A scrappy first-half goal from Brennan Johnson was ultimately enough to give Tottenham victory in a poor-quality match during which they had to survive a wave of late pressure from Ruben Amorim’s United.

But, will the victory be enough to save Postecoglou’s job?

As a beaming Postecoglou celebrated the victory at the San Mames Stadium, the only question that remained was whether victory, which guarantees Champions League football for Spurs next season, would be enough to save the 59-year-old from the sack.

“The moment I accepted the role, I had one thing in my head, and that is to win something — and we’ve done that now. I want to build on it,” he said.

But referring to his now-celebrated early season observation that he always wins a trophy in his second season, Postecoglou reflected: “It wasn’t me boasting. It was me just making a declaration — and I believed it.”

Tottenham’s Brennan Johnson celebrates after winning against Manchester United. Source: AP / Jose Breton

“I know our league form’s been terrible [finishing 17th], nowhere near good enough and unacceptable, but us finishing third wasn’t going to change his football club. The only thing that was going to change this football club is us winning something, and when I said that, that was my intent,” Postecoglou said.