Tensions Flare as Harry Maguire Clashes with Cristian Romero After Europa League Final Defeat

The Europa League final ended in heartbreak for Manchester United, but emotions didn’t stop there. After the final whistle at San Mames Stadium in Bilbao, United defender Harry Maguire was involved in a tense moment with Tottenham’s Cristian Romero that had to be broken up by staff from both sides.

Spurs came out on top with a 1-0 victory, with Brennan Johnson scoring the match-winning goal just before halftime. While Tottenham players celebrated their long-awaited silverware, United’s frustrations spilled over in dramatic fashion.

As Romero walked past Maguire to greet United’s Diogo Dalot with a hug, Maguire appeared to turn back and confront the Argentine. The England international seemed to gesture and speak animatedly, likely referring to a clash between the two defenders late in the match. Romero responded, and staff members quickly stepped in to separate them.

What the clip below:

Harry Maguire and Cristian Romero after the game 👀

It’s all a game with Romero pic.twitter.com/yAnJoQRHCS

— TheSecretScout (@TheSecretScout_) May 21, 2025

Earlier in the game, the pair were involved in a physical confrontation that earned Maguire a yellow card. The incident also led to a minor scuffle involving several players from both teams.

While Romero walked away with a winner’s medal — adding to his World Cup success with Argentina — Maguire was left to reflect on a difficult night. For Spurs, the win ended a 17-year wait for a trophy and guaranteed them a spot in next season’s Champions League.

After the game, match-winner Brennan Johnson shared what the moment meant. “This season has not been good at all, not one of us players care about that now,” he told TNT Sports. “This club has not won a trophy for 17 years. It means so much.”

“Ever since I came here, it’s been, ‘Tottenham, good team but can’t get it done,’ but we got it done.”

Former Spurs boss Glenn Hoddle praised Ange Postecoglou’s tactical setup. “He got it right in the end,” Hoddle said. “Three in midfield really helped them dominate the first half. In the second, it was about hanging on — and they defended like trojans.”

Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand also singled out Romero’s influence on the result. “Getting those defenders back was critical for this team,” Ferdinand said. “Romero and Micky van de Ven were determined to protect that penalty area. They enjoyed the fight and got what they needed.”

The final whistle may have marked the end of the game, but for Maguire and United, it also exposed just how deep the frustrations run after a disappointing season and a trophy lost to one of their Premier League rivals.