Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho has new grounds to moan as Tottenham get ‘home’ FA Cup semi-final

Jose Mourinho has found plenty to complain about in recent weeks and having to play Tottenham on their home ground in the FA Cup semi-finals is likely to give the Manchester United manager another excuse to moan.

There is a feeling Mourinho will lead the whining from Old Trafford that Spurs have an unfair advantage because they have effectively been granted a home fixture.

Tottenham have made Wembley something of a fortress this season and having to play them at their temporary home is bound to cause angst for an already unhappy Mourinho.

Spurs, however, will not be treated as the home team for the semi-final on the weekend April of 21-22 and the venue will be neutral, with both clubs getting an equal number of tickets.

Tottenham will not have the choice of dressing rooms or the allocation of stadium ends for their supporters but that is unlikely to stop Mourinho raising objections.

Spurs defender Jan Vertonghen has admitted the game being played at their temporary home could give them an edge but has dismissed suggestions it is an unfair advantage.

“We have 50/50 support in the semi-final, so there is nothing to complain about,” he said. “There is nothing to do with fair. Everyone agreed that will have to play at Wembley.”

The FA came under some pressure to switch the semi-finals to another venue after they leased Wembley to Spurs this season. After a challenging start to the season, Tottenham have grown used to Wembley and they have an excellent record there.

Tottenham have won 17 of their 24 fixtures at Wembley this season and beat United 2-0 there in January, when Christian Eriksen scored after just 11 seconds.

Asked if Spurs could benefit from playing at Wembley, Vertonghen said: “I think so because we are playing well there.

“We have beaten some big teams there and had some very good games, apart from the start of the season which was a bit difficult for us we feel at home now. It is a little advantage that we are used to playing at Wembley now. Wembley suits us.”

Spurs were beaten by Chelsea and held to draws by both Burnley and West Brom at home at the start of the season and there was a feeling the national stadium would continue to be a burden after a disappointing Europa League campaign the previous season.

But there is no doubt the ground now feels like home, and Mauricio Pochettino summed up the mood perfectly after Spurs beat Swansea 3-0 on Saturday to reach the semi-finals. “How it has changed,” said the Spurs head coach. “The perception and the feeling seven months ago was horrendous. Now it is seen as an advantage.

“Of course, now we feel comfortable and happy to play there. The fans are more comfortable but I do not think it is an advantage to play there.”

All FA Cup semi-finals have been played at Wembley since 2008 and there will be no Tottenham branding around the stadium.

Spurs were drawn as the away team and the FA say they will determine the use of dressing rooms “in consultation with the relevant authorities”. Tottenham were beaten by Juventus at Wembley in the Champions League earlier this month but they will fancy their chances against United.

Vertonghen said: “At the beginning everyone was talking about it [playing at Wembley]. After Chelsea, Burnley and West Brom, we had a couple of games we should have won which we did not.

“After the Champions League group stage [when Tottenham beat Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid], things turned around and we felt we could beat anyone there [at Wembley]. Against Juventus was not great but apart from that we’ve had a good season there.”

Tottenham hope Harry Kane will return from his ankle injury in time for the FA Cup Final — should they get there — but they showed against Swansea they can cope without him.

Eriksen scored two goals and shone in south Wales. He has taken on an added responsibility, with Kane on the sidelines, and demonstrated why Pocchetino is confident Spurs can deal with the loss of their leading scorer.

Heung-min Son led the line well in the absence of Kane and Erik Lamala also impressed.

Vertonghen said: “Different players have to step up now. Sonny has showed, Lamela, Lucas Moura and Christian is showing he can be the leader in midfield. He is very laid back and easy going but can definitely lead on the pitch.”

Pochettino demonstrated the strength in depth he has at his disposal by making six changes and still naming a team which eased into the semi-finals.

“Spurs are on their way to Wembley,” sang the away fans. There will be no surprise if that fact causes more conflict for Mourinho.