Philippa Kaur

MANCHESTER UNITED’S nightmare season ended in the ultimate humiliation as they watched Tottenham lift their first trophy in 17 years.Ruben Amorim’s side have suffered their most embarrassing campaign in more than half a century.Manchester United’s dismal season ended in defeat in the Europa League finalCredit: GettyRuben Amorim’s side have had one of the worst seasons in Manchester United historyCredit: GettyThe Red Devils have been dismal iin the Premier League, cocked up the cups and then fell to defeat at their last chance to save their campaign.Their performance in the Europa League final had fans labelling the match the “worst European final ever” as they failed to make 73 PER CENT of possession count, conceding to Spurs’ only shot on target.Brennan Johnson’s goal was the difference in the Basque Country as United’s failure to win saw them resigned to their first season without European football since 2015.That means there will be no big midweek nights for the United fans next term, a reality that won’t just hurt their reputation but also their bank balance. READ MORE ON MAN UTDA season away from European competition will mean a huge hit to the income streams – missing out on mega TV money.Their inability to reach Europe via cup success comes after their worst league campaign since the 1973-1974 campaign – a season that they were relegated from the top flight.United have lost 18 GAMES in the Prem this season, winning only ten of their 37 league matches.Nine of those 18 defeats have come at Old Trafford, making it their joint-most home losses in a single league campaign.Most read in FootballUnited’s campaign has seen them set records with their dismal effortsCredit: ReutersSir Jim Ratcliffe and Sir Alex Ferguson seemed less than impressed in BilbaoCredit: AlamyJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old TraffordIt is also United’s worst Premier League points tally, with their maximum return currently standing at just 42 points – some 16 points less than their previous worst from the 2021/22 season.Man Utd legend Rio Ferdinand labelled the season a ‘disaster’ when he told TNT Sports how his former club didn’t even deserve to gloss over their dismal effort with Europa League glory.Dave Courtnadge reactions as Tottenham beat Man United in Europa League finalMan Utd ratings: Diallo best player in Europa League final but Hojlund out of his depthAMAD DIALLO’S fizzing first-half display was little consolation for Manchester United in a dismal 1-0 Europa League final loss to Tottenham.Rasmus Hojlund’s plight up front continued in one of the worst European showpieces for many years – as both sides showed why they will finish in the Premier League lower reaches.Spurs clinched it from virtually their first opportunity – on 42 minutes.Brennan Johnson bundled in Pape Sarr’s inswinging cross, with United left-back Luke Shaw also getting a touch on the way.The Red Devils dictated possession more and more after the break, with Leny Yoro stretching to test Guglielmo Vicario from a free-kick.But United’s chances only arrived regularly in the final quarter of a patchy contest.The Red Devils belatedly piled on the pressure in the seven minutes of stoppage time, but Spurs just held on.Here’s how SunSport’s Dave Courtnadge rated United on a miserable night individually and collectively for Ruben Amorim’s men…He said: “A disaster of a season ending on a bad note, but I don’t 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.”Boss Amorim has been unable to turn things around since his arrival at Old Trafford in November, replacing Erik ten Hag.Across the 26 league matches he has managed, Amorim has averaged less than a point per game (0.92) – winning just six of those games.But even the Portuguese manager knows that his tenure has not been good enough, hinting earlier this month that he could walk if he can’t turn things around.He said: “The final is not the issue. We have bigger things to think about. I’m talking about myself and the culture in the club and the culture in the team. We need to change that.”It’s a decisive moment in the history of the club. We need to be really strong in the summer and to be brave because we will not have a next season like this.”If we start like this, if the feeling is still here, we should give the space to different people.”Amorim wants to be strong in the summer, but a lack of European money and no Champions League football will make bringing big names through the door even harder.Links to bottom-half Prem clubs’ wantaway stars – such as Liam Delap and Matheus Cunha – will fail to excited the majority of United fans.For now, Amorim will have to focus on Sunday, trying and end the season on a high note with a win over Champions League-chasing Aston Villa at Old Trafford.Read More on The SunShould they not do that they will have yet another mark against their name, failing to reach the traditional ‘Magic 40 points’ that has historically guaranteed a team’s safety in the Prem.They are safe, of course – but only due to the ineptitude of those below them.Amorim will have to spark his team into life to win on SundayCredit: Getty More

