS: Inept Man Utd have many problems but improving this one area must be the priority
- 90+7’ SAVE! Vicario denies Shaw in the last minute (TOT 1-0 MUN)
- 73’ CHANCE Fernandes’ diving header is sent wide of the target (TOT 1-0 MUN)
- 68’ OFF THE LINE! Van de Ven denies Hojlund by clearing the ball (TOT 1-0 MUN)
- 42' GOAL! Johnson's run helps Spurs take the lead in Bilbao (TOT 1-0 MUN)
- 41’ SHOT! Amad comes inside and hits the ball into the hands of Vicario (TOT 0-0 MUN)
Tottenham silence the noise with Europa League triumph and leave Man Utd facing bleak future
22:28 , Miguel Delaney in BilbaoAnge Postecoglou dared to say it, and his players have gone and done it. The Australian-Greek 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.
Spurs silence the noise with Europa League win and leave Man Utd facing bleak future
Amorim breaks down the game
23:40 , Mike JonesRuben Amorim spoke about how he thought the match played out in Bilbao and why Manchester United lost.
The Portuguese said: “We suffered a goal. Especially in the second half we were controlling the game, we had situations to score, we tried everything.
“I think we started well in the first five-seven minutes, we lost control of the game and suffered a goal but then the rest of the game we have clear chances to score but we didn’t score.
“Like you saw we started the second half quite well so change just for people to see that I change something is not my way of doing things. We were on top of the game and when I felt we needed a different player I put a different player on.”
Inept Man Utd have many problems but improving this one area must be the priority
23:34 , Pete Hall in BilbaoAs emotion poured from Ange Postecoglou in a heart-warming 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
Postecoglou on his future at Tottenham:
23:29 , Mike Jones"I've had such a laser focus on winning this, whatever happens, happens.
"We're still building this team. It's a young team, we need to add experience and now we are in the Champions League. I've been trying to build a team that can be challenging for the next four or five years.
"I'm the manager of the football club, that decision is not in my hands. All I know is having this around my neck [the medal] means we have won a trophy. I don't feel I have completed the job. We're still building.
"Since I came here I had the belief of trying to win something and we have done that and I want to build on it."
Postecoglou speaking to TNT Sports:
23:25 , Mike Jones"It's how the club perceives itself. Being at the club for the last few years and the history, people are quick to take shots at the club and the club at times has not defended itself as strongly as it should.
"There's no reason why the club can't go into next year and believe they can win again next season. The great clubs expect success and I hope this taste of it takes the club forwards."
'We were not perfect, we have a lot to improve'
23:21 , Mike JonesMore from Ruben Amorim who spoke about the game and believes his team were better than Tottenham today.
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."
Ange Postecoglou always ‘believed’ Tottenham would win trophy in second season
23:20 , 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”.
Postecoglou had been under pressure all season, with Tottenham losing 21 Premier League games and sliding to 17th in the table.
Ange Postecoglou always ‘believed’ Tottenham would win trophy in second season
Reaction from Ruben Amorim
23:17 , Mike JonesThe Manchester United boss spoke at his pre-match press conference and said: "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.
"We have two plans, even for the market. We have to understand that it is tough for a club like us not to be in the Champions League but now we have to do the other side.
“If we have more time, we have more time to think and work during the week and to be better in the Premier League. This will be our focus."
'Tottenham have something to build on'
23:13 , Mike JonesRio Ferdinand spoke about the future of the Tottenham manager and said: “I've got a soft spot for Ange Postecoglou.
“Yes, he's been prickly, but who wouldn't be under that scrutiny?
“Tottenham have something to build on now.”
Why was Brennan Johnson credited with Tottenham’s winning goal?
23:10 , 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.
Why was Brennan Johnson credited with Tottenham’s winning goal?
Reaction from Tottenham's Son Heung-min:
23:06 , Mike Jones"Let's say I'm a legend. why not? Only today. 17 years nobody has done it, so today let's say with amazing players probably a legend of the club.
"This is what I've always dreamed for. Today is the day it happened. I am the happiest man in the world.
"When you look at the whole season there will always be some situation you have a tough time but we as players always stuck together.
