Europa League final reaction: Ange Postecoglou 1-2 to stay after Tottenham see off Manchester United in Bilbao

Ange Postecoglou is 1-2 to still be Tottenham manager at the start of next season after leading the club to their first major trophy since 2008 with a 1-0 Europa League final win over Manchester United on Wednesday night.

Reports ahead of the final had suggested that Postecoglou would leave this summer regardless of the result in Bilbao, but with a place in next season’s Champions League now secured, bet365 make him odds-on from 5-2 to lead Spurs into the new campaign.

Spurs, who were 5-1 Europa League favourites at the start of the league phase in September, kicked off the final as 11-10 underdogs with United on offer at 3-4. However, Brennan Johnson’s bundled-in goal in the 42nd minute proved the difference between the two teams.

Despite a lively atmosphere at a packed San Mames, clear-cut chances were thin on the ground, with Tottenham’s winner coming from their only shot on target.

After taking the lead, Postecoglou set his team up to sit back and defend in the second half — a decision that paid off, as United were unable to break down a resolute Spurs back line.

The Red Devils came closest to equalising in the 68th minute, when Micky van de Ven denied Rasmus Hojlund with a superb goalline clearance, while Guglielmo Vicario produced a smart save in the dying moments of stoppage time to keep out a Luke Shaw header.

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Although Spurs now have their first piece of silverware since the 2008 EFL Cup final, they sit 17th in the Premier League standings, and uncertainty remains over whether Postecoglou will still be in charge next season. 

However, the Australian confirmed his desire to stay after the final whistle in Bilbao:

"I've had such a laser focus on winning this — whatever happens, happens," he said when asked about his future.

"I'm the manager of the football club; that decision isn't in my hands. All I know is having this [medal] around my neck means we've won a trophy. I don't feel I've completed the job.

"We're still building this team. It's a young side; we need to add experience, and now we're in the Champions League. I've been trying to build a team that can compete over the next four or five years."

Tottenham next manager odds

Here are bet365's latest odds to be Tottenham manager on August 16, 2025:

Odds correct at time of publish

Brentford manager Thomas Frank is now 5-1 to be in charge at Spurs for the start of the 2025–26 Premier League season on August 16, ahead of former Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino at 8-1. 

Francesco Farioli, who left Ajax earlier this week following their dramatic collapse in the Dutch title race, is 10-1, with Scott Parker and Marco Silva both at 12-1.

United, meanwhile, were denied at the final hurdle after going off at 11-2 in the ante-post market, but they are expected to stick with Ruben Amorim next season.

However, the Portuguese coach is likely to come under increasing pressure if United make a sluggish start to the 2025–26 season.

Bet365 make United just 16-1 to be relegated next season, while the Old Trafford outfit are 5-1 — the highest price they've ever been — to finish in the top four.

United are 66-1 to win the Premier League title, with Spurs at 50-1. Champions Liverpool are 15-8 to retain the title, with Manchester City next in at 9-4 and Arsenal 5-2 shots.

There is also speculation over the future of captain and talisman Bruno Fernandes, although he is still expected to be a United player at the conclusion of the summer transfer window. The Portuguese midfielder is 1-3 to remain at United on September 3, and 5-2 to sign for any Saudi Pro League club.

Alejandro Garnacho, restricted to a substitute appearance on Wednesday, is 2-1 to still be at the club on the same date, with Chelsea 4-1 to sign him this summer.

Read more from our team of experts:

Joe Casey: Analysing the race for a top-five spot in the Premier League 

James Milton: Six ante-post selections that tell the story of the 2024-25 Premier League 

Football predictions from James Milton: Anfield clash unlikely to be short on action  

Jamie Griffith: What can we learn about the EFL playoff finals from previous clashes? 

Serie A predictions and betting tips: Can Napoli finish the job or will Inter retain the Scudetto?   

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