“I always win things in my second year,” declared Ange Postecoglou after a narrow defeat to Arsenal last September—a bold proclamation that was met with smirks and skepticism. But fast-forward to the Europa League final, and it’s Postecoglou who’s smiling now. In a tense, hard-fought clash, it was Brennan Johnson’s scrappy first-half strike that proved decisive, securing Tottenham Hotspur their first trophy in 17 years. More than just silverware, the 1-0 win delivered Spurs a golden ticket back to the Champions League.

For Manchester United, the night told a different story. The loss deepens an already grim campaign, with the Red Devils languishing near the bottom of the Premier League and now missing out on European football entirely. For manager Ruben Amorim, the challenge ahead is steep: rebuild a fractured squad without the magnetism of continental competition at Old Trafford.
All that and more, on this week’s episode of Just For Kicks.