"I felt the pressure. I wanted it so badly. The last seven days I was dreaming about this game every night. It finally happened and I can sleep easy now.
"We can celebrate today so let's just make it one we will never forget and maybe I will miss the flight tomorrow!"
Ange Postecoglou always ‘believed’ Tottenham would win trophy in second season
23:03 , 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”.
Postecoglou had been under pressure all season, with Tottenham losing 21 Premier League games and sliding to 17th in the table.
Ange Postecoglou always ‘believed’ Tottenham would win trophy in second season
'We always believed'
23:01 , Mike JonesTottenham defender Micky van de Ven told TNT Sports:
"We always believed in this squad. Everyone kept believing even if we had a tough season.
"I saw the ball come in [for his goalline clearance]. I had to go to the goal and I wondered how I would do this but I just cleared it. My back, the ground over there is not soft.
"Unbelievable feeling. It was a tough season for myself also with injury."
Postecoglou always wins trophies in his second season
22:59 , 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.”
Postecoglou on his tactical tweaks in the final:
22:54 , Mike Jones“I’ve always felt that knockout football is different from league football. When you’re in that situation it comes down to good organisation, having a clear gameplan and moments.
“If you can minimise the moments the opposition have by having a strong foundation. To be honest I felt that having Romero, Van de Ven, Udogie, Porro and Vicario in goal and Bissouma and Bentancur that we’d be hard to break down.
“We could have been better in transition but I always felt comfortable that if we got ahead we could negate most of what Man U were going to throw at us.”
Spurs celebrate Europa League win
22:50 , Mike Jones
Ange Postecoglou reacts to ending Tottenham's trophy drought:
22:48 , 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.
“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.”
Tottenham win the Europa League
22:37 , Mike JonesTottenham Hotspur defeated Manchester United 1-0 in Bilbao to lift a trophy for the first time in 17 years.
Tottenham vs Man United player ratings:
22:35 , 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.
Here are how the players rated from the Europa League final:
Tottenham vs Man Utd player ratings as Van de Ven stars in Europa League final
Pundits react to Tottenham's win
22:33 , Mike JonesGlenn Hoddle and Rio Ferdinand gave their reactions on TNT Sports to Tottenham’s trophy win.
Ferdinand spoke about the consequences for Manchester United saying:
“A distaster of a season ending on a bad note, but I dont think Man Utd did enough to deserve it.
“There was no real cutting edge in the Man Utd team. All that sustained pressure, the goalkeeper [Guglielmo Vicario] made one save in the whole game - you can't expect to win a trophy when you're a bit reserved.”
Pundits react to Tottenham's win
22:32 , Mike JonesGlenn Hoddle and Rio Ferdinand gave their reactions on TNT Sports to Tottenham’s trophy win.
Hoddle said: “The stadium is rocking! It is wonderful. These guys [Tottenham fans] have suffered for so many years.
“Ange Postecoglou got it right in the end.
“He played three in midfield and particularly in the first half that overpowered Man Utd. Second half, there was a case of holding on and hanging in there.
“They defended like trojans. Hopefully, it's a stepping stone for more.”
'If ever there's a time for a mic drop'
22:27 , Mike JonesBrennan Johnson was also asked whether he thinks Ange Postecoglou should remain at the club and he replied:
“He’s done his job, he said he wins in his second year and he has.
“I think if there’s ever a time for a mic drop I think it’s now. I’ll be looking forward to his interview.
“I can’t thank the manager enough for how much trust he’s had in us. Some of the performances this season haven’t been good enough.
“Especially in the Europa League he has a very good way of getting everyone up for it and today it shows.”
Johnson on the fans impact tonight:
22:25 , Mike Jones“Tottenham Hotspur finishing 17th in the Premier League isn’t good enough but we’ve have an unbelievable Europa run and the fans have been incredible.
“Every home game, every away game and then coming here. They were all here singing out names it got us through the game.”
'We got it done' says Brennan Johnson
22:23 , Mike JonesThe Tottenham Hotspur matchwinner spoke after the game saying:
“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, 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.”
