midfielder Christian Eriksen says his side took their ‘foot off the gas’ as they threw away a two-goal lead against on Thursday.
Spurs kept their slim top four hopes alive with a spirited fightback against United, having entered the second half two goals down.
and both scored in a dominant first half display from United but Erik ten Hag’s side were poor in the second half.
Eriksen, Sancho and Aaron Wan-Bissaka all made way after the hour-mark and Spurs quickly took a grip of the game.
United appeared leggy following the 120 minutes they played at Wembley on Sunday, as well as the gruelling schedule they’ve endured in recent months.
And Eriksen says United paid the price for easing off in the second half, which allowed Spurs back into the game.
‘I think we missed the last percentage of really taking the game and finishing it off,’ Eriksen told BT Sport.
‘I think we took a bit of the gas off and that was our problem.
‘I think it’s been that for a few games where we are sharp and coming ahead and [haven’t] kept it going. I think we lost a bit of energy, a bit of control and they got belief and it went the other way.
‘That’s how it goes normally. When you are 2-0 down anything can change quickly. We didn’t have the control to finish them off and don’t give them the chance to score the first goal, that gave belief.’
United are still favourites to finish in the top four but Liverpool and Spurs are still in contention, while they face an in-form Aston Villa on Sunday.
Eriksen says it’s vital United secure Champions League qualification as quickly as possible.
‘There’s still a few games to go,’ said the Dane.
‘We need to keep going and get the belief back to finish it off. We need to get it over the line.’
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