Bilbao, Spain – Tottenham Hotspur take first blood in the Europa League final, defeating Manchester United 1-0 with a controversial goal just before halftime on Wednesday night.
As excitement built in the San Mamés Stadium, Spurs managed to grab the lead in the 42nd minute when Pape Matar Sarr‘s cross deflected off Luke Shaw into his own net. This unfortunate blunder by Shaw, who was caught off guard, marked a crucial moment in the match.
The goal was initially credited to Tottenham’s Brennan Johnson, but replay revealed that it was Shaw’s touch that sent the ball into the goal. Manchester United’s Andre Onana, scrambling to clear the danger, could not position himself in time.
Rio Ferdinand, speaking for TNT Sports, criticized United’s defensive communication leading up to the goal. “Dorgu, at no point does he talk to Luke Shaw,” he said. “You always need that help. Maybe it’s inexperience, a more experienced full-back would have communicated better.”
Prior to the final, Paul Scholes raised eyebrows with his recommendations for United’s setup, suggesting Bruno Fernandes take on a more defensive role alongside Casemiro. The former United star expressed concern about an untested forward combination, particularly as United faced a daunting Spurs squad.
“I think Amorim will start [Rasmus] Hojlund in the final because he hasn’t been too bad in the Europa League,” Scholes noted, hinting at the tight tactical setup necessary to secure a win.
Meanwhile, Ruben Amorim, United’s manager, seemed calm ahead of kickoff and explained his lineup choices. “I feel Mason Mount gives us a different balance because he’s good at attacking and also helps compact the team,” he said. Amorim also confirmed that Garnacho would start on the bench, hinting that he could make a significant impact later in the match.
Following the final, Manchester United has one more Premier League match against a Champions League rival, leaving fans to wonder if this Europa League appearance might be Fernandes’ last, as rumors swirl about his potential exit from the club.
Amorim concluded with a note about the importance of winning. “It’s not about the money; it’s the feeling of winning that matters most,” he emphasized, hoping to build a stronger bond between the team and its supporters.
