Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou insists he has no interest in comparisons with Manchester United, despite both clubs earning a place in the Europa League final and battling for silverware following challenging domestic campaigns.

Postecoglou’s comments came after Spurs secured a 2–0 win away to Bodø/Glimt in the Arctic Circle, courtesy of goals from Dominic Solanke and Pedro Porro. The result has intensified hopes of ending the club’s 17-year trophy drought, but the Australian was quick to reject parallels with United’s situation.

While acknowledging the significance of winning a major title, Postecoglou hit back at critics who have sought to downplay Spurs’ European success due to their Premier League struggles.

“It’s massive” – but don’t compare Spurs to United

“It would be massive if we won it,” Postecoglou said. “But people are already trying to tear it down. They’re saying it’s been a poor season, that we don’t deserve it, or they’re comparing us to Manchester United – and I don’t think that’s fair.

“Maybe if we had United’s level of success over the years, I’d see it differently. But I came into this job knowing that even if we were sitting fifth in the table, people would still say, ‘this club needs to win something’. That’s always been the expectation.”

He continued: “Of course, it would be huge. You have to look at what this club has experienced over the last 15 to 20 years. Manchester United have their own journey. Maybe if they go 15 years without a trophy, they’ll gain a different perspective too.”

Postecoglou added that both clubs deserved to be in the final: “We’ve earned the right to be there – us and Manchester United. Regardless of the noise, that’s a fact.”

An emotional personal milestone

When asked what reaching the final would have meant to his late father, Postecoglou responded with heartfelt reflections.

“There’ll come a time to reflect,” he said. “But right now, I’ve got childhood friends who are probably already booking their tickets to Bilbao. Honestly, I’ll be on the touchline, but with a bit of imposter syndrome – because deep down I still feel like I belong in the stands with them.”

He added: “It’s only my fourth year in European football, and now I’ve got the chance to lead a team into a European final. That’s special. I’d like to look back on it with a positive memory from the day itself.”

Postecoglou also acknowledged his family’s unwavering support: “Not just my dad, but my wife – she was in the away end today cheering us on – and our two boys, who I’ve now promised a trip to Bilbao, even though it’s a school night!

“There are so many people who’ve taken the knocks with me, who feel it more than I do. I know they’re proud, and tonight I’m just happy I can give something back for all the sacrifices they’ve made.”