JAMES MADDISON has been accused of “doing a full John Terry” after Tottenham ended their 17-year trophy drought.Spurs beat Manchester United 1-0 in a nervy Europa League final tonight.James Maddison wore a stylish suit before the gameCredit: Shutterstock EditorialHe was even seen at full-time not in his kitCredit: ReutersBut Maddison quickly changed for the trophy liftCredit: APHe also got his hands on a Europa League winners’ medalCredit: ReutersMaddison, 28, missed the game as he is nursing a knee injury.He wore a smart suit and white T-shirt as he joined TNT Sports for a chat before the game.And he was spotted in the same outfit as the final whistle went, running on to the pitch to celebrate with goalscorer Brennan Johnson.But Maddison somehow found the time for a quick change as he reappeared for Spurs’ trophy lift in his full kit.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe act saw him compared to John Terry, who famously performed a similar trick when he was suspended for Chelsea’s Champions League win in 2012.Maddison even managed to get his hands on a medal despite Uefa running out and captain Son Heung-min not getting one.But Maddison later admitted he was told he had to wear a full kit or not get a medal, even saying: “I did not want to do a John Terry.”I know I played a big part in the lead up and I deserved this just as much as all of us.”Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSBut fans still reacted on social media, writing: “James Maddison doing his best John Terry impression.”Another added: “James Maddison on punditry duties and then collecting a medal in full John Terry on the same night… is that a first?!”Dave Courtnadge reactions as Tottenham beat Man United in Europa League finalTottenham ratings: Bissouma dominates Europa League final as occasion gets to UdogieBRENNAN JOHNSON was Tottenham’s hero as they finally ended their 17-year trophy drought in the Europa League final.Despite being without James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski for the clash in Bilbao, Spurs came up with a massive win against Manchester United.Johnson scored the goal as he helped bundle in from a corner in a tussle with Luke Shaw to send fans into dreamland.But Spurs also owe a huge thanks to Yves Bissouma who was totally dominant in midfiend.At the other end, Destiny Udogie struggled to get up to the pace of the match as he was up against Manchester United’s Amad Diallo.Spurs had just three shots, only 27 per cent of the ball, and completed a mere 115 passes over 90 minutes.But it didn’t matter, as United never really looked like finding a leveller to take it to extra time.SunSport’s Henry Tomlinson gave his ratings for the Tottenham players…More commented: “See there was no medal left for Son because James Maddison, who wasn’t in the squad, did a John Terry, put on a kit and collected one.”But the midfielder was not the only one who did it as injured pair Lucas Bergvall and Dejan Kulusevski also swapped tracksuits for a full kit for the trophy celebrations.Maddison was joined on the pitch by his partner Kennedy Alexa and the couple shared a touching kiss.He played 11 times in the Europa League this season, scoring three goals en route to glory. Maddison celebrated with partner Kennedy AlexaCredit: GettyJohn Terry did it first when Chelsea won the Champions League in 2012Credit: Getty More

