Manchester United vs Tottenham: Mauricio Pochettino reveals he still keeps in touch with Sir Alex Ferguson ahead of tomorrow’s Premier League clash

MAURICIO POCHETTINO admits he maintains a close relationship with Sir Alex Ferguson – but will not be consulting the former Manchester United boss before Tottenham’s trip to Old Trafford tomorrow.

The Spurs boss fuelled speculation over his future when he met Ferguson for lunch last summer BEFORE he had signed a new five-year contract at White Hart Lane.

Pochettino, 44, was on United’s shortlist to replace Louis van Gaal but the club appointed Jose Mourinho instead.

Ferguson remains close to the Argentine, but Poch insists he will not speak to the Scot before Sunday’s game.

He said: “No, no I will not speak to him before the game.

“My relationship with him was, I explain last season and yes, we cross some texts but my expectation is not to talk with him before the game.”

Victory for Spurs would move them nine points ahead of United in fifth.

After splashing out more than £150million in the summer, United have had a disappointing start to the season.

Spurs have also failed to match the high tempo they set last season, but have reduced the gulf between themselves and United in recent years.

Pochettino added: “We are doing a big effort to try to reduce on the pitch that gap.

“It’s true too our chairman, our board are trying to work hard to reduce the gap by building a new stadium, new facilities like here in the next few years.

“Tottenham is showing their ambition to be a team or club to be one of the biggest in Europe and in England.”

United have been linked with a host of star names to add to their squad in January.

But Spurs are unlikely to make much noise in the transfer window.

Tottenham have tied down several of their senior stars to new contracts since the start of the season, including Harry Kane, Dele Alli, Jan Vertonghen and Christian Eriksen.

Pochettino said: “January is always difficult to find the right profile to help you.

“Always when you bring players from outside always there is not too much time for that player to settle in your club and your philosophy, for many reasons.

“It will be difficult to find the profile that can help us but the club is doing a very good job to extend contracts of key players.

“That is how we can show our real ambition and how the players show their commitment with us, that’s a bigger statement for the club, to show our ambition for the future.”

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