Ange Postecoglou has empathy for Erik ten Hag's 'real tough job' at Manchester United

Tottenham head coach Ange Postecoglou believes management has turned into an "even more impossible" job and expressed his sympathy for Manchester United counterpart Erik ten Hag.

Ten Hag is back under pressure ahead of Sunday's clash with Spurs after a slow start to the new campaign continued with a 1-1 draw at home to FC Twente.

The Dutch coach has regularly pointed out to his detractors that he has won two trophies at Old Trafford, but his future was under intense scrutiny before he masterminded an FA Cup final success over Manchester City in May.

Postecoglou has repeatedly stated since his arrival in England that silverware is not a guarantee of long-term success and echoed that sentiment again.

"I think Erik, in a real tough job, has done really well," he said. "He keeps mentioning he’s won two trophies and he has. I don’t think that’s insignificant. People keep telling me that’s what I have to do, but it’s obviously not all you have to do.

"I think if Erik hadn’t won anything last year, they would be saying, 'He’s just got to win something and everything will be all right’.

"That’s probably why I rail against it because it’s a trap you can fall into. Thinking all I have to do is win something and everyone is going to love me and think I’m doing a great job. That doesn’t exist.

"That’s why I keep saying the focus is on trying to build a group that can have the opportunity to have sustainable success.

"I think you need to do that because success isn’t guaranteed, but if you can create something that gives you the opportunity for it on a year-on-year basis, then I think you’ve got more chance of creating a period where the club can undeniably see itself as a contender."

The experienced Australian pondered the shelf life of a