This Premier League season has brought unexpected disappointment for fans of two big clubs. Spurs and Man United, clubs with long histories of success, found themselves at the very bottom of the standings.
The simple answer lies beyond surface problems like coach changes or poor results. These teams shifted their focus. When the title race was out of reach and top-four chances gone, both clubs turned their attention to the Europa League. That competition became a last hope for silverware. Platforms like 1xBet Ireland download marked this switch clearly, reflecting growing interest in their odds for European success rather than domestic recovery.
This gamble almost paid off. Both clubs reached the Europa League final. For one, the cup could have been redemption. For the other, it only deepened the disappointment. Meanwhile, in the league, results collapsed.
Too Much Change, Too Little Stability
One reason for the collapse was leadership turnover. Ange Postecoglou took over at Tottenham in mid-2023. And Amorim only became the coach of Man United at the end of 2024. These changes brought new systems, styles, and staff. The timing left little room for stability.
Postecoglou’s early success faded as key players struggled with fitness and consistency. United’s problems went deeper. Since Sir Alex Ferguson’s departure, they have failed to build a clear identity. Amorim’s appointment brought promise, but it came too late to repair the season.
The departure of key players also played its role. Harry Kane move to Bayern in 2023. This left Tottenham without a goalscorer. Manchester United lacked a strong midfield anchor. Both clubs faced frequent injuries and limited rotation options.
Why the Europa League Became the Priority
By February 2025, both teams were far from the top four. At that point, the Europa League looked like their best path to success. The remaining fixtures offered the chance to win a European title and save face after domestic struggles.
Both clubs advanced to the final, showing determination in Europe even as Premier League losses piled up. Training loads shifted. Star players were rested for midweek matches. In press conferences, coaches often spoke more about Europe than the league.
That strategy came with a heavy cost. With other clubs fighting to avoid relegation, Tottenham and United failed to respond. They dropped points against bottom-half teams. They showed less urgency. The gap between survival and relegation narrowed. By April, they were in serious danger.
The Premier League Demands Full Focus
No team can compete in the Premier League without full commitment. Even clubs with strong squads suffer when distracted. Tottenham and Manchester United underestimated the pressure from below. Teams like Aston Villa and Brentford took advantage.
Both clubs lost key games in late spring. These were not just losses – they were signs of mental and tactical fatigue. The league form collapsed as the Europa League final approached. By then, it was too late to recover.
In past seasons, top teams had the squad depth to rotate. This year, both Tottenham and United lacked the flexibility. When rotation became necessary, results dropped. When key players returned, motivation in the league had already vanished.
Inside the Numbers: Where It Went Wrong
Looking at match data reveals the decline clearly:
- Both clubs earned fewer than 40 points in 38 matches
- Neither club averaged more than 1.2 goals per game
- Possession dropped below 50% in most of their last 10 matches
- Injuries forced both clubs to field over 35 different lineups during the season
These stats show chaos, not planning. Coaching systems never settled. Squad management broke down. In critical games, both clubs lacked the fight that once defined them.
Why the Europa League Final Added Pressure
Reaching the Europa League final did not ease tension. It made every domestic match more stressful. Players tried to avoid injuries. Coaches focused on Europe. Fans grew more frustrated with each league result.
For Tottenham, a win would have masked a poor domestic season. For Manchester United, a loss made the entire year feel like a disaster. The stakes were too high on one game, and that pressure impacted league focus.
Postecoglou and Amorim both admitted in interviews that the final became the club’s main goal. That approach might work in some leagues. However, in the Premier League, every point matters.
Next Season Offers a New Start
Despite the dramatic failure, both clubs still have reasons for hope. Their squads are still among the strongest in the league. Coaching changes now have time to take root. Therefore, the summer break offers a chance to rebuild.
United’s young core, if managed well, can compete again. Tottenham’s attacking style under Postecoglou can flourish with the right support. Both clubs will avoid European competition next year, which gives them a full schedule to focus on the Premier League.
This season was not a sign of decline. It was a mistake in focus. One bad year does not erase a decade of top-five finishes. With proper planning, both clubs can return stronger. The fall may have been hard, but recovery is realistic. The story of Tottenham and Manchester United is far from over. The next chapter will decide how they respond to the most surprising season in years.