Everyone was buzzing for the Europa League final — an all-English showdown between Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur.
The build-up had fans dreaming of fireworks, memorable goals, and top-notch football. But once the whistle blew, reality set in quickly.
Instead of the thrilling spectacle people hoped for, both teams served up a game that left fans and experts scratching their heads over the lack of quality on display.
A Scrappy Win That Left Fans Wanting More
Tottenham, seen by many as the underdogs, managed to grab the winning goal thanks to Brennan Johnson.
It wasn’t a pretty goal or a classy finish — more like a scrappy moment that somehow found the back of the net.
Neither side generated many clear chances throughout the match, and the overall flow of the game felt sluggish and disjointed.
Spurs’ victory means they’ve booked their spot in next season’s Champions League, while Manchester United will be left watching from the sidelines, which adds sting to the disappointing performance.
Harsh Words From the Pundits and Fans
The reaction online was brutal. Media personality Piers Morgan didn’t hold back, calling it “the worst quality game in the history of European football competition finals.”
On X (formerly Twitter), he expressed disbelief that such a lackluster group would be heading to the Champions League next season.
Even before kickoff, Arsenal legend Arsene Wenger had raised eyebrows, suggesting it wasn’t right for either United or Spurs — currently 16th and 17th in the Premier League — to be playing in Europe’s elite competition.
Former Stars Voice Their Disappointment
Michael Owen, who’s been at the top of the game himself, shared his frustrations.
The former Liverpool, Real Madrid, and England striker couldn’t believe how poor the standard was, highlighting the teams’ struggles to string together even three passes in a row.
His blunt assessment echoed the sentiments of many watching: this final was far from the classic encounter everyone had hoped for.
Fans Were Left Baffled and Frustrated
Social media was flooded with comments from fans who felt let down after such a hyped build-up.
One admitted they expected a cinematic showdown but instead got “the worst game of football I’ve ever seen.”
Others pointed out how confusing it must be for the rest of Europe, given these teams are two of the lowest-performing sides in the Premier League this season.
One fan summed up the disappointment perfectly by comparing the match to the infamous letdown of the final season of Game of Thrones.
What the Result Means for Tottenham and Manchester United
Despite the lack of flair, Tottenham held onto their narrow lead, with Brennan Johnson’s decisive goal giving them the edge.
This win secures Spurs’ place in the Champions League next season — a huge boost for the club’s finances and prestige.
For Manchester United, however, the loss is a tough blow.
Not only do they miss out on European football entirely, but they also lose access to the lucrative prize money that comes with Champions League participation.
This setback complicates manager Ruben Amorim’s summer plans to strengthen the squad and rebuild for future success.