How Tottenham and Man United rated: Acrobatic Van de Ven the hero
OFF THE LINE: Micky van de Ven of Tottenham Hotspur makes a goal-line clearance after a header from Rasmus Hojlund of Manchester United during the UEFA Europa League Final 2025 between Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United at Estadio de San Mames on May 21, 2025 in Bilbao, Spain. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)
Made a match-winning save late on from Shaw, the Spurs keeper was one of Tottenham’s heroes, also saving from Garnacho after United finally came alive late on.
Whipped in a supply of corners and set pieces and was solid at the back in a strong Tottenham defence that did superbly to hold out.
The Argentine hot head captained Spurs after Son was left on the bench and was his usual glowering self – especially in battles with opposite number Maguire.
Produced an heroic and acrobatic goalline clearance to deny Hojlund an equaliser and was outstanding in defence all night.
Produced a stunning drive all the way from the back before setting up a chance that Solanke wasted in the second half. Solid at the back, too.
Tidy rather than outstanding, but he broke up play well and his clever run off the ball helped set up Tottenham’s opener. He was disciplined throughout.
Quiet by his standards, his role was to break up play in midfield rather than deliver his trademark lung-busting runs through the middle. But it was a job very well done.
A highly mobile performance, he popped up everywhere from midfield - and it was his whipped cross behind United’s defence that led to Tottenham’s opener.
Put Tottenham ahead from close range according to UEFA, even though it looked like an own goal, and that was enough for him to become a Spurs legend.
A surprise choice ahead of Heung-min Son and he responded with a performance of energy and passion, in attack and defence, before making way for his captain.
Always in the thick of the battle but never really got the better of Maguire and lacked quality when he needed it.
Subs used: Heung-min Son (for Richarlison, 66) 6 Had to defend rather than attack but almost set up Danso to score; Kevin Danso (for Johnson 79) 7 Was steady at the back and delivered one stunning headed clearance at the death Djed Spence (for Udogie 90) 6; Archie Gray (for Sarr 90) 6
You never know if he will be hero or villain but although the opening goal looked messy this time he wasn’t to blame this time.
Made some anxious touches in his own box but was calm when bringing the ball out of defence, but all his teammates too unambitious.
The big defender was strong and influential at the back against Solanke and gave his all up front at the end. If only every United player had put in as much effort.
A much-needed left foot in United’s back three, he was tidy but in possession and almost scored at the death. Unwittingly played a role in Tottenham’s opener.
Tried to get United going on the right by feeding Diallo but didn’t have the kind of influence on the game you would expect. Subbed late on.
Looked full of energy in the opening moments, making a string of tackles, but his influence on the game rapidly waned, and this was a poor performance.
After scoring twice in the same stadium against Bilbao in the semi-final he had a deeper role to play this time and that was a mistake. Headed one effort wide.
Struggled to make an impact on the left wing even though he was always available for a pass. Another who failed to deliver.
Was a genuine threat on the right wing in the first half with quick feet and willingness to take players on. But waned badly in the second as Spurs got a grip on him.
Another player who started fast and faded fast. Recent form earned him a shock spot in the side and he couldn’t take advantage. Taken off with 20 to go.
Had United’s best chance but wasted it as van der Ven hooked his effort off the line. The Spurs man had his number all match. Hooked after 71 minutes.
Subs used: Joshua Zirkzee (for Hojlund 71) 6 A fairytale return from injury but got himself booked. Alejandro Garnacho (for Mount 71) 6 Made a difference when he came on, including going close with a left-foot shot. Diogo Dalot (for Mazraoui 85) 5 Came on too late to make a difference Kobbie Mainoo (for Dorgu, 90)
Felix Zwayer (Germany) 7 Strong performance with few mistakes
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