The Mirror

Gary Neville blasted Marcus Rashford for his role in the build-up to Tottenham's opening goal against Manchester United on Sunday.

Brennan Johnson put the visitors ahead just two minutes and 35 seconds into the clash at Old Trafford with a tap-in from close range. Centre-back Micky van de Ven provided the cross for Johnson to score, having burst forward from his position in the Spurs backline.

He picked up the ball after a heavy touch from Rashford fell into his path, with the United star appearing to pull out of tackling the defender. Van den Ven then charged past a number of United defenders before pulling the ball back to Johnson who was left with an easy finish.

Rather than attempting to tackle Van de Ven or run back to stop him, Rashford simply carried on running toward the Spurs goal. And as he watched the replay, Neville issued a scorching analysis of Rashford's role in the goal.

The pundit said on commentary for Sky Sports: "Rubbish from him [Rashford]." He later added: "Marcus Rashford it’s poor to be honest, his touch is heavy and awful and he’s got to do better than that. Even if he dives in and gives a foul away.”

Neville did also praise Van de Ven for his starring moment though. He said: "Brilliant, absolutely brilliant from Van de Ven. One of the best runs I've ever seen from a centre-back."

Rashford endured a difficult afternoon after Johnson's goal. He completed just 67 percent of his passes, had just one touch in the Spurs box and failed to have a shot as the game reached the midway point of the first-half.

At one point, he failed to find an unmarked Joshua Zirkzee with a pass from out wide, which would likely have ended with at least a shot on goal. He then ran the ball out of play as he tried to get past Tottenham right-back Pedro Porro.

HAVE YOUR SAY! Who was to blame for Brennan Johnson's goal? Comment below.

While Rashford in particular endured a tough day, former Everton star Leon Osman insisted it was a wider issue. He hailed the performance of Spurs in the opening 20 minutes as he warned United were not at the races.

"Absolutely outstanding from Micky van de Ven. He drives through the space. Spurs have started this game well and they have played through the phases of the pitch," Osman told 5 Live.

"Playing at home at Old Trafford you want to get off to a quick start, but Man Utd don't pressurise Tottenham. It is all Tottenham Hotspur, Man Utd cannot get near them.

"Spurs have started sharper in and out of possession. United look shell-shocked. Spurs have the second most possession in the Premier League. They are a team that like to take the ball."

Son Heung-min did his best to make Tottenham’s trip to Manchester United - but fell just short.

The Spurs skipper suffered a hamstring injury during Thursday night’s Europa League win over Qarabag and was taken off as a precaution. Initially, the 32-year-old had hoped to be fit enough to feature at Old Trafford.

Indeed, speaking at his pre-match press conference, Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou had voiced his hope that Son would be available to lead out his side. But after training on Saturday, the decision was made that the game would come too soon.

Postecoglou revealed on Sunday: “He just wasn't right for today so we go in without him. We've had those things a fair bit. We just have to learn to cope without.”

Stepping into the breach left by Son is Timo Werner, the Germany international who has been largely playing second fiddle in North London this term after extending his loan spell from RB Leipzig.

"Timo [Werner] is most comfortable in that position. We brought him into the club for situations like this. Facing a big club, iconic stadium, plenty of attention - these are the kind of games you want to be involved in.”

Werner joins an attack with Brennan Johnson having found form and £60million Dominic Solanke having scored in each of his last two appearances, a record he is keen to extend at Old Trafford.

He said: “We are not scared of anyone so we will go there and be on the front foot. One of the reasons why I was so delighted to come to Tottenham was the play style. It suits me. I love it. When the team is playing well, we can dominate games. The way that we play will create chances for me.”

A surprising choice sees Yves Bissouma left out in an attacking Spurs lineup, with Rodrigo Bentancur the only holding midfielder. James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski both start.

Son could return when Spurs face Ferencvaros in the Europa League in midweek.

Marcus Rashford has returned to the Manchester United line-up for Sunday's must-win clash with Tottenham.

The forward was benched for the Red Devils' last Premier League outing against Crystal Palace last weekend, a decision that has garnered criticism. But after restoring Rashford to the side during the Europa League clash with FC Twente, the United academy graduate returns to a Premier League starting line-up for the showdown with Spurs.

Rashford had enjoyed a positive start to the campaign with three goals in eight games - albeit two of those strikes coming in the 7-0 win against League One side Barnsley in the Carabao Cup. He will lead the line alongside Joshua Zirkzee, while Alejandro Garnacho also starts in attack against Spurs.

