Tottenham Beat Manchester United To Win The Europa League
Tottenham End Trophy Drought with Europa League Triumph Over Manchester United
Tottenham Hotspur have finally ended their 17-year wait for silverware, securing the UEFA Europa League title with a narrow 1-0 win over Manchester United in Bilbao.
Brennan Johnson’s scrappy first-half strike proved decisive in a tense, hard-fought final at San Mamés Stadium.
The victory caps off a turbulent season for Spurs and delivers on under-pressure manager Ange Postecoglou’s promise to bring success in his second year at the helm.
Though his future at the club remains uncertain, the Australian has etched his name into the club’s history books alongside legendary managers Bill Nicholson and Keith Burkinshaw, both of whom also lifted European trophies with Spurs.
Postecoglou’s achievement mirrors his past triumphs with clubs across Australia, Japan, and Scotland, continuing his trend of second-season silverware.
The win also secures Tottenham a spot in next season’s UEFA Champions League and a financial boost worth up to £100 million.
For Manchester United, the defeat marks a fittingly grim end to their worst campaign in half a century. Manager Ruben Amorim faces mounting scrutiny, with the club’s failure to secure European football next season representing a significant blow.
United’s tactical decisions were called into question, particularly the omission of rising star Alejandro Garnacho in favor of Mason Mount, and a subdued performance from captain Bruno Fernandes left the team bereft of creativity.
United’s best chance to equalize came in the second half when Rasmus Højlund’s header, following a rare error from Spurs goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario, was heroically cleared off the line by Micky van de Ven.
Late efforts from Luke Shaw and substitute Joshua Zirkzee were also denied as Spurs clung to their slender lead.
The only goal of the night came just before halftime, when a Pape Matar Sarr cross found Johnson, who nudged the ball awkwardly toward goal.
A deflection off Luke Shaw wrong-footed United keeper André Onana, and despite debate over who got the final touch, Johnson was credited with the match-winner.
Spurs managed just one shot on target—the goal—but it was all they needed. For Postecoglou, it was his 100th game in charge, and one that ended with the club’s first European trophy since the 1984 UEFA Cup.
As for United, the loss is a sobering reminder of their fall from European elite. No last-minute magic, no injury-time heroics—just questions about their future.
With a summer of rebuilding ahead and no European fixtures to soften the blow, Old Trafford faces a long road back to relevance.