The way the Europa League campaign is unfolding highlights the promise of Ruben Amorim’s Manchester United as they prepare for the final against Spurs.

Manchester United are set to face Tottenham Hotspur in the final of the UEFA Europa League, as they aim to cap off a challenging season with a much-needed victory over their fellow Premier League rivals.

While the domestic campaign has been a source of frustration for fans, the European journey has provided a welcome distraction, with manager Ruben Amorim inspiring increasingly tenacious performances from his squad.

As they gear up for their showdown in Bilbao, it’s worth examining the key themes that have emerged during their run to the final. What remarkable statistics suggest a revival of the club’s storied ethos? And how has Casemiro managed to silence his critics?

Let’s delve into the numbers to uncover the story..

‘Fergie Time’ is back

One of Sir Alex Ferguson’s hallmarks was his ability to shape matches, particularly in the dying moments. The unforgettable 1999 Champions League final against Barcelona epitomised a team that refused to accept defeat, pushing themselves until the final whistle.

Under Amorim, could this mentality be making a return to Manchester United? Consider the impressive list of late goals scored in this season’s Europa League:

  • Harry Maguire vs. Porto, League Phase, 90+1

  • Rasmus Hojlund vs. Viktoria Plzen, LP, 88

  • Bruno Fernandes vs. Rangers, LP, 90+2

  • Bruno Fernandes vs. Real Sociedad, R16, 87

  • Diogo Dalot vs. Real Sociedad, R16, 90+1

  • Joshua Zirkzee vs. Lyon, QF, 88

  • Kobbie Mainoo vs. Lyon, QF, 120

  • Harry Maguire vs. Lyon, QF, 120+1

  • Rasmus Hojlund vs. Athletic Club, SF, 85

  • Mason Mount vs. Athletic Club, SF, 90+1

A staggering ten goals have been netted in the final five minutes of matches, including stoppage time. Remarkably, seven of these late strikes came in just three knockout ties.

With such incredible scenes, particularly when Mainoo equalised deep into extra time, one can’t help but wonder if this trend will continue in Bilbao. It’s hard to bet against it.

A firing attack

What may have been overlooked in United’s thrilling knockout ties is their impressive scoring record, netting 14 goals across two legs against Lyon and Athletic Club, and five against Real Sociedad in the round of 16. This brings their total to 19 goals in this season’s knockout phase.

This prolific scoring is reflected in Opta’s attack rankings for the current Europa League season:

  • xG per 90: 2.24 (1st)

  • Touches in the opponent’s box: 36.7 (1st)

  • Set-piece goals (excluding penalties): 7 (T-1st)

  • Total shots: 17.6 (2nd)

  • Possession: 57.1% (2nd)

While the defence has shown some vulnerabilities, ranking tied-ninth for xG against per 90, the attack has thrived, with goals coming from both open play and set pieces. Bruno Fernandes remains a key figure, but Amorim has successfully encouraged contributions from across the squad, reminiscent of his time at Sporting.

Man Utd top scorers, UEL 2024-25

  • Bruno Fernandes: 7 (T-1st)

  • Rasmus Hojlund: 6 (T-4th)

  • Diogo Dalot: 3 (T-34th)

Man Utd top assisters, UEL 2024-25

  • Bruno Fernandes: 4 (T-3rd)

  • Alejandro Garnacho: 4 (T-3rd)

  • Manuel Ugarte: 4 (T-3rd)

Casemiro’s rebirth

“Casemiro, people saying he was finished – I don’t think he’s finished.”

These were the sentiments echoed by the TNT Sports panel as they reflected on Casemiro’s performance against Athletic Club, where he scored to help propel United to the final.

Before that crucial goal, the veteran Brazilian had already made his mark in the quarter-final second leg against Lyon, providing assists for both Kobbie Mainoo and Harry Maguire’s dramatic winner.

Amorim acknowledged that he was still “learning how to use” Casemiro, revealing the tactical adjustments made to maximise his impact.

“We understood that he cannot jump out of midfield all the time and press high,” Amorim explained. “Sometimes it is better to put three defenders and let him be the fourth defender while the wing-backs press high.”

This understanding has been pivotal, and it leaves United fans with two pressing questions: Can they secure victory against Spurs? And will these promising traits lead to a more successful Premier League campaign in 2025/26?

Securing their first trophy under Amorim would be a significant step towards convincing the club, the fans, and perhaps even himself, that a brighter future lies ahead.

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