Tottenham Hotspur erupted in celebration as they ended their 17-year trophy drought by defeating Manchester United 1-0 in the Europa League final on Wednesday, with Luke Shaw heartbreakingly scoring the deciding own-goal.
Manchester United were arguably the better side for much of what was a scrappy first 45 minutes, with the nerves of both teams clearly on display, but it was Tottenham Hotspur that drew first blood when Shaw turned into his own net just minutes before the halftime break.
The Red Devils dominated once again throughout the second 45 minutes, but Tottenham Hotspur stood strong as they held on to the clean sheet and sensationally secured the Europa League trophy.
SPORTS MOLE'S VERDICT
It was far from the prettiest or most entertaining cup final, but Tottenham Hotspur will not care at all, holding on to their first half strike to end an 17-year wait for a major trophy.
Tottenham produced an uncharacteristically stern defensive performance, denying Man Utd many clear goalscoring opportunities and helping Spurs to lift the trophy.
As for Man United, Ruben Amorim will be extremely disappointed as his side failed to ever truly turn up, with a scrappy goal ultimately the difference as the Red Devils failed to really threaten the Tottenham goal.
TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR VS. MANCHESTER UNITED HIGHLIGHTS
Luke Shaw own-goal vs. Tottenham Hotspur (42nd min, Tottenham Hotspur 1-0 Manchester United)
FIRST BLOOD SPURS! ⚽️
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) May 21, 2025
It's scrappy but they won't care! Brennan Johnson claims it as he takes full advantage of carnage in the box to put Spurs ahead in the Europa League Final 🤩
📺 @tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/l5Jg9BgYgr
Tottenham have the lead, Shaw has turned it into his own net!
Pape Sarr whips a cross into the Manchester United box from a wide-left position, and the ball goes past Harry Maguire and to Shaw and Brennan Johnson.
A slight touch from Johnson deflects the ball onto Shaw, and the ball bounces into the near corner as Andre Onana fails to turn it around the post.
MAN OF THE MATCH - BRENNAN JOHNSON
© Imago
Johnson will be gutted to not be credited with the winning goal, but the winger was ultimately the difference maker in the final.
Johnson's darting front-post run caused chaos in the Manchester United box, with his flick deflecting off Shaw and finding the bottom right corner.
Micky van de Ven also deserves praise for his outstanding goal-line clearance, defending their goal resolutely as they held on to the victory.
TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR VS. MANCHESTER UNITED MATCH STATS
Possession: Tottenham Hotspur 27%-73% Manchester United
Shots: Tottenham Hotspur 3-16 Manchester United
Shots on target: Tottenham Hotspur 1-6 Manchester United
Corners: Tottenham Hotspur 4-5 Manchester United
Fouls: Tottenham Hotspur 22-10 Manchester United
BEST STATS
31 - This is the 31st time that Manchester United have conceded the opening goal in a game this season; the most by any Premier League team across all competitions. Silenced. #UELfinal pic.twitter.com/MeBwJUwmnA
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) May 21, 2025
WHAT NEXT?
Tottenham secure Champions League qualification thanks to tonight's triumph, and they will have a chance to present the trophy to their home fans when they host Brighton & Hove Albion on Sunday.
Meanwhile, Man Utd's defeat adds to an already-disastrous campaign, but they will have one last chance to salvage a small amount of pride when they clash with Aston Villa on Sunday.
Ellis Stevens
