Manchester United’s season reached a new low as they suffered a 1-0 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur in the Europa League final, eliminating their last hope of European football next season. Brennan Johnson’s decisive goal not only ended Spurs’ 17-year trophy drought but also deepened the crisis at Old Trafford.
In a startling post-match statement, United manager Ruben Amorim declared: “If the board and the fans feel I’m not the right guy, I will go in the next day. But I will not quit again. I am confident in my job.”
The Portuguese tactician, who took over earlier this season, faces mounting pressure with United languishing in 16th place in the Premier League—their worst position in the competition’s history. This European failure compounds their domestic struggles and raises serious questions about the club’s immediate future.
The financial implications of missing out on all European competitions next season are significant. Industry analysts estimate the club could lose upwards of £80 million in potential revenue, further complicating their ability to strengthen the squad this summer while complying with Profit and Sustainability Rules.
United’s recruitment strategy has come under intense scrutiny, with over £600 million spent since 2021 yielding minimal returns on the pitch. High-profile signings like Antony (£85m), Casemiro (£70m), and Jadon Sancho (£73m) have failed to deliver consistent performances worthy of their price tags.
Behind the scenes, questions persist about the effectiveness of INEOS’ sporting leadership since their minority takeover. Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Sir Dave Brailsford have initiated structural changes, including appointing Omar Berrada as CEO and Dan Ashworth as sporting director, but results have yet to improve.
Former United defender Gary Neville expressed concern on his podcast: “The problems run deeper than just the manager. There’s a cultural issue that needs addressing from top to bottom.”
As United face their first season without European football since 2014/15, Amorim’s plea for “a little bit of faith” will be tested against a fanbase growing increasingly impatient with unfulfilled promises of revival at England’s most successful club of the Premier League era.
