Manchester United’s 2024/25 campaign ended in heartbreak as they suffered a 1-0 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur in the UEFA Europa League final. The result marked United’s fifth loss in a European final out of six since 2009, including two UEFA Super Cup defeats.

Brennan Johnson’s first-half strike proved decisive, handing Spurs their first trophy in 17 years and capping off a memorable European run for the North London side.

Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou was ecstatic after guiding the club to long-awaited silverware.

“I’m hoping they’re tasting success now and that it feeds into how they feel about themselves,” he told CBS Sports Golazo. “It’s incredible what it means to the fans too. I made the decision after the transfer window that this was the trophy to go for. Everything I’ve done—from training to decisions—was to give us the best possible chance in Europe.”

Club captain Son Heung-min was all smiles after lifting the trophy. Reflecting on his journey, he said:

“After 10 years at Tottenham Hotspur, I was able to lift the Europa League trophy as captain. Let’s say, I’m a legend now!”

Despite the defeat, Manchester United players rallied behind manager Ruben Amorim, insisting he remains the right man for the job.

When asked why the fans should continue to believe in Amorim, Diogo Dalot said:

“The last thing we need right now is to create a separation between us and the fans. They deserve more. Stick by us and keep believing.”

 Luke Shaw echoed that sentiment:

“I can say 100 percent right now he’s the right man. Results haven’t been good at all. I’ve been here a long time and seen many managers, but Ruben, for me—and I speak for all the players—is definitely the right manager to take us back to where we belong.”

Club captain Bruno Fernandes also showed his support:

“Ruben Amorim is the perfect coach for the period ahead. What happened this season doesn’t change what we think of him.”

Amorim himself stood by his players after the final whistle.

“The guys tried everything to win the game. In the future, we’ll have time to assess everything,” he said.

“If you look at the opportunities we had, it came from different players, so it’s not about one individual. Their goalkeeper did a great job. I am confident in my players. It wasn’t possible to make changes in January, but the problem is not one player.”

He continued:

“There are days I’ve said we were really poor—today wasn’t one of them. We weren’t perfect and we need to improve, but I’m always honest with you guys.”

When questioned on whether Alejandro Garnacho should have started over Mason Mount, Amorim replied:

“It’s easy to say that now. Who missed the big chance in the first half of the semi-final? Garnacho. Football is like that.”

The defeat means Manchester United will miss out on UEFA’s £100 million prize for winning the competition, as well as a place in next season’s European competitions—casting doubt over their summer transfer plans and ability to attract top-tier talent without Champions League football.