Tottenham are the Europa League champions
22:21 , Mike JonesSon Heung-min takes the trophy, he shuffles in front of his teammates and hoists it aloft as confetti comes out of the cannons and the celebrations get going once again.
Ange Postecoglou leaves the players to it and stands to one side before he’s presented with the trophy and he lifts it high to show the Spurs fans.
Spurs receives winners medals
22:19 , Mike JonesAnge Postecoglou leads Tottenham onto the stage to collect their Europa League winners medals.
At the back of the line is Son Heung-min. The Tottenham captain who will lift the trophy, Spurs’ first one in 17 years.
Is there a person more fitting to end this drought than the more from South Korea.
He’s been at Tottenham for 10 years and given his all to the club. It’ll be a fitting reward for the striker.
Manchester United collect their runners-up medals
22:17 , Mike JonesThe Manchester United players walk up to the stage and collect their silver medals.
There are now big questions to big asked for them. They won’t be in Europe next season and their terrible league form needs to be addressed.
Will they stick with Ruben Amorim who needs new players they probably can’t afford to buy?
Those are questions for the summer.
Ecstasy for Tottenham
22:15 , Mike JonesSpurs will lift silverware for the first time since 2008.
A touch of class from Postecoglou
22:13 , Mike JonesAnge Postecoglou must be on cloud nine.
As the presentation stage is prepared the Tottenham boss waves to his supporters then heads to the Manchester United players and shakes their hands in commiserations.
Brennan Johnson speaking to TNT Sports:
22:11 , Mike Jones“I’m so happy right now, this season hasn’t been good at all but I swear not one of us players right now 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.”
Spurs have a moment that will last forever
22:08 , Miguel Delaney in BilbaoAnge Postecloglou dared to say it, and his team have gone and done it. Glory.
He has won that trophy in his second season, and delivered Tottenham Hotspur's first trophy in 17 years. They can forget all of the noise of the season.
That is now for Manchester United, who have to face up to questions that are now even more severe. None of this has worked.
It could be argued that the nature of decisive Luke Shaw own goal was typical of the game, and their seasons, but Spurs will only remember the glory.
United would like to forget, but can't. They have an uncertain future. Spurs have a moment that will last forever.
'I can't describe the feeling'
22:06 , Mike JonesWrapped in a Welsh flag Brennan Johnson spoke to TNT Sports after the match.
His goal was the decisive moment in the game and he says he can’t describe the feeling of winning a major trophy.
Reaction from Glenn Hoddle
22:04 , Mike JonesThe TNT Sports pundit and former Tottenham player said:
“Incredible, I’ve got no nails left. It’s fantastic for the club but it wasn’t a classic game by any meas.
“Spurs won it, cup finals are about winning games and they got over the line by hook or by crook. It’s just a wonderful night for those fans around the stadium.”
Spurs triumphant after 17 years
22:02 , Mike JonesTottenham Hotspur are the Europa League champions and end a 17-year wait for a major trophy.
Brennan Johnson’s first half goal was the difference between the teams in a low quality affair.
Ange Postecoglou got his tactics spot on throughout the evening and has led Spurs to some silverware.
Full-time! Tottenham 1-0 Man Utd
21:58 , Mike Jones90+9 mins: The full-time whistle goes in Bilbao.
Tottenham have done it, they are the Europa League champions in 2025.
Ange Postecoglou wins a trophy in his second year again. They have salvation after 17 years and are into the Champions League next year.
A terrible season ends in a fine victory. Brennan Johnson is the hero of the night.
Tottenham 1-0 Man Utd
21:56 , Mike Jones90+7 mins: Save!
Dalot swings a cross in from the right and picks out Shaw who powers a header at goal only for Vicario to leap to the right and palm it away!
Huge moment.
Tottenham 1-0 Man Utd
21:54 , Mike Jones90+5 mins: Leny Yoro takes a shot from range and lifts it well over the crossbar.
Time is running away from Manchester United, Tottenham are almost there.
Two minutes to play.
Tottenham 1-0 Man Utd
21:52 , Mike Jones90+3 mins: Dalot floats a cross into the box for Maguire who wins the header but can’t direct his effort at goal.
