Manchester United’s misery continued on Wednesday night as they suffered a 1-0 defeat to Tottenham in the Europa League final, as Spurs won their first trophy in 17 years.
It was a scrappy game from both sides, with performances that reflect their current league positions.
Ruben Amorim had a chance to salvage Man United’s poor domestic season with a win that could have secured Champions League football, but the players failed to rise to the occasion.
Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has now criticised Amorim for his in-game decisions and also criticised several senior players, including Mason Mount, for not stepping up on the big night.
Rio Ferdinand criticises Manchester United’s approach and Mason Mount’s role
Ferdinand was critical of Amorim for not acting sooner and making the changes when the team needed a spark.
He also pointed out the ineffectiveness of several players, calling out Rasmus Hojlund for not getting any ball and Mount for not being in a higher position where he could have really made an impact.
Speaking on Rio Reacts, Ferdinand said:
“I was sitting with Gareth Bale, Glen Hoddle, Scholes and all of us sitting there were wondering when he (Amorim) is going to make a change.
“I just thought the game needed a spark and a different reference point. Rasmus was not getting any ball, Mason Mount was not getting high enough to really affect the game. Amad in the second half wasn’t really doing what he was doing in the first half.
“We had no cutting edge, no cutthroat football at all and again no ability to just play the ball, a direct ball behind the team and say right, run on to it. We just looked flat.
“We started putting them on the back foot, putting balls into areas. The keeper has made one save today. He has made just one save, a good save, but just one save. You are going to the final with the opposition keeper just making one save, you don’t deserve to win the football match.”
Mason Mount’s poor performance for Man United vs Tottenham
Mason Mount played a big role in Manchester United’s semi-final win against Athletic Bilbao en route to the final.
He came off the bench to score a brace, while Casemiro and Hojlund were also on the scoresheet, earning widespread praise, including from Amorim who described Mount as ‘perfect’.
However, he failed to replicate his impact in the final. Despite starting in the final, he lasted 71 minutes without registering a single shot or creating a single chance. He also managed just three touches in the opposition box.
| Stat | Total |
| Minutes played | 71 |
| Goals | 0 |
| Shots | 0 |
| Chances created | 0 |
| Touches in opposition box | 3 |
| Times dispossessed | 1 |
| Tackles won | 0 |
| Total defensive actions | 3 |
Defensively, his contribution was just as poor. He was dispossessed once, failed to win a single tackle, and recorded just three defensive actions throughout.
It was a poor performance from the £60m United man, with questions asked of Amorim for persisting with him for as long as he did before bringing him off.
With the summer transfer window approaching, several players will be on Man United’s chopping block as Amorim looks to rebuild.
Scholes has previously called for Mount to be sold. However, given Amorim’s recent praise for him, he could play a role under him next season if he can keep himself fit.
