The problem with Spurs as I see it, and one of the reasons they always seem to “bottle it” in these situations, is that they’ve so often been generously and positively painted in the media, just for being mildly competitive of late, and by virtue of exceeding their previous expectations, that they’ve never really been encouraged to change or grow in any meaningful way.
They’ve enjoyed all the perks of being a feted top 6 media darling, with little to none of the reactionary scrutiny and constructive fallout the other big clubs have to deal with.
They’re judged to much lower standards (often with cause - as they are underdogs in many ways) so their victories are often over egged, and their failures dismissed, or excused in context. All while United are slated from pillar to post for only being second and just winning 3 major trophies in 2 years (and potentially 4 in 3)
So it’s easy to see why some could be lead to think that United are in perpetual decline, and Spurs in constant ascendancy, going solely off the media narratives surrounding them.
And ‘cos of this, they enter these types of games with an unearned arrogance, and a lack of drive to prove a point, or really kick on. Cos they’re constantly being told they’ve already kicked on, and are already up there with the best. So why actually win anything, ey?