Tottenham Hotspur ended a 17-year wait for silverware with a narrow 1-0 victory over Manchester United in the Europa League final on Thursday in Bilbao, salvaging their season and vindicating head coach Ange Postecoglou.

In a match that underscored the poor domestic form of both clubs—sitting 16th and 17th respectively in the Premier League—the quality on display was far from a European showcase. The game’s only goal came in unconvincing fashion just before halftime, as Brennan Johnson and Luke Shaw clumsily combined to bundle the ball into United’s net.

Spurs were forced to defend resolutely in the second half, with Micky van de Ven making a critical goal-line clearance to preserve the lead. The final whistle sparked jubilant celebrations among Tottenham supporters and their manager, Postecoglou, who has long maintained his record of securing silverware in his second season at every club he’s managed.

“It was never in doubt,” Postecoglou said after the match. “This group has shown resilience and character in a difficult season.”

For Manchester United, the defeat capped a historically poor campaign—one of their worst in over 50 years. The loss not only left them without silverware but also confirmed their absence from next season’s UEFA Champions League, posing serious questions for the club’s summer transfer strategy.

United manager Ruben Amorim admitted he would not demand compensation if the club decided to part ways with him, but remained defiant about staying in the job.

“I’m not walking away,” Amorim said. “We will fix this, but I understand the frustration.”

The win gives Tottenham a much-needed morale boost, while United face an uncertain summer of rebuilding.