Sir Alex Ferguson struggled not to laugh when asked about Tottenham's title chances
Manchester United icon Sir Alex Ferguson once claimed that Tottenham Hotspur will never win the Premier League - and that his former team are more likely to despite their 12-year drought
by Abbie Meehan · The MirrorSir Alex Ferguson previously claimed that Tottenham Hotspur will never lift the Premier League trophy and that Manchester United are more likely to right now.
As United prepare to welcome Spurs at Old Trafford later today, Ange Postecoglou will be looking to secure the three points after a mixed-bag start to the season. Erik ten Hag's men are also in need of a confidence-boosting win as they look to bounce back from a Europa League draw against FC Twente last week and leapfrog above Spurs into the top half of the table.
Spurs outperformed United last season finishing three places above them in fifth. However, Ten Hag's side were able to capture the FA Cup - their second succussive season winning a trophy - while the Lilywhites remain on their trophyless streak since picking up the League Cup back in 2008.
They have rarely threatened to win the Premier League title and came closest back in the 2015-16 season, finishing third as Leicester pulled off their miracle title triumph. Postecoglou, who has overseen a rebuild over the last two years - has made it clear his team are still in a transitioning period with his main aim this season seemingly to get them back into the top four and Champions League.
Earlier this year, Ferguson was asked if he believes that his Spurs side would ever win the Premier League, and the reply was a resounding "No!". He struggled to hold back his laughter as he continued explaining the reasosn why he thinks the London club will never win the title.
"No, ’61 was the last time they won it, well that’s a long time," He said. "The opposition today with Liverpool and Manchester City being so powerful in the Premier League. Even for United now, we’re having to fight."
He was then asked if Spurs would win the league before United won their 14th title, to which he said: "No chance!"
This isn't the first time that the legendary former Reds manager has made his opinions clear on Spurs. 15 years ago, Ferguson issued the now famous "Lads, it's Tottenham" team talk to his players to push them towards the win - reminding them that they were above the London club in terms of quality.
A decade-and-a-half later, it seems like not much has changed in terms of Ferguson's view on Spurs - despite their improvements over the last few years, which included an appearance in the Champions League final against eventual winners Liverpool.
United are arguably not the same team they once were when Ferguson was at the helm - given that they haven't won the league title since he retired from management. However, they have been a much more successful team on the pitch with countless trophies since Spurs' last, including a Carabao Cup, FA Cup and Europa League triumph.
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Get the new Man Utd kit
Get the new Man United 2024/25 kit now!
Adult sizes from £80
United have unveiled their new adidas home kit with new front-of-shirt sponsors for the 2024/25 season - and you can get your hands on it right now.
Fanatics
Get it here
Both teams have endured tough starts to the season with Spurs currently one place above their rivals in 10th. Postecoglou and Ten Hag will no doubt want more from their players this afternoon when the two giants collide as they both look to start climbing their way up the table.
Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Sky Sports deal
Sky Sports launches 'lowest price' Premier League package
£43 (was £52)
Sky has slashed the price of its Sky Sports, Sky Stream, Sky TV and Netflix bundle in an unbeatable new deal that saves £216 and includes 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.
With Ultra HD included at no extra cost, football fans can enjoy the 2024/25 season with crystal clear picture quality.