Many believed Ange Postecoglou had never lost to Manchester United before the Europa League final.
However, a previously overlooked match has resurfaced just hours before his Tottenham team faces the Red Devils in Bilbao.
Indeed, since arriving at Tottenham in the summer of 2023, Postecoglou has maintained an unbeaten record against Manchester United.
In fact, the Australian manager has overseen four wins and one draw in five encounters, including a 2-2 draw at Old Trafford in January 2024.
Much of the discussion leading up to the final has focused on Postecoglou`s three consecutive victories against United this season.
However, it has emerged that the 59-year-old Spurs manager has indeed suffered a defeat against the football powerhouse, Manchester United, in the past.
A then 34-year-old Postecoglou lost 2-0 to Sir Alex Ferguson`s team over 25 years ago, during his very first managerial role.
His semi-professional team, South Melbourne, was defeated at the Maracana during the Fifa Club World Championship in 2000.
This Manchester United side had recently won a historic treble and famously withdrew from the FA Cup to participate in the tournament.
Two goals from Quinton Fortune within the first 20 minutes decided the outcome. However, this time, Postecoglou`s team is not necessarily the underdog.
Postecoglou will be hoping to turn the tables when he faces Manchester United on Wednesday.
Both teams have experienced challenging Premier League seasons recently, accumulating 39 league defeats combined.
Postecoglou discussed his initial encounter with Manchester United ahead of Tottenham`s FA Cup match against Tamworth this season.
He quoted: “We ended up playing Manchester United, and we were a semi-professional team facing the great Manchester United.
“Qualifying for that tournament likely disrupted our domestic season because once we qualified, our players were hesitant to risk injury and lost interest in our league.
“We had a disastrous season; they simply didn`t want to miss the chance to play.
“Some of my players, who were semi-professional but good footballers, probably played the games of their lives on that day.”
However, the former Celtic manager responded angrily on Tuesday to a report that referred to him as `a clown`.
He will have the opportunity to secure Tottenham`s first trophy in 17 years on Wednesday night.