There's also another notable name also on the teamsheet. Manuel Ugarte, who moved to Old Trafford from Paris Saint-Germain, makes his first Premier League start. He is alongside Kobbie Mainoo and Bruno Fernandes in the heart of the Red Devils' midfield.

Former Bayern Munich duo Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui have been named in defence, while Lisandro Martinez and Diogo Dalot round off the back four. Andre Onana is predictably between the sticks.

While the Red Devils have a near full complement to choose from, Spurs were dealt a major blow ahead of the game. Captain Son Heung-min was ruled out with a hamstring isue he picked up in the midweek win vs Qarabag.

That was despite Ange Postecoglou being optimistic of his chances of playing. Speaking in his pre-match press conference, the Australian said: "Sonny, I don’t think is too bad.

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"He wants to train tomorrow (Saturday) and we will see how it goes and make a decision from there. We have another day up our sleeve to give him every chance."

In more positive news, £60m forward Dominic Solanke was fit to start following an excellent run of form. The former Bournemouth man had scored in each of his last two games in all competitions.

Spurs went with an attacking set-up at Old Trafford with Timo Werner, James Maddison, Brennan Johnson and Dejan Kulusevski all selected to start.

Rodrigo Bentancur was selected as the holding midfielder. Destiny Udogie, Micky van de Ven, Cristian Romero and Pedro Porro were named in a back four ahead of Guglielmo Vicario

Man Utd starting XI: Onana; Dalot, De Ligt, Martinez, Mazraoui; Ugarte, Mainoo; Garnacho, Fernandes, Rashford; Zirkzee.

Spurs starting X: Vicario; Udogie, Van de ben, Romero, Porro; Bentancur, Kulusevski, Maddison; Werner, Johnson, Solanke.

Teddy Sheringham admitted being able to see more of his son and his disappointment in not playing in the latter stages of the Champions League sparked his decision to leave Manchester United.

The former England international left the Red Devils after four years in 2001, where he won six major trophies, including the Treble in the 1998/99 season.

Despite being 35 years old at the time of his exit, Sheringham was coming off his best year in Manchester, having ended the season as the club's top scorer with 21 goals across all competitions as they secured a third consecutive league title.

His performances earned him a place in the PFA Team of the Year while being awarded both the PFA Players' Player of the Year and FWA Footballer of the Year awards.

Having been handed a 12-month contract by Sir Alex Ferguson to continue his stay in Manchester, Sheringham opted to reject the extension in order to return to Tottenham - nine years after he first joined the north London club in 1992.

Speaking at the time, Sheringham - who scored 124 goals in 277 games across both stints at Spurs - revealed the various reasons behind leaving the dominant United, including being able to see more of his young son.

"It was no easy solution but I looked at the situation where I had four great years at United and enjoyed the experience, it's been brilliant, and looked at what was happening at the club and what players were coming in as well as the opportunity of going back to Tottenham," he said.

"It was a great opportunity for me and if I had another year at United, it might not have happened next year. The fact of going back to London and seeing a bit more of my son Charlie was a big draw as well."

Sheringham also pointed out his disappointment in making only a cameo appearance from the bench across United's two-legged Champions League quarter-final tie against Bayern Munich in his last season.

"I told the manager I was very disappointed that I didn't play against Bayern Munich, especially in the first game at home when we had a lot of good results in Europe this year when I'd been playing," he added.

Sheringham's United departure came shortly after Ruud van Nistelrooy's arrival at the Premier League giants, prompting fans to suggest it was the Dutchman that caused his departure but the Englishman poured cold water on that theory.

"I don't really see him as a contender for my place or me for him, I think he's more like Coley or Solskjaer and I think that the three of them are very similar."

After leaving for Spurs, his former boss in Ferguson paid tribute to the ex-striker as he said: "Teddy was a great servant for us, he did a great job here. I said to him at the time when he was leaving that the offer he was getting from Tottenham, I don't think he could have turned it down. Teddy's proved to be a great buy for them."

Sir Alex Ferguson previously claimed that Tottenham Hotspur will never lift the Premier League trophy and that Manchester United are more likely to right now.

As United prepare to welcome Spurs at Old Trafford later today, Ange Postecoglou will be looking to secure the three points after a mixed-bag start to the season. Erik ten Hag's men are also in need of a confidence-boosting win as they look to bounce back from a Europa League draw against FC Twente last week and leapfrog above Spurs into the top half of the table.