The celebrations have started from the Tottenham fans, they think this game is over.
Tottenham 1-0 Man Utd
21:50 , Mike Jones90 mins: Kobbie Mainoo replaces Patrick Dorgu as Spurs throw a bunch of fresh legs on the pitch.
There’s going to be seven minutes of stoppage time to play.
That’s plenty of time for Man Utd to score.
Tottenham 1-0 Man Utd
21:46 , Mike Jones87 mins: Harry Maguire is now playing up front for Man Utd.
This tactic worked in previous rounds. Can United force an equaliser?
Tottenham 1-0 Man Utd
21:44 , Mike Jones84 mins: Joshua Zirkzee goes in the book after fouling Destiny Udogie when the defender drives the ball forward.
Spurs win a free kick and have the chance to run down more of the clock.
Diogo Dalot is on to replace Noussair Mazraoui.
Tottenham 1-0 Man Utd
21:42 , Mike Jones83 mins: Tottenham are fully sitting back and defending this lead now.
If Man Utd score they’ll have the confidence to win the game.
Spurs must keep them out and so far they’re doing a solid job of it.
Tottenham 1-0 Man Utd
21:41 , Mike Jones80 mins: Brennan Johnson leaves the field for Tottenham with Danso brought on.
The Welshman has been credited with the goal as things stand and he’s currently the matchwinner for Spurs.
Tottenham 1-0 Man Utd
21:41 , Mike Jones80 mins: Brennan Johnson leaves the field for Tottenham with Danso brought on.
The Welshman has been credited with the goal as things stand and he’s currently the matchwinner for Spurs.
Tottenham 1-0 Man Utd
21:36 , Mike Jones77 mins: Luke Shaw is seemingly taken out on the edge of the box but the referee points for a goal kick instead.
Kevin Danso is getting prepped for Spurs. Ange Postecoglou wants to keep this lead in tact.
Tottenham 1-0 Man Utd
21:34 , Mike Jones75 mins: 15 minutes to play in Bilbao. Manchester United are showing signs of life.
Alejandro Garnacho drives through the middle of four defenders and forces a diving save out of Vicario!
Tottenham 1-0 Man Utd
21:31 , Mike Jones74 mins: Chance! Zirkzee receives the ball and offloads it to Mazraoui.
He flicks the ball into the box and finds Fernandes who whips a header wide of the target!
Tottenham 1-0 Man Utd
21:30 , Mike Jones71 mins: Ruben Amorim is preparing his substitutes now.
Joshua Zirkzee and Alejandro Garnacho look like they’re coming on.
Yes, Rasmus Hojlund and Mason Mount are the men replaced. Does that make United stronger? Maybe.
Tottenham 1-0 Man Utd
21:28 , Mike Jones68 mins: Incredible defending!
A long free kick is floated into the penalty area where Vicario fumbles the ball again.
The ball comes to Rasmus Hojlund who heads it at goal only for Micky van de Ven to leap and clear the ball off the line!
Tottenham 1-0 Man Utd
21:27 , Mike Jones68 mins: Amad Diallo wins another free kick with this one deep in his own half.
Patrick Dorgu launches the ball forward but Hojlund can’t win the aerial challenge.
Tottenham 1-0 Man Utd
21:25 , Mike Jones66 mins: Richarlison has gone down and is playing for time.
He’s signalled to the bench for the physio which is giving Ruben Amorim a chance to impart more instructions on to his players.
There’s less than 30 minutes to play and the Brazilian is heading off with Son Heung-min brought on to replace him.
That’s not a bad switch for Spurs at all is it?
Tottenham 1-0 Man Utd
21:22 , Mike Jones63 mins: There’s going to be chances on the break for Tottenham if they can squeeze United and allow them to come forward.
Solanke is almost free on goal trying to counter but a heavy first touch takes the ball out for a goal kick.
Tottenham 1-0 Man Utd
21:20 , Mike Jones62 mins: There’s more urgency from Man Utd. Dorgu chests down a forward pass then feeds a pass into the box for Mount.
