Manchester United’s Europa League final defeat to Spurs has deepened tensions between fans and the club’s ownership, with INEOS chiefs and Sir Jim Ratcliffe met with loud boos and jeers at full-time in Bilbao.
The 1-0 loss, which denied United both a trophy and Champions League football, capped off a turbulent season where the club finished 16th in the Premier League.
Supporters vented their frustration towards the hierarchy, especially Ratcliffe’s team, who have taken over football operations but are yet to show tangible progress.
“We came to win something. Instead, we’re getting told to trust the process again,” said one fan outside San Mamés, echoing a widespread sentiment of growing impatience.
Despite the hostility towards the ownership, Rúben Amorim appeared to escape the worst of the backlash.
The Portuguese coach, who only joined the club in January, was applauded by some sections of the travelling support as he walked over to thank fans post-match.
Amorim later told reporters: “I understand the frustration. This is Manchester United — expectations are always high. But we are laying the foundations. I’m committed, and I believe in the project.”
United officials confirmed Amorim’s job is not under threat, with reports from The Guardian and BBC Sport revealing he will be backed in the transfer market with up to £100 million, even in the absence of Champions League funds.
The manager is expected to play a central role in a summer overhaul, with Matheus Cunha, Jean-Philippe Mateta, and potentially Bryan Mbeumo among the targets.
Still, tensions remain high, especially after reports surfaced suggesting every player in the squad is effectively for sale, including high-profile names like Marcus Rashford and Bruno Fernandes.
The message from fans is clear: they want change, but they also want clarity. The booing of INEOS in Bilbao wasn’t just about a lost final — it was about years of mismanagement and broken promises.
“Amorim needs time. But INEOS need to show they can actually run this club,” said former player Gary Pallister on talkSPORT.
For United, the rebuild continues — but now under increasing pressure from the people who matter most: the fans.
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