Spurs outperformed United last season finishing three places above them in fifth. However, Ten Hag's side were able to capture the FA Cup - their second succussive season winning a trophy - while the Lilywhites remain on their trophyless streak since picking up the League Cup back in 2008.

They have rarely threatened to win the Premier League title and came closest back in the 2015-16 season, finishing third as Leicester pulled off their miracle title triumph. Postecoglou, who has overseen a rebuild over the last two years - has made it clear his team are still in a transitioning period with his main aim this season seemingly to get them back into the top four and Champions League.

Earlier this year, Ferguson was asked if he believes that his Spurs side would ever win the Premier League, and the reply was a resounding "No!". He struggled to hold back his laughter as he continued explaining the reasosn why he thinks the London club will never win the title.

"No, ’61 was the last time they won it, well that’s a long time," He said. "The opposition today with Liverpool and Manchester City being so powerful in the Premier League. Even for United now, we’re having to fight."

He was then asked if Spurs would win the league before United won their 14th title, to which he said: "No chance!"

This isn't the first time that the legendary former Reds manager has made his opinions clear on Spurs. 15 years ago, Ferguson issued the now famous "Lads, it's Tottenham" team talk to his players to push them towards the win - reminding them that they were above the London club in terms of quality.

A decade-and-a-half later, it seems like not much has changed in terms of Ferguson's view on Spurs - despite their improvements over the last few years, which included an appearance in the Champions League final against eventual winners Liverpool.

United are arguably not the same team they once were when Ferguson was at the helm - given that they haven't won the league title since he retired from management. However, they have been a much more successful team on the pitch with countless trophies since Spurs' last, including a Carabao Cup, FA Cup and Europa League triumph.

Both teams have endured tough starts to the season with Spurs currently one place above their rivals in 10th. Postecoglou and Ten Hag will no doubt want more from their players this afternoon when the two giants collide as they both look to start climbing their way up the table.

Dominic Solanke wants to go one better than Harry Kane at Tottenham - by firing Spurs to silverware.

The 27-year-old frontman admits that he will never replace his record-breaking predecessor. However, he still intends to repay every penny of the club-record £65million price-tag upon his head in the only currency he knows - scoring goals.

When asked if the pressure of assuming Kane's mantle weighs heavy, Solanke declared ahead of today's trip to Manchester United : "No, not really. Harry is who he is. I don’t think anyone would want to see him replaced anyway. He’s a world-class striker. But I’m here now and I want to score as many goals as I can for Tottenham and hopefully we can win some trophies."

Solanke also revealed he received Kane's well-wishes on the day the deal was made official. Unsurprisingly, he was reassured that Tottenham were the perfect club to elevate his game to the next level.

He explained: "I actually saw him when Bayern Munich came here during pre-season. Harry came into the changing room and I spoke to him - we had a few words and he obviously only had good things to say about the club. It was probably just what you expect. But he spoke so highly about Spurs, how good the players and staff are here."

Life beyond Kane at Tottenham has not been as bleak as initially anticipated. And after Solanke struck his second goal in as many matches in the midweek 3-0 Europa League demolition of Qarabag - there is confidence he can exploit Erik ten Hag's unconvincing backline.

The former Bournemouth striker, who hit 21 Premier League goals last season for the Cherries, insists Spurs are going to Old Trafford to attack - not just to make up the numbers.

He continued: "Everyone knows how big of a club United is so it’s going to be a tough game. But we are not scared of anyone so we will go there and be on the front foot and hopefully we can get another result."

Ange Postecoglou was the integral driving force behind Tottenham's ambitious pursuit of Solanke's signature despite admiration for Ivan Toney.

And the Aussie's passionate defence of his marquee summer acquisition, delivered during a press conference last week, has evidently struck a chord.

Postecoglou hit out at Solanke's critics who were "too quick to judge" and two goals in as many matches, have since followed.

The Spurs hot-shot, who was sidelined against Everton and Newcastle after suffering damage to his ankle on his debut versus Leicester, said in response to recent negativity: "Yeah, that was probably a bit premature after just a few games given the start to the season that I had. No matter how much you get bought for, what club you play for, there is always going to be pressure in football so it’s something we have to deal with, something we all know will be part of the game."

Tottenham's relentless quest for success is not Solanke's only source of inspiration - he also has dreams at international level left to fulfil.

While Solanke boasts U17 Euros and U20 World Cup winners' medals, his only senior Three Lions cap came almost seven years ago against Brazil in 2017 - something he plans to rectify.

