Ange's big Man Utd tie in second-season trophy quest

Postecoglou was inevitably reminded of his comments earlier in this campaign about always winning a trophy in his second season at a club. 

"I haven't reiterated it many times, but if you ask me a question, I will answer it. So, if you ask me 100 times, I will answer it 100 times, but I'm not walking around with banners saying, 'I win things in my second year'," Postecoglou pointed out on the eve of the match. 

"I don't think quarter-finals is close. You get to a final, then I think you're close. There is still a fair bit of football to be played. All we can do is be ready for tomorrow night."

Spurs enter the tie after a much-needed victory at Southampton, where they scored five times in the first half, but were also forced to bring off left-back Destiny Udogie. 

Udogie felt "sore" in his quad according to Postecoglou and may sit out this midweek clash where Tottenham could take a big step towards a first piece of silverware in 17 years. 

Postecoglou reckoned he had no interest in the noise around Marcus Rashford and Manchester United before the home tie.

The pre-match build-up has been dominated by the future of Rashford, who was left out of the United squad for Sunday's dramatic 2-1 win at rivals Manchester City and - 48 hours later - revealed he was ready for a "new challenge" with the winter transfer window around the corner. 

"There's always noise about Manchester United, come on mate. Where have you been?" Postecoglou said when quizzed about Rashford. 

"No interest. Don't care. Not interested. He is a Manchester United player. A very good player, they have plenty of good players, but I manage my players and other managers will manage their own players.'

Asked if Rashford was a potential target for January, Postecoglou insisted: "That's not on my radar. You can ask me about Marcus but you can ask me about every single Premier League footballer and I'll say the same."