Pochettino: Manchester United will find the Europa League tough

Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino has warned Manchester United to expect the Europa League to disrupt their domestic season.

Louis van Gaal's side's defeat to Wolfsburg on Tuesday night cost them their place in the Champions League and relegated them to Europe's second competition.

Spurs are unbeaten so far this season after Europa League matches but Pochettino believes the Thursday night fixtures take a physical and mental toll.

“It’s a factor that can affect you," he told reporters ahead of Tottenham's clash with Monaco. "I think it is a big, big difference.

“When you play Thursday and Sunday it affects the mentality and psychology. You always know Thursday night is a long journey and you need to play Sunday afternoon.

“For the players it affects the psychology because football is always Saturday at three o’clock. It will be tough for them.”

Pochettino believes English teams are at a particular disadvantage due to the competitive nature of the Premier League and teams's subsequent inability to rest players.

He added: “It is difficult to keep the same level.

“Teams like Barcelona, Real Madrid or Paris Saint-Germain . . . in the league the gap is maybe 10 or 12 points and they can rest players and prepare for the Champions League in the best condition.

“Last weekend Liverpool played at Newcastle and lost, Chelsea lost to Bournemouth and Manchester City lost to Stoke. In Spain it’s impossible that would happen.

“It’s very tough here. It’s not an excuse but teams use the local competitions to rest players after the Champions League and Europa League. For us it’s impossible.”