He flicks it to Hojlund but the striker can’t reach the ball before Vicario scoops it up.
Tottenham 1-0 Man Utd
21:18 , Mike Jones59 mins: After a few mistimed tackles in succession Richarlison fouls Mazraoui and earns himself a yellow card.
He’s happy breaking down play and taking time out of the match.
Fernandes sends the free kick into the six-yard box. Vicario fumbles the ball but Leny Yoro and Rasmus Hojlund can’t poach the ball before it gets hooked clear.
Tottenham 1-0 Man Utd
21:16 , Mike Jones56 mins: It’s too slow and too passive from Man Utd.
Spurs are letting them have the ball but there’s no incisive pass or real desire to get into the final third.
Tottenham 1-0 Man Utd
21:12 , Mike Jones53 mins: Man Utd have seen more of the ball in this second half but Tottenham look fairly comfortable.
There’s no real cutting edge to United and Spurs have been able to win back the ball in the middle of the pitch with seeming ease.
Tottenham 1-0 Man Utd
21:09 , Mike Jones50 mins: Micky van de Ven goes in the book after another pushy challenge on Rasmus Hojlund.
Bruno Fernandes swings a free kick into the penalty area but Rodrigo Bentancur is there to nod the ball away for Spurs.
Tottenham 1-0 Man Utd
21:07 , Mike JonesHere’s the reaction from the Tottenham fans to the opening goal.
Will they be celebrating at the end of the night?
Tottenham 1-0 Man Utd
21:07 , Mike Jones48 mins: Alejandro Garnacho and Joshua Zirkzee have been sent out to warm up by Ruben Amorim.
It won’t be long until we see them unless Man Utd can play with more intensity.
Second half! Tottenham 1-0 Man Utd
21:05 , Mike JonesManchester United kick off the second half.
They have a decent record in the Europa League this season and have come from behind before.
No changes from either manager at the break.
HT Tottenham 1-0 Man Utd
21:01 , Mike JonesBrennan Johnson - who is making his 50th appearance of the season for Tottenham tonight - is just the second Welshman to start in a Europa League final, after Simon Davies for Fulham in 2010 (v Atletico Madrid).
He yet get a goal accredited to him, though it seems certain to be a Luke Shaw own goal which has given Spurs the lead in this final.
HT Tottenham 1-0 Man Utd
20:57 , Mike JonesAccording to the stats Manchester had more possession and more shots in the first half.
63% compared to Spurs’ 37% and five efforts at goal compared to just three from Ange Postecoglou’s side.
The only stat that matters though is that Tottenham lead 1-0.
HT Tottenham 1-0 Man Utd
20:53 , Mike JonesTottenham strike first in Bilbao. Can they go on to win the Europa League?
Tottenham lead the Europa League final
20:51 , Miguel DelaneyYou'd have to say it was a goal befitting the occasion. This Europa League final has been very low quality, but that offered considerable entertainment, and a lot of atmosphere. It's like the curious context of this fixture has added to the manic energy. Spurs, of course, won't care about any of that... for now. They have the lead. They now just have to hang onto it.
Half-time! Tottenham 1-0 Man Utd
20:49 , Mike Jones45+2 mins: The whistle goes to end the first half.
The team talks between both managers will be totally different now.
Ange Postecoglou will want more of the same, Ruben Amorim has to inspire something more from Man Utd.
Spurs lead and are 45 minutes away from a European trophy.
Tottenham 1-0 Man Utd
20:47 , Mike Jones45 mins: Two minutes of added time to play in the first half.
The goal will eventually go down as a Luke Shaw own goal as it struck the defender last.
This final is alive now.
GOAL! Tottenham 1-0 Man Utd (Brennan Johnson, 42')
20:47 , Miguel DelaneyIt is probably fitting that the opening goal of this manic final involves... a lack of accuracy. Spurs had looked most threatening through crosses and it was a bouncing one from Pape Matar Sarr that found its way to Brennan Johnson. He got a touch only for the ball to come back off Luke Shaw and past a scrambling Andre Onana.
You couldn't quite say any side deserves to be in the lead but that will be immaterial to Spurs. They have it. It's hard not to think this game will see more errors, though, that brings more openings.
