The Mirror

Bruno Fernandes has revealed that Tottenham star James Maddison did not believe the Manchester United captain should have been sent off.

Fernandes being given his marching orders summed up a dismal opening half for the Red Devils before they eventually succumbed to a 3-0 defeat against Spurs. With the score 1-0 following Brennan Johnson's third-minute strike, the Portugal international was handed a straight red when he caught Maddison before half-time.

Chris Kavanagh judged the challenge to be serious foul play despite the midfielder appearing to slip before making his lunge. Fernandes was left frustrated by that judgement.

“I think in the eyes of everyone, you can see that is never a red card because if this is a red card I think we have to look at many other incidents," he said following the game. "I had many incidents when I get kicked and everything, and I’ve never seen something so quick coming off as a red card. I just think it’s never a red card.”

And, if Fernandes is to be believed, Maddison was equally surprised. Fernandes told Sky Sports: “Apart from slipping going in, I don’t take him as everyone wants to see it.

“I don’t go with the studs, I take him with my ankle. It’s a clear foul but never a red card. That’s my feeling. Even Maddison, when he gets up, you can see in the image… he just said, ‘It’s a foul but it’s never a red card’. That’s what he said."

Fernandes also revealed that the referee believed his studs came into contact with Maddison. VAR saw no reason to overturn the challenge however and confirmed Kavanagh's call.

"I agree that it is a foul but it is never a foul," Fernandes added. "The referee tried to tell me that as he saw it was a clear contact with the studs, no. I didn't touch him with the studs or even the foot, it was my ankle. It is a clear foul.

"If he wants to give me a yellow because they are going to go on a counter then I agree. But more than that, no. It is not the case."

Despite feeling harshly judged, Fernades nevertheless felt compelled to front up to the fans and media. Players are exempt from conducting media duties after being shown red, but the United star believed he owed it to his team-mates.

"I just wanted to come and talk [do the interview] and be myself because my team-mates deserve that for what they have done in the game playing with one man less," he said. "Particularly as I was the man sent off, the one that let them down.

"The team showed a lot of character, a lot of resilience, a lot of fight. They tried. It wasn't easy."

Tottenham have launched an investigation into their own fans for homophobic chanting during their win over Manchester United.

The chant in question is aimed at Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta and is believed to read: "Dom Solanke is f****** class, Mik Arteta takes it up the a***, 60 million down the drain, Dom Solanke scores again."

Solanke scored Tottenham's final goal as they smashed United 3-0 at Old Trafford. Brennan Johnson had opened the scoring after just two minutes and 35 seconds before United skipper Bruno Fernandes was sent off three minutes before half-time.

Dejan Kulusevski then doubled the visitors' lead before Solanke wrapped the scoring up by poking home. But Tottenham's celebrations were marred by that homophobic chanting, with the club left furious.

A club statement read: "The Club is aware of abhorrent homophobic chanting from sections of our away support at Old Trafford today. This is simply unacceptable, hugely offensive and no way to show support for the team.

"The Club will be working closely with the Police and stewards to identify anyone instigating or joining in with the chanting - we shall take the strongest possible action in accordance with our Sanctions and Banning Policy. Supporters in attendance today can report anything they’ve seen or heard in confidence to supporterservices@tottenhamhotspur.com.

"We shall be continuing our work with our LGBTQ+ supporters’ association, Proud Lilywhites, to ensure a welcoming and inclusive environment for all fans on matchdays.

"We are justly proud of our superb and loyal support, home and away. However, we all have a responsibility to act as ambassadors of Tottenham Hotspur and discrimination of any kind has no place at our Club."

The Proud Lilywhites welcome news of the investigation and the club's strongly-worded statement. The group also moved to remind their fellow fans of the impact of homophobic chanting.

A statement from the group read: "Loved what happened on the pitch at Old Trafford; didn’t love the homophobic chanting off the pitch. Dom deserves better and as for the other one...

"We’re all Spurs fans just like you. When you sing these songs you’re telling us we don’t belong; and we do—as much as you do."

Manchester United 's misery shows no sign of lifting after being torn apart by Tottenham, with Bruno Fernandes ' sent off.

