Diogo Dalot has savaged one fan theory ahead of Manchester United’s Europa League final fixture against Tottenham Hotspur next week.
Manchester United are preparing to contest their fourth final in three seasons, as Rúben Amorim’s side face Tottenham Hotspur in the Europa League final in Bilbao on 21 May.
The club have enjoyed recent success in domestic competitions, winning the Carabao Cup in 2023 and the FA Cup in 2024 under Erik ten Hag, despite losing the 2023 FA Cup final to Manchester City.
This season, however, has been turbulent. United sit 16th in the Premier League, and their European run has provided a rare bright spot amid poor performances and surprising defeats.
Victory in Bilbao would not only secure a return to the Champions League but also offer Amorim a strong platform ahead of a critical summer for the club.
Dalot savages Tottenham fan theory ahead of Europa League final
United held a media day on Wednesday afternoon ahead of the final, with many of the club’s players and Amorim himself holding interviews with the press to preview the fixture.
United’s record against Spurs this season has been dire. Ange Postecoglou’s men have defeated United three times across their three meetings in the Premier League and Carabao Cup, and some fans theorised that this could affect United’s ability next week.
However, United defender Diogo Dalot has savaged this claim, explaining that their past record against Spurs “doesn’t matter” as the final is a one-off game, irrespective of previous form.
“No, not at all. I just think that we go to a final,” Dalot explained. “To be completely honest, it doesn’t matter if they beat us during this season. I just know that once the time comes, the team has to be really focused.
“I think everybody will be focused. And then it’s Man United against Spurs. We just have to be Man United for one more special night, win that game, and bring the trophy to Manchester.”
United have the history behind them next week
While United have been very poor in the league this season, they remain unbeaten in European competition, and the players have shown in the Europa League that they know how to fight back.
United have previously been behind against FC Plzen, Bodo/Glimt, and Olympique Lyonnais but have fought back on each occasion to win their ties.
Amorim himself commented that he knows his players have the tools to win next week. “They have proven in the past, in these types of games, they are prepared to do that,” the head coach said.
Beyond United’s successes in Europe this season, the club also has their winning history behind them. Despite a torrid decade since Sir Alex Ferguson left, the club has still lifted five major trophies, while Tottenham do not have the same winning pedigree—something former United midfielder Paul Scholes feels will give his old club the edge next week.
“They both want to win,” Scholes explained.. “As I said before, Man United’s history tells me they will win it. They know how to win trophies.
“Tottenham don’t really… I can’t remember the last [trophy they won]. They won the League Cup a few years ago, I suppose.
“But I just think it’s that experience, the size of the club, the history of the club will get them over the line. Now, look, I really like Ange [Postecoglou]. I think he’s really good. He’s got a really good team. But I just favour Manchester United.”
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