Before the Europa League final, many believed Ange Postecoglou had never lost to Manchester United.
However, a previously forgotten match has come to light just hours before his Tottenham team faces the Red Devils in Bilbao.
Since taking charge at Tottenham in the summer of 2023, Postecoglou has indeed maintained an unbeaten record against Manchester United.
He has achieved four wins and one draw in five matches against them since joining Spurs, including a 2-2 draw at Old Trafford in January 2024.
Much discussion leading up to the final has focused on Postecoglou`s three consecutive wins against United this season.
However, it has emerged that the 59-year-old Spurs manager has previously been defeated by the footballing powerhouse, Manchester United.
As a 34-year-old in his first managerial role, Postecoglou`s side lost 2-0 to Sir Alex Ferguson`s team over 25 years ago.
His semi-professional club, South Melbourne, was defeated at the Maracana stadium during the FIFA Club World Championship in 2000.
This Manchester United squad had recently won a historic treble and famously withdrew from the FA Cup to participate in this tournament.
The match was decided by two goals from Quinton Fortune within the first 20 minutes. However, this time, Postecoglou is not necessarily the underdog.
Postecoglou had previously spoken about this encounter with United before Tottenham`s match against Tamworth in the FA Cup this season.
He recalled: “We ended up playing Man United, and we were a semi-pro team facing the great Manchester United.
“Qualifying for that tournament likely ruined our domestic season because, after qualifying, our players were reluctant to risk injury and lost interest in our league.”
“We had a terrible season; they simply didn`t want to miss the opportunity to play in the tournament.”
“Some of my players, who were semi-professional but good footballers, probably played the best games of their careers that day.”
However, the former Rangers manager recently expressed anger, responding to a report that referred to him as `a clown`.
He has the opportunity to guide Spurs to their first trophy in 17 years on Wednesday night.
