Postecoglou, like United head coach Ruben Amorim, has made no secret of the fact that the European final is his top priority, with the two worst teams outside the relegation zone using Premier League fixtures to get minutes into the legs of some players and as opportunities to rest or protect others.

Ange Postecoglou admitted Tottenham Hotspur “lost a bit of belief” after falling behind in Friday night’s 2-0 loss at Aston Villa – a result that underlined how bleak the end to their