He concluded: "It’s definitely something I'll hopefully get back into. If you're doing your stuff for a club like Tottenham, it's definitely a lot easier to get into the fold so, Tottenham is my main aim - to score and win stuff here but then hopefully I can get into the England team."

Amanda Staveley is ready to get back into the Premier League by investing Middle East cash in Tottenham before the end of the year.

The financier, with husband Mehrdad Ghodoussi, helped broker Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund’s £305million takeover of Newcastle. But after a painful departure from St James’, the pair – guests of Spurs at last weekend’s visit of Brentford – are in advanced talks to buy a sizeable stake in the north London club.

Tottenham, due to one-time majority shareholder Joe Lewis’ declining influence on the club, are looking for new money. Staveley and Ghodoussi are expected to buy up some of billionaire Lewis’ shares, which are now held in a family trust.

A source close to the deal revealed: “Amanda is serious about being involved with Spurs, and is hoping that an initial purchase can be completed within weeks.”

Again she has turned to the Middle East for financial backing after her success in luring Saudi Arabia’s PIF to Newcastle. Staveley and Ghodoussi bowed out of Newcastle in the summer after almost three years of having a major boardroom influence following the Saudi takeover.

It was a huge blow to the Toon Army who had taken the pair to their hearts and were big supporters of popular manager Eddie Howe. After changes in the PIF hierarchy, Staveley and Ghodoussi left with the 51-year-old Staveley admitting: “I am devastated. The club has become part of my DNA.”

Staveley had previously remained tight-lipped about a potential deal earlier this summer but confirmed she was open to investment in another Premier League club. As quoted by The Athletic, she said: “My preference would have been to stay with Newcastle, but life doesn’t always work out exactly how you want it to. Nothing is going to replicate that.

"I fell in love with Newcastle, the club and the people and that can’t change, but I didn’t want to get in Newcastle’s way. It’s got to be about what’s best for Newcastle.

“Mehrdad and I are keen to be hands-on. We’re hard-working people, I love to be very busy and to engage and I love football. Very sadly, we have to move on to other projects and that might involve us taking a stake in another club or buying another club and that’s difficult. But it’s possible.”

What fans lost in time - Tottenham undoubtedly made up for in entertainment.

Though this was not Champions League football, it was still box-office entertainment as 10-man Spurs kickstarted their Europa League campaign with an unconventional bang following Radu Dragusin's seventh-minute red card.

Spirits ahead of Tottenham's long-awaited return to Europe following a 17-month absence were swiftly dampened by intermittent rain, blustery winds and travel chaos in north London.

Qarabag, who did not arrive at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium until 7:50pm, could be slapped with a hefty fine by UEFA after the visitors were caught in traffic - delaying kick-off until 8:35pm.

Spurs appeared determined to make up for lost time but their eagerness to repay the patience of supporters quickly backfired inside the opening exchanges when Dragusin was dismissed by French referee Willy Delajod.

The 22-year-old Romanian failed to control the simplest of passes from centre-back partner Micky van de Ven, enabling hungry frontman Juninho to profit before the Brazilian was brought to ground by the desperate defender.

While Dragusin was consoled by Ange Postecoglou upon leaving the field - the stone-faced Aussie's body language told its own story. This was a rare chance for Spurs' £26.7million signing to stake a claim for a starting berth but it's hard to envisage him banging on Postecoglou's office door anytime soon.

He evidently has much to learn if he wishes to dethrone indispensable duo Van de Ven and Cristian Romero at the heart of Postecoglou's backline.

Talented teenage playmaker Lucas Bergvall was withdrawn for Destiny Udogie as Romero was serving a one-match UEFA suspension following a second yellow card against AC Milan in March 2023 and 30 seconds later, Tottenham were ahead.

Dominic Solanke drove at the Qarabag defence before sliding in Brennan Johnson, who provided another ruthless cross-goal finish to make it three goals in as many matches.

A heroic, last-ditch tackle from sub Udogie denied Toral Bayramov a leveller before electric winger Johnson went close to doubling his tally and Tottenham's advantage when goalkeeper Mateusz Kochalski came flying out of his box, however, Johnson was unable to find the target.

Though the miss did not look so bad after Qarabag's dangerman Juninho, scorer of six goals in Champions League qualifying and 31 in all competitions last season, somehow missed the target altogether following Elvin Jafarguliyev's inviting ball across the face of goal.

The half-time introduction of Dejan Kulusevski provided a clear injection of quality and on 53 minutes, his corner was eventually turned in at the back post by midfielder Pape Matar Sarr in scrappy style.

