Tottenham Hotspur boss Thomas Frank was full of praise for Manchester United’s attack following Saturday’s dramatic 2-2 draw in North London.
United play out draw with Spurs
Bryan Mbeumo gave United the lead shortly after the half-hour mark, heading home a brilliant cross from Amad.
Despite some pressure from Spurs, United held firm for large parts of the game. However, their resolve was broken in the final 10 minutes of normal time when substitute Mathys Tel produced a swivel and blast to draw the hosts level.
Richarlison thought he had won it for Spurs when he flicked in an attempt from Wilson Odobert.
It seemed that United, who were reduced to 10 men after Benjamin Sesko was forced off the pitch with an injury, were headed for defeat. But Matthijs de Ligt had the final say. The Dutch defender rose highest to head a Bruno Fernandes cross into the back of the net, with the clock at 90+6.
De Ligt’s late strike ensured the spoils were shared between the two sides and after the final whistle, Frank admitted that he was satisfied with the result considering United’s fine form in recent weeks.
Frank also acknowledged that United are on an upward trajectory, noting that things seem to be finally clicking for Ruben Amorim.
Frank hails United
The Spurs boss told GOAL, “I think I saw this game as one game ahead of us, to try to do everything we could to try to win it. That was the aim of the game. I spoke before the game about it’s clear they have improved this season.”
“They look, how can you say, more in sync together. But I think especially going forward they look like a big threat. That’s why I actually think, I know we conceded two goals, but if you said to me before the game concede five shots in the game, I would take that. So we’re all happy.”
Frank also opened up on his former player Mbeumo, explaining that it wasn’t a surprise to see Amorim deploy the forward on the left side.
“I think it’s not the first time Ruben has, how can you say, played around with the front three. I think no matter where Bryan plays he’s a threat, which he showed again today.”
Frank continued, “Of course, the emotions inside me are high but I take the positives out of this game. That’s what I believe and how I believe in building a good team and keep adding layers to it.”
“Overall, a fine/good performance against a good Man United team which is definitely in flow. We are talking a bit about our, how can you say, level of defensive/attacking threats and to play against a Man Utd side that play with confidence with [Matheus] Cunha, Mbeumo, Amad and Sesko coming on and we kept them to five shots.”
“It’s just another example on the other way around that it’s not that easy to create in the Premier League even though they had all their big boys out there.”
United currently lie in seventh place in the Premier League table, having amassed 18 points after 11 games played.