By Wealth Oghenemaro
Manchester United’s crushing 1-0 defeat to Tottenham in the Europa League final has left Ruben Amorim under intense pressure, with the Portuguese coach now facing tough questions from fans and part-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe. The loss not only cost United their last chance at silverware but also condemned them to a season without European football for just the second time in 36 years.
Bruno Fernandes had hinted at Amorim’s precarious position on the eve of the final, and the defeat in Bilbao confirmed his fears. With no Champions League windfall and a historically poor domestic season, Amorim has few excuses left, having won just six of 26 Premier League matches since taking charge.
In stark contrast, Tottenham’s Ange Postecoglou emerged a surprise winner. Despite overseeing Spurs’ worst-ever Premier League campaign, the Australian ended the club’s 17-year trophy drought, securing their first European title in over four decades. His bold decisions, including benching captain Son Heung-min, paid off handsomely.
Now, Spurs face a dilemma — whether to stick with Postecoglou, who kept his trophy promise, or seek a fresh start. His success, despite regular criticism, underscores the turnaround he’s engineered and leaves the board with a tough call.
Amorim, meanwhile, must brace for more scrutiny. His post-match admission that he had “nothing to show to the fans” and his offer to leave without compensation if deemed unfit only added fuel to the speculation about his future.
As United’s season ends in disappointment and Tottenham’s in redemption, the managerial spotlight has shifted dramatically — Amorim is now in the crosshairs, while Postecoglou enjoys a rare moment of vindication.
