Europa League final player ratings as Tottenham end title duck vs downtrodden Man Utd | OneFootball

Tottenham Hotspur beat Manchester United 1-0 in a tense all-English Europa League final ending their 17-year wait for silverware.

Marred by injuries to several first-team stars, including Dejan Kulusevski and James Maddison, Spurs headed into the game with cautious optimism.

While a three-game winning streak against Man Utd offered a significant psychological boost, Ange Postecoglou’s side still had to deal with a gigantic mental barrier.

Seventeen years had passed since Tottenham last won a major title, even though they came agonisingly close to securing Champions League glory in 2018/19.

Man Utd and Spurs are in the same boat when it comes to their Premier League woes, with Ruben Amorim keen on saving some dignity amid a dreadful stint at Old Trafford.

However, it was a chaotic start at San Mames as both teams displayed erratic plays, often failing to establish long possession sequences, leading to a series of turnovers.

For perspective, Guglielmo Vicario and Andre Onana only had to make one save apiece before Brennan Johnson found a scrappy opening goal on the stroke of half-time.

Seemingly content with a narrow lead, Spurs relinquished their attacking ambitions in the second half, allowing Man Utd to take complete control of possession.

It took the Red Devils almost 70 minutes to muster their first clear-cut chance in the final, but Micky van de Ven’s last-ditch defending denied their equaliser.

The Dutch star made an acrobatic goal-line clearance to avert danger after Vicario’s dismal intervention left him in no man’s land.

After firing a warning shot through Rasmus Hojlund, Man Utd came knocking on the door again, yet Bruno Fernandes couldn’t direct his diving header on target.

Vicario somewhat atoned for his past mistake with a superb save to thwart Alejandro Garnacho’s effort from the edge of the box in the 74th minute.

United had one last attempt to take the final to extra time, yet Vicario parried Shaw’s stoppage-time header away, which was the signal for the Lilywhites faithful to start celebrating.

Tottenham Hotspur (4-3-3)

Guglielmo Vicario (7/10) – Didn’t always brim with confidence, especially in set-piece situations. However, got the job done whenever called into action, except in the 69th minute when Van de Ven bailed him out.

Destiny Udogie (7/10) – In addition to some sloppy plays in possession, the Italian full-back massively struggled against Amad Diallo defensively.

Micky van de Ven (9/10) – One of the most highly-rated Premier League defenders lived up to his reputation. Made light work of Rasmus Hojlund and dominated his opponents in the air. What a clearance!

Cristian Romero (8/10) – Another masterclass performance from the World Cup winner. Never gave his opposition an inch, demonstrating aggressive defending combined with excellent timing in tackles. His leadership at the back stood out.

Pedro Porro (7/10) – Far better than his colleague on the left, the Portuguese had a field day against Mason Mount. Not as effective in attack as he has been throughout the season.

Pape Matar Sarr (8/10) – His teasing ball into the box set up Johnson for the opener. Put in another shift in midfield, providing an extra layer of cover for his backline.

Yves Bissouma (7/10) – Like Sarr, his midfield presence was crucial as Spurs often had to work behind the ball. However, nowhere to be seen in the build-up play.

Rodrigo Bentancur (6/10) – A quiet night for the Uruguayan ace, who couldn’t impose himself in midfield. Showed glimpses of his quality but lacked the sharpness to influence the tempo.

Richarlison (4/10) – A lengthy spell on the sidelines is taking its toll. Spent more time arguing with match officials than contributing to Spurs’ attacks.

Brennan Johnson (8/10) – Tottenham’s liveliest performer on either side of half-time. The goal was just a cherry on top. Nothing less than he deserved for making Luke Shaw look like a second-tier defender.

Dominic Solanke (4/10) – Often cut off from the rest of the pack, the ex-Bournemouth centre-forward desperately lacked service in the box. Never had a chance to threaten Onana’s goal.

Substitutions

Son Heung-min (5/10)

Kevin Danso (7/10)

Djed Spence (N/A)

Archie Gray (N/A)

Manchester United (3-4-3)

Andre Onana (5/10) – Enjoyed a bright start to the game but gradually decreased as half-time approached. Generously said, his reaction in that fateful 42nd minute was sluggish.

Luke Shaw (3/10) – Handed a surprising chance to start, the experienced defender messed up. Slow to close Johnson down for the goal and often off the pace.

Harry Maguire (8/10) – Made numerous crucial blocks and interceptions. Calm and collected in possession. The only bright spot in Man Utd’s disjointed backline.

Leny Yoro (7/10) – Caught out of possession several times early on but grew into the contest as the game progressed. Impressive with the ball at his feet.

Noussair Mazraoui (7/10) – Never troubled by out-of-sorts Richarlison, he should’ve done more on the opposite half. However, often left Diallo alone on an island.

Casemiro (6/10) – Slotted in for Manuel Ugarte, the veteran did his part defensively. Didn’t have much say in the link-up play but never gave the ball away cheaply.

Bruno Fernandes (5/10) – Tried to be a point of difference but failed. Squandered too many set-piece opportunities while doing nothing concrete from open play. Should’ve put that header away.

Patrick Dorgu (6/10) – Erratic at times, the former Lecce wing-back had a first half to forget. Dusted himself off at the start of the second half and started causing havoc on the left flank.

Mason Mount (4/10) – Nothing to show for despite all the tricks and flicks. Lost possession time and time again and never made the Spurs defence concerned.

Amad Diallo (7/10) – Man Utd’s most dangerous forward tonight. Came close to scoring midway through the first half and gave Udogie a run for his money, bursting into the box with venom.

Rasmus Hojlund (2/10) – What use of a striker who cannot win an aerial duel or play with his back to goal on top of a well-documented wastefulness in the area?

Substitutions