Manchester City Coach Sends Message to Ruben Amorim After United’s Humiliating Loss Against Tottenham in Europa League Final

Manchester United’s turbulent season came to a painful climax as they fell 1-0 to Tottenham Hotspur in the Europa League final at the iconic San Mamés Stadium. The only goal of the night came in the 42nd minute, courtesy of a deflected cross by Pape Matar Sarr which ricocheted off Luke Shaw and was ultimately bundled in, with Brennan Johnson being credited for the decisive finish. Despite a handful of promising moments, United failed to mount a comeback, condemning themselves to yet another trophyless campaign.

For Tottenham, the win ended a 17-year trophy drought, making it their first major silverware since their League Cup triumph in 2008. For Manchester United, however, the loss underscored the severe decline of one of football’s most storied clubs—a team that once ruled Europe now found itself finishing 16th in the Premier League and unable to overcome Spurs in a European final.

In the aftermath of the defeat, a controversial quote reportedly attributed to Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola made waves online. According to unverified sources, Guardiola allegedly referred to Manchester United’s manager Ruben Amorim as a “baby coach,” suggesting that the Portuguese tactician had ignored vital advice regarding Tottenham’s threats. Guardiola supposedly warned Amorim about the danger posed by Brennan Johnson, implying Amorim’s failure to act on that information played a part in United’s downfall.

Though the authenticity of Guardiola’s remarks remains unconfirmed, the alleged statement has reignited debate around Amorim’s readiness for a job of such magnitude. Having made his name at Sporting CP with an energetic, possession-based 3-4-3 system, Amorim was brought in midseason to rescue an ailing United—but has arguably only managed to stabilize a sinking ship, not steer it to safety.

Since taking over in November, Amorim has overseen one of the club’s worst domestic campaigns in decades. United’s 16th-place finish in the Premier League marked their lowest position in the modern era. While the club’s deep Europa League run was initially viewed as a silver lining, the final result against Tottenham now casts even that achievement in a harsh light.

Critics argue that Amorim’s rigid insistence on deploying his 3-4-3 formation has left United one-dimensional and predictable. Football pundit Stephen Warnock criticized the system for not complementing the players at Amorim’s disposal, claiming the approach isolated key attackers and offered little width or unpredictability in the final third. With Bruno Fernandes visibly frustrated on several occasions and young attackers like Alejandro Garnacho struggling for service, fans have started questioning whether Amorim’s philosophy fits United’s DNA.

In his post-match press conference, Amorim was somber but defiant. “This team has faced many adversities this season,” he said. “We are building something. It’s not easy, and it will take time.” While the Portuguese manager acknowledged the need for major improvement, his words failed to inspire confidence among the club’s faithful, many of whom are now calling for swift and sweeping changes.

Adding fuel to the fire, rumors have emerged that Manchester United’s board is already exploring managerial alternatives. Zinedine Zidane, who has been out of work since leaving Real Madrid, is reportedly among the leading candidates should the club decide to move on from Amorim. Zidane’s proven track record in Europe makes him an attractive option for a club desperate to return to its former glory.

Nonetheless, others believe Amorim deserves more time and support in the transfer market. “He’s come into a chaotic situation,” one club insider reportedly said. “This isn’t entirely on him. Injuries, a broken recruitment system, and lack of player confidence have all played a role. It’s unfair to judge him on one season.” The coming months will be crucial in determining whether Amorim stays at Old Trafford or becomes the latest casualty in United’s ongoing managerial merry-go-round.

For now, the label “baby coach” will stick—fair or not. Whether it becomes a motivator for Amorim to prove his doubters wrong or a final verdict on his United tenure remains to be seen. One thing is clear: Manchester United, a club built on dominance and glory, is currently drowning in uncertainty.

With the transfer window approaching and fans demanding action, the pressure is mounting. United need clear leadership, smart signings, and a bold new direction—whether that’s under Amorim or a new face in the dugout. What happens next could define the club’s next decade.