GOAL! Tottenham 1-0 Man Utd (Brennan Johnson, 42')
20:45 , Mike JonesScrappy! Very, very scrappy but the Tottenham fans don’t care.
Spurs draw first blood in Bilbao.
Pape Matar Sarr drifts out to the left wing and receives the ball. He floats a cross in towards the near post where Brennan Johnson squeezes ahead of Luke Shaw.
He swipes a couple of times at the ball. It may hit Shaw but it beats the outstretched hand of Andre Onana and finishes in the back of the net!
Tottenham 0-0 Man Utd
20:42 , Mike Jones41 mins: Ange Postecoglou isn’t pleased on the sidelines after Micky van de Ven is punished for a push on Rasmus Hojlund.
The resultant free kick is given to Amad who dances in from the right and sends a soft effort into the hands of Vicario.
Tottenham 0-0 Man Utd
20:39 , Mike Jones38 mins: This game needs a spark of some kind. A goal would be ideal as there haven’t really been many chances to trouble the goalkeepers.
It feels as though both teams are playing safe and aren’t willing to take many risks.
It’s all a bit scrappy out there.
Tottenham 0-0 Man Utd
20:38 , Mike Jones35 mins: Amad Diallo is shown a yellow card for a shirt pull just before Bruno Fernandes gives away a free kick.
Pedro Porro’s delivery only finds Rasmus Hojlund before Fernandes completes the clearance.
Tottenham 0-0 Man Utd
20:33 , Mike Jones32 mins: Amad has been a bright spark from United.
He’s happy to take players on but this time his cross is hooked well over everyone’s heads and goes out for a goal kick.
Tottenham 0-0 Man Utd
20:32 , Mike Jones30 mins: Destiny Udogie gives up a free kick after a foul on Amad Diallo.
Fernandes sends the ball down the wing to Amad who weaves into the box and a pokes a shot at goal.
Johnson is back to help out and blocks the shot.
Cristian Romero has gone down after an off-the-ball collision with Rasmus Hojlund and the game pauses for a moment.
Tottenham 0-0 Man Utd
20:29 , Mike Jones27 mins: Maguire does brilliantly to keep Dominic Solanke at bay.
The Spurs forward wins an aerial pass and brings the ball under control. He tries to turn past the centre back but Maguire pins him on the edge of the box and pokes the ball away.
Spurs recover possession and win themselves a corner.
Tottenham 0-0 Man Utd
20:25 , Mike Jones24 mins: Another free kick for Man Utd, over on the left side of Spurs’ half, is delivered into the box by Luke Shaw.
Spurs manage to marshall it out for a throw in where Yves Bissouma wins back possession and feeds it to Richarlison to carry forward.
Tottenham 0-0 Man Utd
20:23 , Mike Jones21 mins: So far Spurs are the team wanting to utilise pace and play quickly with the ball, United seem content with slower, more controlled build-up play.
Fernandes sneaks into the box from the righ channel and gets on the end of a dainty pass from Amad.
Fernandes pokes a pass or shot towards the near post but Guglielmo Vicario drops low to smother the ball.
Tottenham 0-0 Man Utd
20:21 , Mike Jones18 mins: The first goal could be a crucial one in this match.
Neither of these teams has responded well to going behind this season (except for United’s quarter-final heroics against Lyon) and they’ll be worried about chasing the game.
Both defences seem weaker than you would usually expect so there are goals in this match.
Tottenham 0-0 Man Utd
20:18 , Mike Jones16 mins: Bruno Fernandes is tasked with whipping the latest corner into the box.
This one finds Harry Maguire who nudges the ball to Amad Diallo.
He takes a touch then laces a shot across the face of goal and just wide!
Best chance so far.
Tottenham 0-0 Man Utd
20:16 , Mike Jones15 mins: Quarter of an hour played in Bilbao.
Harry Maguire clears another Spurs corner before Brennan Johnson is judged to have fouled Patrick Dorgu just outside United’s penalty area.
Ruben Amorim’s men have a turn in possession now but Tottenham’s press is tight.