Brennan Johnson gave the visitors the perfect start as he tapped home into an empty net after mere minutes following Micky van de Ven's charging run. Alejandro Garnacho went closest to an equaliser in what was a difficult first half for the hosts as his fierce volley struck the post.

But their hopes of a comeback were extinguished before the break after Fernandes was sent off for a high challenge on James Maddison. Dejan Kulusevski doubled Spurs' lead minutes after the break with an acrobatic finish.

Dominic Solanke rounded off the scoring with a late header. Here are all of the talking points from Old Trafford after a performance that Gary Neville slammed as an 'absolute disgrace' :

Johnson extends hot form

It was an absolutely electric start from Tottenham at Old Trafford - as one of the Premier League's most in-form players found himself on the scoresheet again. After defender Micky van de Ven had picked up the ball practically in his own half, he charged forwards.

He was allowed to run to the byline and pulled the ball across goal where Welsh winger Johnson was waiting. And he had a simple task to tap home into the empty net.

It represented the former Nottingham Forest winger's fourth goal of the campaign having scored in his previous three appearances. He only needs to find the net once more to match last season's entire total. He could even have got it at Old Trafford having struck the base of the post.

What went wrong for Man United vs Spurs? Share your thoughts in the comments below

Rashford has a rotter

After being restored to United's Premier League starting XI, Marcus Rashford certainly had a point to prove. But if anything, he only went as far as suggesting that his place was on the bench.

The Red Devils academy graduate turned in an awful performance. He pulled out of a challenge with Van de Ven shortly before Spurs' opener, while he also wasted an excellent opportunity to tee-up Joshua Zirkzee.

Supporters certainly let their displeasure be known with audible groans after Rashford opted to turn back in the first-half. The forward certainly has work to do should he want to remain in the team.

Fernandes sees red

United's absolutely rotten first-half was compounded by the sending off of their captain Bruno Fernandes. As he attempted to challenge James Maddison, the Portuguese playmaker slipped, with his studs making contact with the Spurs man's knee.

Referee Chris Kavanagh did not hesitate as he awarded Fernandes the first red card of his Old Trafford career. To Fernandes' credit, he did slip which certainly contribute to the challenge.

But that was of no consequence to the officials who saw fit to dismiss Fernandes, whose poor start to the season continues.

Kulusevski takes advantage

After starting the first-half in electric fashion, Spurs did exactly the same in the second as they took full advantage of their man advantage. Opening goalscorer Johnson sprinted unopposed down the right as he latched onto Dominic Solanke's header.

The Welshman managed to pick out Kulusevski, albeit with a slight touch off of Lisandro Martinez. And with the ball dropping, the Swede poked the ball home with an impressive, acrobatic finish.

After bringing on Casemiro at the break for a bit more solidarity, it represented the worst possible start to the second half for Ten Hag.

Ten Hag under scrutiny

If Ten Hag wasn't under pressure before the game, he certainly is now. The Dutchman's side turned in an absolutely insipid performance throughout the entire 90 minutes.

Spurs fans took great glee in that with their chants of 'you're getting sacked in the morning' bellowing around Old Trafford. And while it might be slightly early to suggest that, it is clear that Ten Hag's future is under real jeopardy.

With a big week coming up in which they will take on Porto and Aston Villa, Ten Hag needs some positive results, and now.

Damning scoring stats

With six games of the season played, United sit in the lowly position of 12th with just two wins. The most damning statistic is potentially the amount of times that they have scored.

Of their five Premier League goals this term, just ONE has come at Old Trafford. Bafflingly, that is already two fewer than Liverpool have scored at the Theatre of Dreams.

Spurs meanwhile also tripled their count with their display and could have found more had it not been for some poor finishing from Timo Werner. If Ten Hag is to keep his job, he really does need to fix the home form.

Solanke rounds off thumping

Despite their man disadvantage, the Red Devils actually played okay for the vast majority of the second-half. That was until Solanke finished off the scoring.

From a corner, midfielder Pape Matar Sarr nodded towards goal and the unmarked striker stuck out a toe to make it 3-0. It was his third goal in as many games.

Given there was some criticism given the lofty fee that Spurs paid for him, Solanke has certainly silenced those doubts.

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.

Who will win between Man United and Spurs? Share your predictions in the comments below

"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.”