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:
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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 Bilbao
Ange 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.
Amorim breaks down the game
23:40
,
Mike Jones
Ruben 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 Bilbao
As 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.
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 Jones
More 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 Braidwood
Ange 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.
Reaction from Ruben Amorim
23:17
,
Mike Jones
The 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 Jones
Rio 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 Braidwood
Brennan 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.
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 Braidwood
Ange 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.
'We always believed'
23:01
,
Mike Jones
Tottenham 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 Jones
Ange 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 Jones
Tottenham 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 Braidwood
Tottenham 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:
Pundits react to Tottenham's win
22:33
,
Mike Jones
Glenn 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 Jones
Glenn 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 Jones
Brennan 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 Jones
The 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 Jones
Son 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 Jones
Ange 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 Jones
The 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 Jones
Spurs will lift silverware for the first time since 2008.
A touch of class from Postecoglou
22:13
,
Mike Jones
Ange 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 Bilbao
Ange 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 Jones
Wrapped 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 Jones
The 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 Jones
Tottenham 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 Jones
90+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 Jones
90+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 Jones
90+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 Jones
90+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 Jones
90 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 Jones
87 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 Jones
84 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 Jones
83 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 Jones
80 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 Jones
80 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 Jones
77 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 Jones
75 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 Jones
74 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 Jones
71 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 Jones
68 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 Jones
68 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 Jones
66 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 Jones
63 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 Jones
62 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 Jones
59 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 Jones
56 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 Jones
53 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 Jones
50 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