HARRY MAGUIRE and Cristian Romero were involved in a post-match scrap after Tottenham’s Europa League final triumph over Manchester United.The Red Devils were beaten 1-0 by Spurs in Bilbao as their dismal season ended in more misery thanks to Brennan Johnson’s 42nd minute.Cristian Romero and Harry Maguire clashed after Spurs’ Europa League final win over Man UtdThe pair had battled each other throughout the gameCredit: GettyThey clashed on numerous occasions in BilbaoCredit: PAMaguire was even booked for a foul on his fellow centre-backCredit: PAMeanwhile, Tottenham’s victory means they will be playing Champions League football next season.But tempers spilled over at the final whistle as the Londoners kicked off raucous celebrations.As Spurs began their party, defender Romero made his way to several United players to shake their hands.Maguire did not appear to take any notice as Romero came up to him.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHowever, as the Argentine moved on to a different player, Maguire began charging towards him angrily.The United star could be seeing angrily waving his hand at Romero while being held back by teammates.Meanwhile, the Spurs star was also dragged away by pals to prevent further escalation.Maguire and Romero had previously clashed several times throughout the match in Bilbao.Most read in Europa LeagueBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSOne collision saw them battle mid-air for a high ball.Romero went crashing to the ground under Maguire’s strength.Dave Courtnadge reactions as Tottenham beat Man United in Europa League finalAnd he writhed around on the floor in agony, leaving United’s defender fuming.Maguire was given a booking as he was again held back by team-mates.Yet he did not go on to have the last laugh as Romero helped Spurs end their 17-year trophy drought.Man Utd ratings: Diallo best player in Europa League final but Hojlund out of his depthAMAD DIALLO’S fizzing first-half display was little consolation for Manchester United in a dismal 1-0 Europa League final loss to Tottenham.Rasmus Hojlund’s plight up front continued in one of the worst European showpieces for many years – as both sides showed why they will finish in the Premier League lower reaches.Spurs clinched it from virtually their first opportunity – on 42 minutes.Brennan Johnson bundled in Pape Sarr’s inswinging cross, with United left-back Luke Shaw also getting a touch on the way.The Red Devils dictated possession more and more after the break, with Leny Yoro stretching to test Guglielmo Vicario from a free-kick.But United’s chances only arrived regularly in the final quarter of a patchy contest.The Red Devils belatedly piled on the pressure in the seven minutes of stoppage time, but Spurs just held on.Here’s how SunSport’s Dave Courtnadge rated United on a miserable night individually and collectively for Ruben Amorim’s men… More

AMAD DIALLO’S fizzing first-half display was little consolation for Manchester United in a dismal 1-0 Europa League final loss to Tottenham.Rasmus Hojlund’s plight up front continued in one of the worst European showpieces for many years – as both sides showed why they will finish in the Premier League lower reaches.Amad Diallo was a menace, especially in the first halfCredit: Shutterstock EditorialRed Devils striker Rasmus Hojlund again struggledCredit: GettyBrennan Johnson sees his winner deflect in off Luke ShawCredit: GettyAndre Onana couldn’t keep out the game’s only goalCredit: Shutterstock EditorialSpurs clinched it from their first real opportunity on 42 minutes.Brennan Johnson bundled in Pape Matar Sarr’s inswinging cross, with United left-back Luke Shaw also getting a touch on the way.The Red Devils dictated possession more and more after the break, with Leny Yoro stretching to test Guglielmo Vicario from a free-kick.But chances only arrived regularly in the final quarter of a patchy contest.READ MORE ON MAN UTDFirst Hojlund’s header was acrobatically volleyed off the line by Micky van de Ven.Then Bruno Fernandes’ diving header flew wide and sub Alejandro Garnacho cut in for a shot tipped high.The Red Devils belatedly piled on the pressure in the seven minutes of stoppage time, but Spurs just held on.Here’s how SunSport’s Dave Courtnadge rated United on a miserable night individually and collectively for Ruben Amorim’s men.Most read in Europa LeagueBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKAndre Onana – 5So often the villain this season – and while there were no massive clangers it was still a performance that kept United fans on the edge of their seats for all the wrong reasons.His reluctance to come off his line caused confusion from the start and he did Luke Shaw no favours for Spurs’ goal. Has to go in the summer.Noussair Mazraoui – 7 (off for Dalot, 85)One of the few guaranteed starters in this team and was clear why.Regularly popped up in dangerous positions and wanted to hurt Spurs when he had the ball, linking well with Amad. Too often too few options to do anything though. Made a superb saving tackle on Son at the end to keep United in it.Noussair Mazraoui went flying here but often linked well with AmadCredit: ReutersLeny Yoro – 7Faced