Ange Postecoglou believes that success as a top manager is about more than just winning trophies. His goal is to have “sustained success” at Tottenham.

I'm speaking ahead of Spurs' trip to Manchester United Great SundayPostecoglou suggested that Manchester United was an example of why winning trophies alone does not take the pressure off a manager.

He said: “If Erik (ten Hag) hadn't won anything, people would have said he must win something. It's a trap to fall into if you think that if you win something, everyone will love me and think I'll do a great job. That doesn't exist.

“That’s why I always say that I want to build a group that has the chance for sustained success. You need that. Success isn't guaranteed, but if you build something that gives you the chance year after year, then you have a greater chance of creating a phase where the club can see itself as a competitor.

“It’s part of your existence as a manager. To put it this way: the impossible job just got more impossible. It seems like success isn't enough if you don't have an identity. Identity is not enough if it is not followed.” Aesthetics is not enough if it is not followed by a legacy. There is always another layer because no one does a good job unless they win the competition.

“There seems to be a lack of understanding of progress and the circumstances in which people have to work – but that is the nature of the role. Nothing will change that.”

Sunday, September 29th, 4:00 p.m

Ten Hag: Man Utd must win trophies

United had an inconsistent start to the season, suffering a 3-0 defeat to Liverpool, but then responded by conceding three goals. The momentum seemed to be building, but Wednesday night's Europa League draw saw a 1-1 draw against FC Twente at Old Trafford, and the pressure on Ten Hag, who appeared to be on the verge of losing his job before he took the FA Cup won, growing.

“We have to win trophies,” said Ten Hag.

“That’s what this club stands for. The highest platform, this club has the ambition to play on the highest platform.”

“We want to reach the Champions League. That is clear. We have two paths. One is the Premier League and the other is the Europa League.”

“We are judged every game and that is normal. Every game everyone expects United to win. We know that. This is not a secret for anyone. When you're in this club you have to deal with this factor and that's what we do.”

“It doesn’t matter if you’re young or old or whatever. We have to deal with it. We have to make the best of it.”

“We have to live up to expectations. Everyone has done that, but we also know, with all due respect, young players, a young squad, a new team, that takes some time. We have been on the right track in the last few weeks.” in many aspects of football.

“Now it’s about being more efficient and scoring more goals because that’s how you win games.”

Asked how he copes with the pressure of the job as Manchester United manager, Ten Hag said: “First of all, respect the criticism. There are many. You can have an opinion about football. If you have a job, it’s you.’ I have to deal with that. But I can't take every criticism into account.

“I don’t read all the criticism. That's not possible at all. But I don't even want to know. Some things I need to know, some things are very good advice.”

“For me it’s about staying objective and seeing where the team is, what areas we need to improve, staying methodical and leading the team on the right path. Make sure you take the right steps to get the best out of the team.”

Watch Man Utd vs Spurs live on Sunday Sky Sports; Kick-off 4.30 p.m