‘Erik can take us forward even more’

“The first thing you have to do is rest, take all the stress away from the hectic season,” began the former United forward. “Go away with your family, your friends and completely switch off from football for a week or two.

“But then, you have got to a final here, you have won the Carabao Cup, finished third in the Premier League, got Champions League next season. I don’t think the players need motivating to want to do well in those competitions next season.

“The manager will be working hard to bring extra players in and help improve this squad. You have to take it all on the chin, rub yourself down and go again next season.”