‘No Spurs Were Stretched’: Rio Ferdinand on Man United’s Lack of Threat Without Garnacho

Manchester United’s Europa League final against Tottenham ended in heartbreak for the Red Devils, and questions have already started swirling around manager Rúben Amorim’s tactical choices—particularly his decision to leave out the electrifying Alejandro Garnacho from the starting eleven. Among the most vocal critics was club legend Rio Ferdinand, who didn’t hold back in pointing out the glaring absence of pace and attacking threat in United’s frontline.

Ferdinand, speaking after the match, emphasized that without Garnacho’s direct runs and ability to stretch defences, United looked blunt and predictable in the final third. “That’s one question mark I had with the selection today for Man United,” he said. “We didn’t have anybody running in behind, and Garnacho has done that all season when he has played.”

Tottenham secured a narrow 1-0 victory at San Mamés Barria, courtesy of a 42nd-minute strike by Brennan Johnson. Despite several promising build-up plays, United were unable to break through a well-organized Spurs backline that rarely looked troubled by the Red Devils’ attack.

Ferdinand’s concerns were not unfounded. Throughout the match, Tottenham’s defence was rarely stretched. There were few moments of panic for the North Londoners, who stayed compact and disciplined. The absence of Garnacho’s explosive runs down the flank meant United lacked the unpredictability that has often defined their most dangerous performances this season.

“Whether you like him or not in terms of his finishing and end product,” Ferdinand continued, “he does give you that threat which stretches teams. And at no point in this game were Spurs stretched in that sense.” Indeed, Amorim’s decision to start with a more conservative midfield setup may have played into Tottenham’s hands.

It wasn’t until the 71st minute that Garnacho was finally introduced, replacing Mason Mount. By that point, the rhythm of the game had largely settled into Tottenham’s favor. United pushed forward in desperation, but the urgency and fluidity that might have come from an earlier Garnacho inclusion never truly materialized.

On paper, the lineup looked balanced. Amorim opted for a midfield trio of Mount, Fernandes, and Casemiro, while Rasmus Højlund led the line. But without natural width and pace, United often found themselves recycling possession, unable to penetrate Tottenham’s well-structured defense. Amad Diallo and Chinazaekpere Dorgu struggled to impose themselves in the wide areas, further amplifying the absence of a player like Garnacho.

The defeat is a significant blow for Amorim, who now faces renewed scrutiny over his tenure at Old Trafford. Despite leading United to the final, questions are growing louder about his in-game management and reluctance to trust certain players in key moments. Garnacho, who has impressed in multiple big matches this season, was surprisingly relegated to a supporting role on the biggest night.

Fans, too, have taken to social media, echoing Ferdinand’s sentiments. Many believe that Garnacho’s fearless attitude and knack for unsettling defenders could have changed the game’s complexion. His omission from the starting XI is seen by many as a tactical misstep—one that cost United dearly in a high-stakes European final.

Tottenham, for their part, were efficient. They absorbed pressure, capitalized on their chance, and managed the game professionally. Brennan Johnson’s goal was a reward for their quick transitions and precise execution, something United struggled to replicate throughout the night.

As United reflect on what could have been, the debate will rage on about what might have changed had Garnacho started. For Rio Ferdinand, the answer is clear. The young Argentine brings a dimension to United’s attack that was sorely missed in Bilbao—a dimension that could have tilted the final in United’s favor.

The Europa League final was meant to be a crowning moment for Amorim’s project at United. Instead, it may be remembered as a night of missed opportunities, tactical overthinking, and the curious case of Alejandro Garnacho