a race against time to play but looked very comfortable from the start.Almost too comfortable at times though and nearly let Spurs in in first half by trying to run it out.Always wants to start an attack when he has the ball, even taking matters into his own hands with a mazy run midway through the second half and late shot from distance.A rare ray of light in United’s darkness.Harry Maguire – 6Has been the Europa League hero twice for United this season with his late goals and was chucked up top again when they chased the game in the closing stages.Should probably have started him there as was largely the only threat in the box with headers and his feet from free kicks. That says it all.Harry Maguire got frustrated as Man Utd struggled to fight backCredit: GettyThe centre-back had a tough tussle with Dominic SolankeCredit: AFPLuke Shaw – 5It looks like the injuries have really taken their toll on the once brilliant left-back.Caught out three times in the first ten minutes and his horror first half was rounded off by bundling the ball towards his own goal after failing to deal with Sarr’s cross.Johnson was officially awarded the goal, which was probably the highlight of Shaw’s night.Nearly redeemed himself with a header in added time, which Vicario saved well.Patrick Dorgu – 6 (off for Mainoo 90)The Dane divides opinion among United fans and he did little to win over the doubters tonight.Willing runner to find space behind Spurs defence, but often his distribution offered little threat.The confusion that once existed between him and Onana seems to still be there. Must improve.Casemiro – 7Was preferred over Manuel Ugarte and Kobbie Mainoo after his late-season resurrection and looked the right choice as he tried to control the game in the first half.His range of passing helped dictate play, but with like all United’s best players on the night, his chances of doing anything useful with the ball were hindered by the worst players.Bruno Fernandes – 7So often the driving force behind anything United have done well this season, but not on his A-game tonight – which his team desperately needed him to be.Typically busy and tried to get things going but seemed to be on a different wavelength to his team-mates at times.Wasted few half-chances in the first half, which turned out to be almost the best ones they were going to get.Bruno Fernandes squeezed in a shot but Man Utd again underperformedCredit: APAmad Diallo – 8United have badly missed the young Ivorian this season and he showed why by being his side’s and arguably the game’s best player.Had an effort go just wide after 15 minutes and was the Reds’ one real constant threat.Always tried to get at players and responsible for majority of team’s best moments.United wideman Amad Diallo fired in a shot past Micky van de VenCredit: AFPMason Mount – 6 (off 70 mins for Garnacho)Perhaps the biggest shock pick of the night after getting the nod over Garnacho, but Amorim may have got this one wrong.Always active and wanting the ball, fought hard to keep it when he got it, taking few kicks in the process.But far too little involvement in the game when United needed someone to stretch Spurs.Mason Mount created little and was taken off when Utd went up a gearCredit: APRasmus Hojlund – 3 (off 70 mins for Zirkzee)Had Joshua Zirkzee been fit a week earlier Hojlund may well not have started. Even an unfit Joshua Zirkzee may have been a better bet.Had chance to score when Vicario bizarrely headed it to him but was denied by Van de Ven’s brilliant clearance.Too easily knocked off the ball, and when he did managed to keep it, his distribution was awful. Simply out of his depth.Subs:Diogo Dalot – 6 (on 85mins for Mazraoui)Too little time to make an impact.Alejandro Garnacho 7 – (on 70 mins for Mount)Instant impact by cutting in and forcing Vicario into first save of the game. Nearly saved day with spectacular overhead kick at the end.Kobbie Mainoo – 6 (on 90 mins for Dorgu)No time to do anything.Joshua Zirkzee – 7 (on 70 mins for Hojlund)Showed the desire and attitude fans love by chasing back to make two huge tackles after coming on. Harshly booked for one.Read More on The SunMan Utd boss Ruben Amorim oversaw a patchy finalCredit: PAJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old Trafford More

