The all-Premier League affair was far from a classic in Bilbao, but Tottenham gutsed it out to capture Europe’s secondary prize, winning 1-0. In the build-up, few were expecting a high-quality encounter, but the fallibilities of both teams, who have endured abysmal league campaigns, could have led to an entertaining fiasco.
This was not the case, however. There is in fact little to really be said about the game – Brennan Johnson’s scruffy goal was the product of United failing to clear a cross rather than any great individual quality, and it was perhaps a fitting way for a match like this to be decided. Perhaps the finest moment was Micky Van de Ven’s acrobatic goal-line clearance as United pushed for an equaliser in the second half, and demonstrated the fighting spirit, bordering on desperation which made the difference for Spurs in the end.
Tottenham were forced to defend for large spells during the game, unable to express Postecoglou’s idealistic approach, and seeing little of the ball, but their attitude was creditable. This is more than can be said for Ruben Amorim’s Manchester United, who showed nothing, either in a footballing or a mental sense, which deserves any praise at all.
With Tottenham languishing in 17th in the Premier League, and United only a place higher, this has been an abject league season for both sides. They are both yet to reach 40 points at the time of writing, and both managers are under serious pressure.
Postecoglou, however, can claim this European glory, and the ending of Spurs’ infamous 17-year trophy drought, a run which extended back to Juande Ramos leading them to the League Cup in 2008. Tottenham have won this trophy before, in 1972 and 1984, back when it was the UEFA Cup and a far more prestigious honour than its current Europa League iteration, but this does not detract from this as one of the best nights in this club’s storied history.
As for United, this is a result befitting of one of the worst seasons for the club in living memory. Even during the years they have recently spent in the wilderness following Alex Ferguson’s reign, they have hovered around the European places and remained competitive, albeit never really challenging for a league title. However, this extended car crash of a season, presided over by Erik ten Hag and then Amorim, has shattered any illusions of a positive direction of travel.
No European football next season also has financial implications for United, and with many hefty contracts on the books, and investment needed everywhere you look, England’s largest club look to be in a dire situation. The club’s fruitless and lavish spending is simply unsustainable without the financial boost of European football. Already rumours grimly predicting the club’s death spiral are flying around, and it is difficult to disagree with them. The change in ownership has changed none of the club’s fortunes, and it is difficult to recall a lower point for United since their relegation in the 70s.
For Tottenham however, a difficult period has been caveated with what is a real positive, and their fans have the right to cherish what is a legitimately brilliant achievement.
Photo Credits: “Ruben Amorim, January 2024 (cropped)” by Agencia LUSA is licensed under CC BY 3.0.