The United boss said he is "a huge fan of Ange Postecoglou" and admitted they "have the same problems", but added: "With all due respect, I am at a bigger club, with bigger pressure. It is important for a coach to follow his principles."

The hypothesis that Erik ten Hag was the root cause of Manchester United's woes has been emphatically debunked since Ruben Amorim succeeded him in the dugout. The Red Devils have arguably regressed since the Portuguese coach took charge and have endured several torrid months while he attempts to overhaul the tactical identity forged under previous regimes.

Manchester United travel to fellow strugglers Tottenham this weekend aware that defeat could push them closer to the relegation zone, even though the Red Devils are currently 12 points clear of 18th p