FANS have slammed the “worst final ever” as Tottenham ended their 17-year wait for a trophy.Spurs saw off Manchester United 1-0 in tonight’s all-English final in Bilbao.Brennan Johnson has been credited with the winning goalCredit: GettyMicky van de Ven’s clearance was the only moment of brillianceCredit: GettyIt ended Spurs’ 17-year wait for gloryCredit: GettyDespite all the hype to the game, it was a cagey affair with the standard and excitement levels falling below par.Even the goal lacked quality – not that Spurs fans cared – with Pape Sarr’s cross bobbling off Luke Shaw’s arm and trickling under Andre Onana in goal as Brennan Johnson claimed it.The only real moment of brilliance came when Micky van de Ven’s acrobatically cleared Rasmus Hojlund’s header on the line as Tottenham held on.But a poor match was perhaps not surprising given that both teams are 16th and 17th in the Premier League after woeful seasons.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLArsenal fan Piers Morgan led the complaints about the game, tweeting: “This must be the worst quality game in the history of European football competition finals. “Absolutely shocking – and yet one of these useless bunch of wastrels will be in next year’s Champions League.”He then added: “I mean, I expect Spurs to be this bad, but Manchester United? Just embarrassing.”Ex-United ace Michael Owen said: “Can’t believe how bad the standard of this match is. Neither team can string three passes together.”Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSNew Match of the Day host Mark Chapman, who was hosting commentary on BBC 5 Live said at half time: “A scrappy game with a scrappy goal but Tottenham fans won’t care will they? It’s been awful.”While former Spurs and England defender Paul Robinson added at full-time that it was an “awful” game.Richarlison bangs on drum and celebrates with Tottenham fans following Spurs Europa LEague triumph Man Utd ratings: Diallo best player in Europa League final but Hojlund out of his depthAMAD DIALLO’S fizzing first-half display was little consolation for Manchester United in a dismal 1-0 Europa League final loss to Tottenham.Rasmus Hojlund’s plight up front continued in one of the worst European showpieces for many years – as both sides showed why they will finish in the Premier League lower reaches.Spurs clinched it from virtually their first opportunity – on 42 minutes.Brennan Johnson bundled in Pape Sarr’s inswinging cross, with United left-back Luke Shaw also getting a touch on the way.The Red Devils dictated possession more and more after the break, with Leny Yoro stretching to test Guglielmo Vicario from a free-kick.But United’s chances only arrived regularly in the final quarter of a patchy contest.The Red Devils belatedly piled on the pressure in the seven minutes of stoppage time, but Spurs just held on.Here’s how SunSport’s Dave Courtnadge rated United on a miserable night individually and collectively for Ruben Amorim’s men…Speaking on 5 Live he said: “It will be Ange Postecoglou that will be having the last laugh tonight.”It was a poor watch, it really was, an awful game, but Tottenham ruined it. They spoiled the game. That was the game plan.”When he brought on Danso and went to three centre halves five at the back. Even with a back four they couldn’t get away from their own goal line.Man Utd’s performance was labelled ’embarrassing’Credit: Shutterstock Editorial”The save from Vicario and the clearance from Van de Ven is all Tottenham offered in the second half. They got into United’s half once or twice at a push.”It was not what we are used to seeing from Ange Postecoglou. It was a gritty, horrible, defensive, determined, rugged performance.Others wrote: “This is the worst final I’ve ever seen.”Read More on The SunAnother commented: “Worst final since Game of Thrones.”More wrote: “I left work to watch this. I may go back.”Tottenham ratings: Bissouma dominates Europa League final as occasion gets to UdogieBRENNAN JOHNSON was Tottenham’s hero as they finally ended their 17-year trophy drought in the Europa League final.Despite being without James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski for the clash in Bilbao, Spurs came up with a massive win against Manchester United.Johnson scored the goal as he helped bundle in from a corner in a tussle with Luke Shaw to send fans into dreamland.But Spurs also owe a huge thanks to Yves Bissouma who was totally dominant in midfiend.At the other end, Destiny Udogie struggled to get up to the pace of the match as he was up against Manchester United’s Amad Diallo.Spurs had just three shots, only 27 per cent of the ball, and completed a mere 115 passes over 90 minutes.But it didn’t matter, as United never really looked like finding a leveller to take it to extra time.SunSport’s Henry Tomlinson gave his ratings for the Tottenham players… More