A cross-field pass comes over to Dorgu who’s cross is blocked by Porro.
Tottenham 0-0 Man Utd
20:14 , Mike Jones13 mins: Here we go!
Brennan Johnson takes on Harry Maguire with a direct run and drives into the box. He takes the ball to the byline and squeezes it otwards goal only for Andre Onana to stick out a hand and keep the ball out.
I think it’s Pape Matar Sarr who gets onto the rebound and drills a shot at goal only for the ball to get blocked and scurried away by a shaky-looking United defence.
Things are heating up in Bilbao and Spurs are gaining some confidence.
Tottenham 0-0 Man Utd
20:12 , Mike Jones10 mins: Pedro Porro receives the ball on the right wing and glances into the box.
He whips a curling cross to the far side of the area and teases Andre Onana. The Manchester United goalkeeper is caught in indecision and half-heartedly comes to claim the ball before abandoning the attempt and getting stuck in no-man’s land.
Luckily for him Noussair Mazraoui is there to beat Richarlison to the ball and turns it behind for a corner which Onana then deals with.
Tottenham 0-0 Man Utd
20:08 , Mike Jones7 mins: Spurs deal with the initial corner well enough but Man Utd recover the ball and find Bruno Fernandes.
He weaves into the box from the right and skips past the Tottenham defenders.
A left-footed shot strikes the ball towards goal but Fernandes hits Mason Mount and his teammate unwittingly deflects the ball away from the target.
Tottenham 0-0 Man Utd
20:06 , Mike Jones5 mins: Opportunity for Manchester United here.
Cristian Romero attempts to clear a forward ball and leaps over Rasmus Hojlund knocking the forward to the ground.
Luke Shaw lifts the set piece into the box and finds Harry Maguire who nods in across goal. There’s a Tottenham touch before the ball reaches Leny Yoro and it rolls out for a corner.
Tottenham 0-0 Man Utd
20:04 , Mike Jones3 mins: The first corner of the match is given away by Luke Shaw who isn’t happy with the referee’s decision.
The ball is lofted into the penalty area but Micky van de Ven clambers all over Harry Maguire and gives away a free kick before Spurs can challenge Andre Onana’s goal.
Kick off! Tottenham 0-0 Man Utd
20:03 , Mike JonesSpurs get the ball rolling in Bilbao and knock it back to Cristian Romero.
He punts it long and over to the left wing where Richarlison waits.
The ball doesn’t reach him and is intercepted on route but Manchester United.
The Europa League final is underway...
Tottenham vs Man Utd
19:55 , Mike JonesHere some the players.
Both teams make their way out onto the pitch in Bilbao. Tottenham have a great recent record against Manchester United but it’s been over 17 years since they last won a trophy.
Man Utd will use their history in Europe as motivation and can add another Europa League to their tally after their victory in this competition in 2017.
This match is perhaps too close to call but it will be a cracking affair.
Kick off is up next...
A first for Postecoglou
19:50 , Mike JonesTottenham’s Ange Postecoglou is the first Australian manager ever to lead a side to a major European final.
It’s the first time a manager from a particular nation has taken charge of a major European final for the first time since Norwegian Ole Gunnar Solskjær lost the 2021 Europa League final on penalties to Villarreal with Manchester United.
Five in a row for Solanke?
19:45 , Mike JonesTottenham forward Dominic Solanke has scored in each of his last four appearances against Manchester United in all competitions (5 goals).
Since Sir Alex Ferguson left the Red Devils in 2013, only one player has scored in 5+ consecutive appearances against them, with Mo Salah doing so in six in a row from January 2021 to March 2023.
The farcical and fragile moments behind Manchester United’s lucky Europa League run
19:40 , Richard JollyOne of the largest clubs in the world has reached the Europa League final. Furnished with one of the biggest budgets in the game, in a year when their transfer outlay exceeded £230m, they arguably started the Europa League as favourites, finished third in the group stage, and are the only unbeaten side in all three European competitions.
It makes it sound simple. Manchester United being Manchester United, it has not been...
They have flirted with ignominy time and again and stand on the brink of triumph.
