Porro: 7 , Romero : 8 , Solanke: ?? | Tottenham Hotspur Player Ratings vs Manchester United |Europa League Final 2024/25

Tottenham Hotspur Player Ratings vs Manchester United – UEFA Europa League Final

Tottenham Hotspur are set for their biggest match of the season as they return to a European final for the first time since their heartbreaking defeat to Liverpool in Madrid back in 2019. This time, they face Manchester United in Bilbao, with both teams languishing in the bottom half of the Premier League — United in 16th and Spurs just below in 17th.

With the Champions League on the line, this final offers their only lifeline. The Lilywhites have already beaten United three times this season and will aim to make it four, while the Red Devils are equally hungry to salvage their season with silverware. All signs point to a thrilling all-English showdown in Spain.

The first half in Bilbao saw Manchester United dominate possession, with Amad Diallo causing real problems down the right. Spurs were largely on the back foot, but Guglielmo Vicario made key saves to keep things level.

Despite the pressure, Tottenham struck first — and in the most unexpected way. Brennan Johnson’s minimal touch if there was any caused chaos, and Luke Shaw turned the ball into his own net. It was scrappy, but in a final, Spurs will gladly take it.

United pushed late in the half, but Tottenham held firm to head into the break 1-0 up. Advantage Lilywhites.

Tottenham turned up the heat after the break, showing grit, energy, and just the right amount of swagger to silence Old Trafford. Brennan Johnson’s instinctive finish from a Sarr cross gave Spurs the lead, and from there, it was a masterclass in resilience. From Bissouma’s engine to Van de Ven’s heroic goal-line clearance, Ange Postecoglou’s men dug deep and refused to buckle. The win also takes them to three UEFA Cup/Europa League titles, tied for most triumphs for an English club in the competition alongside Liverpool.

And finally, after seventeen long years, Spurs have done it — a famous win at Bilbao! Jubilant scenes followed the final whistle, as the travelling fans sang their hearts out. History made, — Tottenham have conquered Manchester!

Tottenham Player Ratings

Guglielmo Vicario: 8/10

Vicario struggled early on, especially in the 16th minute when he completely misjudged a corner, leaving the goal exposed. Amad capitalised on the error but dragged his shot wide. The United winger kept the pressure on, forcing Vicario into multiple saves, and Hojlund nearly punished him if not for Van de Ven’s heroic goal-line clearance. Garnacho also tried his luck, but Vicario stood tall, refusing to be beaten. Won the match with that absolute stunner of a save from a Shaw thunder shot

Cristian Romero: 8/10

The stand-in captain wasn’t called into action too frequently during the half, but when he was, he delivered. With the ball, he consistently looked to break the lines with sharp passing. Defensively, he was colossal—keeping Bruno Fernandes in check and making several crucial clearances to keep Spurs in control.

Micky van de Ven: 9/10

His recovery pace hasn’t truly been tested yet, but with the score still level, there’s little room for criticism. He outpaced and outmuscled every United attacker and stood out as the clear hero of the game. After Vicario’s costly error gifted Højlund a free header, he came to the rescue with a stunning goal-line clearance that kept Spurs alive.

Pedro Porro: 7/10

Tottenham might still be figuring out the number ten role, but Pedro Porro has consistently stepped up as a creative force from deeper areas. Operating more like a right wing-back, he thrived in the role—delivering a dangerous cross that nearly found Richarlison before United cleared it. Defensively, he had Garnacho completely under control, barely letting the winger breathe.

Destiny Udogie: 7/10

There were a few nervy moments down his flank, especially when dealing with the combination of Amad and Bruno Fernandes on United’s right. However, he held his ground under pressure, linked up well with short passes, and provided solid support in defence when it mattered.

Yves Bissouma: 8/10

Bissouma put in a bright performance, showing relentless energy in midfield by chasing down every loose ball and keeping Rasmus Hojlund tightly marked whenever he dropped deep. He continued this strong form into the second half.

Rodrigo Bentancur: 8/10

Bentancur was a vital part of Tottenham’s solid midfield trio, often slotting in seamlessly to cover for Pedro Porro’s inverting and overlapping runs. Defensively assured and tactically sharp, the World Cup winner delivered a career-defining performance—bossing the midfield and frequently finding Son and Solanke with incisive passes.

Pape Matar Sarr: 8/10

Ange Postecoglou handed Sarr a midfield start, and the Senegalese impressed in the first half—coming close with a shot from the edge of the box and showing attacking intent by making smart runs into the area. With James Maddison unavailable, it was Sarr who delivered the decisive cross for Brennan Johnson’s opener. He was later substituted for Archie Gray after a strong performance on both ends of the pitch.

Brennan Johnson: 9/10

The Welshman brought relentless energy down the flank, pressing high and forcing United into errors. His pressing nearly led to a goal early on, with his cutback finding Sarr at the edge of the box. He later capitalised on Sarr’s brilliant cross to score the opener. With a string of electric runs, he consistently troubled the defence every time he got on the ball.

Dominic Solanke: 8/10

It was a quiet first half for the striker, who struggled to get the better of Harry Maguire in aerial duels. But after the break, he came alive—channeling his inner R9 with aggressive runs, explosive pace, and sharp dribbling that kept United’s defence on edge.

Richarlison: 7/10

Chosen ahead of Heung-min Son in the starting lineup, but struggled to make any real impact in the final third and failed to trouble Noussair Mazraoui. While still a threat in the air, he was arguably the least threatening player on the pitch. That said, his late-game time-wasting could make him an unlikely hero. He was taken off in the second half after picking up a knock.

Substitutes

Heung-min Son: 7/10

Introduced in the 67th minute and instantly lifted Spurs’ attacking tempo. Drew fouls, occupied defenders, and kept Manchester United pinned back in their half. His experience and energy were valuable in helping Tottenham manage the closing stages.

Kevin Danso: 6/10

Came on to solidify the defence and did just that. Wasn’t overly involved but positioned himself well and cleared his lines when needed. A composed and disciplined cameo to help Spurs preserve the lead.

Archie Gray: 6/10

Came on late in the second half for Sarr and added fresh legs in midfield. Kept things tidy and calm in possession, showing good maturity for his age. Didn’t have too many standout moments, but slotted in seamlessly to help Spurs see out the game.

Djed Spence : 6/10

Brought on in the final minutes to replace Destiny Udogie. Played with intensity and closed down the right flank with focus. While he didn’t have much time to make a huge impact, he did his job well and showed alertness during a tense finish.

Come on you, Spurs!!