Manchester United endured defeat in the Europa League final following a bitterly disappointing 1-0 loss against Tottenham Hotspur in Bilbao.
It was United’s first failure in Europe this season, and it sadly came at the final hurdle, in what was the fourth time the Lilywhites had beaten the Reds in all competitions this season.
The crucial breakthrough came just before half-time in scrappy fashion as Brennan Johnson’s attempted shot deflected off Luke Shaw and bounced past Andre Onana in front of the London support.
The second half saw United dominate possession but ultimately fail to break down a strangely resolute defence.
Here are our five talking points from a disappointing final.
A crushing defeat for Manchester United in Bilbao
This is unquestionably a hugely damaging defeat for the Manchester outfit.
Failure to secure Champions League football for next term will have massive ramifications for the Red Devils’ immediate future, severely hampering their ability to pursue top targets in the summer transfer window.
With everything at stake, it was always going to be a monumental springboard for whichever team won in Bilbao. Unfortunately, it wasn’t to be for Ruben Amorim’s men on this occasion.
Simply put, United never turned up
It was a flat performance from the team, with many uninspiring individuals in red across the pitch.
The three-time European champions never really got into their stride, labouring their way through the 90+ minutes without ever laying a glove on their opponents.
Unquestionably, the players will have plenty of regrets after this performance. Despite enduring weekly domestic turmoil, this was an opportunity to provide some semblance of reward for the loyal support.
It’s bitterly disappointing to let such a massive opportunity slip from their grasp with a meek display against a side that didn’t have to do a whole lot to win.
Shaw was poor at the back
Luke Shaw made his long-awaited return from injury in April and has since received plenty of minutes to try and get back up to speed.
The experienced England full-back was selected to start the showpiece on the left-hand side of Amorim’s back three. However, the former Southampton man turned in an awful display, capped by diverting the ball into his net in the first half.
The 29-year-old was sluggish and looked jittery and nervous from the outset.
His delivery from set-pieces and open play was very disappointing all night, with a lack of quality in the final third hindering the North West giants’ attack.
With one year left on his current deal, Shaw still has a short-term future at the club, but his time in Manchester is winding down.
Experienced heads fail to stand up and be counted
United needed their most experienced troops to rise to the occasion on Wednesday night if they were to stand any chance of lifting the trophy, but this surprisingly did not prove to be the case.
Casemiro was often a match-winner for his team in the Europa League this season, but he struggled against Spurs and failed to influence proceedings.
Captain Bruno Fernandes, so often the saviour, cut a frustrated figure all night and didn’t leave a mark on the game as we have come to expect.
Harry Maguire tried to drive the team on but couldn’t get things going and ended up having a personal duel with Tottenham counterpart Christian Romero.
Andre Onana didn’t cover himself in glory either, with some questionable positioning for the Spurs goal as he feebly tried in vain to claw the ball to safety.
It was a forgettable night for our experienced stars.
A key summer ahead for the club
After a painful defeat in Bilbao, it is crystal clear now that Ineos needs to sanction a total clear-out of this squad.
Outgoings, with some much-needed signings, are essential as Amorim desperately strives to reshape the team in his image.
Once the disappointment eases in the coming days and weeks, it will make way for what promises to be an intriguing summer ahead for the Old Trafford outfit.
Amorim needs to be supported wholeheartedly, so let’s show some patience and see if he can turn the red tide around.
What did you think about another frustrating Manchester United performance in defeat to Tottenham?
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