The farcical and fragile moments behind Man United’s lucky Europa League run
Unbeaten winners?
19:30 , Mike JonesManchester United remain the only unbeaten side in major European competition this season, winning nine and drawing five of their 14 Europa League games.
They are looking to become only the fourth side to win the Europa League without losing a single match that campaign, after Chelsea in 2018-19, Villarreal in 2020-21, and Eintracht Frankfurt in 2021-22.
A long time to wait for a trophy
19:25 , Mike JonesTottenham are looking to win their first major trophy since the 2007-08 League Cup under Juande Ramos.
It was 17 years and 86 days prior to this Europa League final.
Spurs’ last major European title was the 1983-84 Uefa Cup under Keith Burkinshaw, 40 years and 363 days ago.
The surprise Ruben Amorim pick that can inspire Manchester United to Europa League glory
19:20 , Pete Hall in BilbaoThe sheer volume of English media commitments is one of the many things that has caught Ruben Amorim completely by surprise since taking over at Manchester United.
He has taken his increased workload in good spirits, but his reluctance to fulfil interview after interview, press conference after press conference, is certainly rather palpable.
The answers, like many managers at modern day elite clubs, are worn out by the multitude of TV, radio and written press obligations after matches, leaving signs of weariness.
The surprise Amorim pick that can inspire Man United to Europa League glory
Will Man Utd stop the rot?
19:16 , Mike JonesManchester United are winless in their last six meetings with Tottenham Hotspur in all competitions (two draws, four defeats), losing their last three in a row.
The Red Devils have never gone seven without a win against Spurs before, and have also never lost four successive matches against them.
A good sign for Man Utd?
19:10 , Mike JonesTottenham have won all three of their meetings with Manchester United in all competitions so far this season, twice in the Premier League and once in the League Cup.
The only opponent Spurs have ever won four games against in a single campaign were Manchester City in 1992-93, while the only side to beat the Red Devils four times in a single season were Everton in 1985-86.
The only previous meeting
19:05 , Mike JonesTottenham and Manchester United’s only previous meeting in major European competition came in the 1963-64 Cup Winners’ Cup last 16.
The Red Devils progressed 4-3 on aggregate over two legs under Matt Busby.
Will they secure another win tonight?
Man United forced into Europa League final kit change due to 64-year tradition
19:00 , Will CastleManchester United have been forced to ditch their traditional kit for the Europa League final due to a long-held convention.
The Red Devils clash with Tottenham in a sub-standard European showcase on Wednesday, with the two struggling Premier League outfits vying for silverware and an unlikely place in next season’s Champions League.
However, United will have a slightly different look to usual when they take to the San Mames, with a 64-year Spurs tradition dictating a change in strip.
The 64-year tradition behind Man United’s unusual kit for the Europa League final
The fourth same nation final
18:55 , Mike JonesThis will be the fourth Europa League final to be contested between two sides from the same nation, after 2011 (Porto 1-0 Sporting Braga), 2012 (Atlético Madrid 3-0 Athletic Club), and 2019 (Chelsea 4-1 Arsenal).
Tottenham's Europa League final line-up
18:49 , Mike JonesTottenham XI: Vicario; Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Udogie; Bissouma, Bentancur, Sarr; Johnson, Solanke, Richarlison
Your Spurs team for the final 🫡 pic.twitter.com/xdlMEZzoOO
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) May 21, 2025
Man Utd's Europa League final line-up
18:47 , Mike JonesMan Utd XI: Onana; Yoro, Maguire, Shaw; Mazraoui, Casemiro, Fernandes, Dorgu; Amad, Mount; Hojlund
It's all led to this.
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) May 21, 2025
Do us proud, Reds ✊#MUFC || #UELfinal
An all English affair
18:40 , Mike JonesThe 2024-25 Europa League final will be the sixth all-English major European competition final, and the third of those to involve Tottenham Hotspur.
The previous two were the 1971-72 Uefa Cup final (which they won 3-2 on aggregate vs Wolves) and the 2018-19 Champions League final (which they lost 0-2 to Liverpool).
Click here to read the full blog on The Independent's website
