The fizzing first half of Amad Diallo was little comfort for Manchester United in a gloomy 1-0 Europa League final loss against Tottenham.
The fate of Rasmus Hojlund in advance went on for many years in one of the worst European showpieces – because both parties showed why they will end up in the Premier League -bearer hand ranges.
Spurs took it from almost their first chance – in 42 minutes.
Brennan Johnson bundled in the Inswing Cross of Pape Sarr, with United Left-Back Luke Shaw also received a touch on the road.
The Red Devils dictated the possession more and more after the break, with Leny Yoro stretching to test Guglielmo Vicario of a free kick.
But the opportunities only arrived regularly in the last quarter of a fragmentary match.
First the header of Hojlund became acrobatic from the line of Micky van de Ven of De Lijn.
Then the Duikkop of Bruno Fernandes flew widely and sub Alejandro Garnacho for a shot high.
The Red Devils stacked the pressure in the seven minutes of the stopping time on the pressure, but Spurs just held.
Here is how Sunssport's Dave Courtnadge United rated on a miserable night individually and collectively for the men of Ruben Amorim.
Andre Onana – 5
So often the villain this season. And although there were no huge clangers tonight, it was still a performance that United fans kept at the edge of their seats for all the wrong reasons.
His restraint to getting off his line caused confusion from the start and he did not affect Luke Shaw for the first goal of Spurs. Must go in the summer.
Noussair Mazraoui – 7
One of the few guaranteed starters in this team and was clear why tonight.
Tied up in dangerous positions and wild traces hurt when he had the ball, good with Amad.
Too often too few options to do something. Made an excellent saving tackle on Son at the end to stay united.
Leny Yoro – 7
Faced with a race by time to play, but looked very comfortable from the start.
Sometimes almost too comfortable and Spurs let in almost in the first half by trying to run it out.
Always want to start an attack when he has the ball, even takes matters into his own hands with a Mazy Run halfway through the second half and late shot.
A rare beam of light in the darkness of United.
Harry Maguire – 6
Has the Europa League hero been twice before United this season with its late goals and was thrown at the top when they chased the game in the final phase.
Probably should have started, just like largely the only threat in the box with headers and his feet of free kicks. That says it all.
Luke Shaw – 5
It seems that the injuries have really taken their toll from the once brilliant left back.
Caught three times in the first ten minutes. And his horror first half was completed by bundling the ball into his goal after he had not dealt with SARR's Cross.
Johnson officially got the goal, which was probably the highlight of Shaw's Night.
Almost released itself in the dying minutes with a header that Vicario saved well.
Patrick Dorgu – 6 (UiT for Mainoo 90)
The DANE distributes the opinion among United fans and he did little to win the doubters tonight.
Willing Runner to find space behind Spurs Defense, but often his distribution offered little threat.
The confusion that once existed between him and Onana still seems to be there. Must improve.
Casemiro – 7
Preferred Ugarte and Mainoo after his resurrection in the late season and looked the right choice when he tried to control the game in the first half.
His assortment passed by playing games, but with all the best players of United in the night, his chances of doing something useful were hindered by the worst players.
Bruno Fernandes – 7
So often the driving force behind everything that United has done well this season, but not on his A -Game tonight – which his team desperately needed to be.
Usually busy and tried to get things going, but occasionally seemed to have a different wavelength than his teammates.
Wasted a few half chances in the first half, which turned out to be almost the best they would get.
Amad Diallo – 8
This season United missed the young Ivorian badly and he showed why his side and perhaps the best player of the game are tonight.
Had an attempt to go wide after 15 minutes and was the real constant threat of the Reds.
Always try to get to players and responsible for the majority of the best moments of the team.
Mason Mount – 6 (from 70 minutes for Garnacho)
Perhaps the biggest shock choice of the night after he got the nod over Garnacho, but Amorim might be wrong.
Always active and the ball, fought hard to keep him when he got it, and took few stairs in the process.
But far too little involvement in the game when United needed someone to stretch traces.
Rasmus Hojlund – 3 (from 70 minutes before Zirkzee)
If Joshua Zirkzee had been fit a week earlier, Hojlund might not have started. Even an unsuitable Zirkzee might be a better gamble tonight.
Had the chance to score when Vicario led him bizarre, but was refused by Van der Ven's brilliant clearance.
Too easily beaten the ball, and when he managed to keep it, his distribution was terrible. Just from its depth.
Subs:
Diogo Dalot – 6 (Op for Mazraoui 85Mins)
Too little time to make an impact.
Alejandro Garnacho 7 – (70 minutes before Mount)
Immediate impact by cutting in vicario and forcing in the first rescue of the game. Almost saved day with spectacular overhead shovel at the end.
Kobbie Mainoo – 6
No time to do something.
Joshua Zirkzee – 7 (70 minutes before Hojlund)
Showed the desire and attitude that fans love by hunting back to make two huge tackles after they have come up. Hardly booked for one.