Manchester United’s hopes of lifting the UEFA Europa League trophy were dashed on a frustrating night in Bilbao, as they suffered a narrow 1–0 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur in the 2025 final at San Mamés Stadium. The result not only denied United silverware but also cost them a crucial spot in next season’s UEFA Champions League.
Tottenham’s decisive goal came late in the first half. A cross from Pape Sarr deflected awkwardly off Luke Shaw and landed at the feet of Brennan Johnson, who slotted home calmly past André Onana in the 42nd minute. Despite Manchester United enjoying nearly 60% of possession and firing 12 shots, they couldn’t find a way past Spurs goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario.
United’s attacking trio of Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho, and Rasmus Højlund showed moments of threat but failed to convert their chances. Casemiro came closest with a powerful header in stoppage time, but his effort whistled just wide, sealing Tottenham’s first European trophy since 1984.
The result is a significant blow for United manager Rúben Amorim, who had hoped to cap his first season with European success after replacing Erik ten Hag. The team’s failure to qualify for the Champions League adds to growing pressure on the Portuguese tactician, who now faces a critical summer of rebuilding.
Behind the scenes, the club is already preparing for changes. Reports indicate Manchester United are eyeing World Cup-winning goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez from Aston Villa as a potential replacement for Onana, whose position is under review following inconsistent performances. The goalkeeping shake-up comes as part of a broader strategy to tighten the defense and bring stability to the backline.
On the attacking front, United are monitoring Ipswich Town’s promising striker Liam Delap, who has a £30 million release clause. With Newcastle and Chelsea also interested, United will need to act fast if they hope to secure his signature. The club is also rumored to be scouting midfield reinforcements as doubts linger over Christian Eriksen and Donny van de Beek.
Speaking of van de Beek, the Dutch midfielder recently criticized his time at United, suggesting that prolonged periods on the bench contributed to his injury woes. “My body wasn’t used to playing anymore, and I got injured very quickly after getting minutes,” he said in an interview this week.
Off the pitch, the Manchester United board will be meeting in the coming days to assess Amorim’s future, transfer priorities, and the financial implications of missing out on Champions League revenue, which is estimated to cost the club over £60 million in potential earnings.
The loss marks another chapter of European frustration for United, who last won the Europa League under José Mourinho in 2017. With fan expectations rising and rivals strengthening, the Red Devils must now regroup and prepare for a defining off-season that could shape the future of the club for years to come.
