Are Manchester United Really the Underdogs in the Europa League Final? A Response to Mark Goldbridge

In a recent video at the 6:08 mark titled “BILBAO HERE WE GO! MAN UNITED 3-1 ATHLETIC CLUB GOLDBRIDGE MATCH REACTION,” Mark Goldbridge made a bold claim.

He said that going into the Europa League final against Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester United are the underdogs.

Now, while I often agree with Goldbridge’s takes — he’s one of the most influential voices in the United fan space — this time? I’m going to have to park the bus and firmly disagree.

Here’s what Mark said:

“Spurs I put as favourites, I want Spurs to be favourites I think we should put
them as favourites I think we should say they've beaten us three times I know what I'm playing at I've played the game”

He continued:

“Last six months, if they've got the bloody balls to try and install us as favourites now they can bloody do one.
We're not favourites in this game. We've been beaten by Spurs three times. We have
fought somehow to this final. We are absolutely this season. We're not favourites. I don't want the favourites tag.
Spurs can have it. They're favourites. And I tell you why — we need to be the underdogs. We have not got the mentality
to be favourites. We saw that today. We really struggled, 3-0 up at Old Trafford. We've got to go in — we're better when
we're the underdog. We've got to be the underdog. I'm not losing the underdog tag. I don't want to hear about Spurs are
allergic to silver. Bog off. Ange wins a title in his first two years — that's the story. They're the favourites, not us.
I don't want to be favourites. I think we're going to win it, but I don't want to be favourites because I don't want that tag.
And I — I dispute it, I refute it, and I dismiss it, because we have been ridiculed for months by our own players, by our own
ex-players, by our own media. They've been after us for months. I'm not having the favourites tag. You can jog on. You know,
those of us who've stayed positive and stayed behind the team — we will run the story on this. Not them. Not them.
We are not the favourites in this game. We need to go into that and fight, fight. And we will. And I think we will be victorious.”

Strong words. But here’s where I push back.

The Counter Argument – Why United Are Not the Underdogs

Let’s start with the basics.

An underdog is defined as “a competitor thought to have little chance of winning,” or “a person of low status.”
Now tell me — does that sound like Manchester United?

Yeah, we’ve had a disaster of a season by our standards. League form’s been patchy, injuries galore, and tactics have been all over the place. But even in that mess, we’ve gone undefeated in the Europa League and marched straight to the final.

You don’t “fluke” your way to 14 unbeaten in Europe.

Let’s break this down properly.

1. The Stats Don’t Lie – We’ve Been Better

📊 Total Wins Across All Competitions (as of May 17):

Total Wins

Manchester United

21

Tottenham Hotspur
20

Breakdown:

Manchester United

• Premier League: 9 wins

• FA Cup: 1

• League Cup: 2

• Europa League: 9 (Undefeated in 14 matches)
  
  

Tottenham Hotspur

• Premier League: 10 wins

• FA Cup: 1

• League Cup: 4

• Europa League: 5

Spurs have edged more in the League Cup, sure. But when it comes to European pedigree this season, United have dominated. We’ve gone toe-to-toe with every team and come out clean.

So how exactly are we the ones punching up?

2. This Isn’t an Underdog Mentality — It’s Insecurity

Goldbridge claims we “need to be underdogs” because we “don’t have the mentality” to handle being favourites.

With all due respect — that's not mentality talk. That’s fear of expectation.

Being an underdog means you fight with freedom because no one expects anything. That’s Athletic Bilbao in the semis — down 3-0 but still scrapping because they had nothing to lose.

But United? We carry pressure every single game. If we’re down 3-0 at half-time, a chunk of our away support starts looking at exits. That’s not underdog energy — that’s the reality of a legacy club. It’s a burden, sure — but it’s also our identity.

3. Spurs Are No Goliath

Tottenham haven’t lifted a major trophy since 2008. That’s seventeen years of near-misses and nearly moments.

Yes, they’ve beaten us three times this season — but context matters. Those were league fixtures. This is a final. The lights are brighter. The pressure’s different. And historically, United have been built to handle those moments.

If anything, Spurs have the reputation of choking on nights like this.

So are we really calling ourselves the “little guy” against them?

4. Calling Ourselves Underdogs Is a Mental Cop-Out

This narrative that we’re the underdogs? It’s emotional insurance. A pre-planned excuse in case we lose. It’s damage control.

But United were never built for that. We don’t lower the bar — we raise it and dare everyone else to meet us there.

Saying we’re the underdogs might feel safe — but it’s soft. It’s an escape from accountability.

We’re Manchester United. Even when we’re down bad, we’re expected to win. Because that’s who we are. That’s what this badge means.

Final Word — Legacy Over Labels

So… are we the underdogs?

No chance.

Not by history.
Not by stats.
Not by expectations.
Not even by comparison to this particular opponent.

This club might be in a rut, but underdog status? That’s not our truth — that’s just fear of falling short, dressed up as humble pie.

And if we’re honest, calling ourselves underdogs is more about softening the blow than telling the truth. But truth is what we need more than ever right now.

If Manchester United forgets who we are — if we buy into this underdog story just to feel better — then Old Trafford really has gone quiet.

Let’s not let that happen. Let’s remember the standard. Let’s demand more — from the team, the club, and yes, from ourselves as fans.

Respect Where It’s Due

Despite disagreeing with Mark, as a fellow Manchester United fan, I’ve got nothing but respect for him and the team at The United Stand.

They pioneered a platform that gave everyday fans a voice — and not just for United supporters, but for the entire football community. They’ve paved the way for fan-led media and inspired countless others (us included) to get involved, speak up, and share our passion.

I may not see eye-to-eye with him on this particular point, but that doesn’t mean I don’t value his opinion. I’ve been a long-time subscriber, and I genuinely wish him and The United Stand continued success.

Your Turn – Let’s Talk, Reds

Do you think we’re the underdogs in this final?

Are we embracing reality — or lowering our standards?

Drop your thoughts on our socials, tag us on socials, and let’s have it out like true Reds. No filters, no fear — just real talk from the Glory Reds FC community.

Let’s get this conversation buzzing.
🔴⚪⚫ United till we die. Underdogs? Nah. Kings in waiting.