Ten-man Tottenham were still not home and hosed though as minutes later, Qarabag were awarded a penalty after Yves Bissouma chopped down Jafarguliyev. Up stepped Bayramov, who blazed the ball over the crossbar with an almighty swing of his left boot.

Qarabag continued to probe and Juninho once again went close, when he cannoned a low drive off the foot of the post on 65 minutes before Solanke put the game beyond all reach on 68 minutes.

The former Bournemouth frontman pounced to slot home a rebound, netting for the second successive match, after Heung-min Son's drive at goal was spilled. Though the goal was somewhat soured by the sight of Son dropping to the deck with what appeared to be a muscle issue. He was immediately withdrawn.

Tottenham's match with Qarabag in the Europa League has been delayed until 8.35pm after the visitors were caught up in traffic.

The visitors didn't arrive at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium until just before the match's original 8pm kick-off time.

And Spurs confirmed the delay in a statement which read: “Kick off for tonight’s fixture has been delayed due to severe travel disruption. Further information to follow.”

TNT Sports, who are broadcasting the fixture in the UK, then confirmed that the match would start at 8.35pm once Qarabag's players had been given a chance to warm up.

London Overground services from both Cheshunt and Enfield Town to White Hart Lane were suspended prior to the match, while there were also issues on the A10 in both directions.

The travel issues also affected supporters with it being noted on various media outlets that the home areas of the stadium were far from full with the revised kick-off time fast approaching.

Speaking ahead of the match, Tottenham captain Son Heung-min outlined the team's desire to go all the way in the Europa League.

Spurs missed out on the Champions League last season after they were pipped to a top-four finish - but it's not lost on Son that the Europa League still represents a chance for the club to win a major trophy.

He said: "There is no hiding - that is what we work for. It's another big competition that everyone wants to win. It's going to be tough, a lot of games and travelling - which makes it harder.

"We have got to be ready and take it seriously, because it's a massive competition."

Head coach Ange Postcoglou stated he "always" wins a trophy in his second season at clubs earlier this month after surviving a scare against Coventry City of the Championship to reach the fourth round of the Carabao Cup.

He cleared up his comments, saying: "In my 26 years of managing I’ve had success and most of that has come in the second year, not all of it. Sometimes it’s happened in the first year, sometimes in the third year.

"I don’t see why that puts extra pressure. It doesn’t put extra pressure on me because I love the fact that I’ve done that. It’s what I want to do here.

"I’d like to think that just saying the truth is the way to go forward but I think sometimes that’s too confronting for people, they’d much rather I didn’t."

Former Manchester City defender Nedum Onuoha believes is it 'strange' that VAR did not intervene when Spurs goalkeeper Gugliemo Vicario handled the ball outside of his area.

The Lilywhites' game against Brentford was the latest to garner VAR controversy as Spurs prevailed 3-1 over their London rivals. Bryan Mbuemo had put the Bees up within a minute of the game starting but Ange Postecoglou's side were able to come from behind thanks to Dominic Solanke, Brennan Johnson and James Maddison.

With the scoreline still 2-1, and under pressure from Mikkel Damsgaard, Vicario attempted to gather the ball before appearing to jab it away while outside of his box. Referee Jonathan Brooks did not blow his whistle and VAR did not act as Kristoffer Ajer and Thomas Frank were booked for their complaints.

The technology was deemed unable to be utilised as the offence was not deemed to deny a goalscoring opportunity. Onuoha nevetheless believes it would have represented a big moment in the game, with Vicario possibly being handed his marching orders.

"Earlier Gugliemo Vicario comes out of his area and makes three attempts at touching the ball," Onuoha said.

"From the angle we see the third touch, if there was another angle of it, I think they would say that it came outside the box, so that would be a red card. It is strange that the VAR has missed that, very strange, because that is a big moment in the game."

Brentford boss Frank was under no illusion the Spurs goalkeeper had touched the ball outside of his area. The 50-year-old coach did not believe it was a moment that decided the game however. and even complimented the referee.

“Not only looked. He had handled it outside the box," he said.

“That incident did not define the game. When we come here, we need to play 90 good minutes. We played 60. The margins need to go our way, and there were a few deflections and balls drop that didn’t add up to our possibility of winning the game.

“It was a mistake. It could have been a free-kick to us. It could have helped us. But, hey, you never know. I think the probability of scoring from a direct free-kick is like 0.0543. So probably not the biggest probability for scoring anyway.

“And I think John Brooks overall had a very good game. The way he handled soft fouls both ways was really good.”