United In Focus

Manchester United are powering ahead with plans to build a 100,000-seater stadium in the next five years.

Concept images of a 100,000-seater stadium were revealed back in March, with Manchester United opting for a new venue rather than refurbishing Old Trafford.

The stadium is expected to cost £2bn, but there are growing concerns about the funding as well as the projected timeline. After initially setting an opening date of 2030, recent reports suggest United’s stadium could be delayed a further year.

One option is for Ineos to strike a stadium naming rights deal to help fund the construction project, and as the biggest and best stadium in the country, Sir Jim Ratcliffe will hope for a very lucrative deal.

£375m Tottenham naming rights deal will interest Man United

United are at the very beginning of their stadium project, but one Premier League club that recently built and moved into a state-of-the-art venue was Tottenham.

Spurs spent £1bn on their 62,850-seater stadium, and are still paying back the debt from the project.

However, journalist Ben Jacobs reports that Tottenham are in advanced talks over a naming rights deal.

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Tottenham are in talks with two companies and are close to signing a deal which will see their stadium re-named for a big fee.

The Telegraph reports that Spurs chairman Daniel Levy had previously hoped to secure a £375m naming rights deal – spread to £25m a year for 15 years.

If Ineos are looking to strike a similar deal in five years, the valuation of the Tottenham deal will be of great interest to the leadership at Old Trafford.

Man United told they could strike £300m naming rights deal

Old Trafford is at the heart of Manchester United, and moving into a new venue is already a controversial move. Giving the naming rights to a brand would prove even more controversial among the fanbase.

But Ratcliffe has made it very public that United are not in great financial health and the club has to figure out how a new stadium can be afforded – a naming rights deal will appeal.

As per The Athletic, stadium finance expert Michael Weaver claimed that United could strike a £300m naming rights deal over a 10-year span.

It certainly wouldn’t fund the entire project, but it would take a sizeable chunk out of the £2bn fee hanging over Ratcliffe’s head.

Manchester United continue to chase the signature of Bryan Mbeumo and will hope to fend off Tottenham Hotspur.

Manchester United have already snapped up Matheus Cunha from Wolverhampton Wanderers, but further attacking additions are wanted.

After all, United scored just 44 Premier League goals last season and must become a more dangerous side next season.

Amorim has told Alejandro Garnacho to leave United, and the likes of Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Antony are also expected to leave.

Cunha is a fine start, but United need more additions – and Brentford star Bryan Mbeumo is the next key target.

United made a bid for Mbeumo earlier in June, but Brentford turned down the offer and left the ball in United’s court.

Tottenham Hotspur stance on Manchester United target Bryan Mbeumo

United don’t appear to have made much progress on a move for Mbeumo, and Tottenham Hotspur are now posing a threat.

Spurs have appointed Thomas Frank as their new manager to replace Ange Postecoglou, with the Dane leaving Brentford for a move to North London.

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Tottenham are now keen on Mbeumo in a potential reunion with Frank, leaving United’s pursuit in question.

Reporter Rudy Galetti now claims that Tottenham are losing hope in their pursuit of Mbeumo, believing that United are almost impossible to beat in this race.

Tottenham have allegedly ‘cooled their interest’ in signing Mbeumo, believing that the Cameroonian only wants to join United.

The prospect of reuniting with Frank may have been appealing, but few could blame Mbeumo for wanting to hear a new voice.

Mbeumo joined Frank at Brentford in 2019, meaning they have spent six years together in the capital.

Rather than sign up for more action under Frank, Mbeumo may fancy something new – and leave United in the lead for his signature.

United’s pulling power clear with Mbeumo stance

United have been through back-to-back rough Premier League seasons and look a long way away from a title challenge.

Still, United lost to Tottenham Hotspur in the Europa League final in May, missing out on European football next season as a result.

Tottenham qualified for the Champions League, which usually brings increased power in the transfer market.

In the case of Mbeumo, United are still the preferred option, and Tottenham could be left lagging behind.

Tough times may have dented United’s reputation of late, but some players may still fancy the challenge of a move to Old Trafford.

Mbeumo would have the chance to help United become a force once again, and that opportunity may be more appealing than a reunion with Frank.

Manchester United were in the market for a striker in January and nothing has changed in the summer window.

Last summer, Joshua Zirkzee was signed by Ineos to strengthen Manchester United’s attack, but Ruben Amorim views Zirkzee as a No.10 more than a centre-forward.

Rasmus Hojlund disappointed last season, but as United’s only senior striker, Amorim had no option but to continue playing the Dane week-in, week-out.

United scoured the market for attacking options in January but ended the window with just Ayden Heaven and Patrick Dorgu arriving to bolster the defence.

One option that was considered was a loan offer for Mathys Tel, but talks with the French forward collapsed.

Mathys Tel set for £42.5m permanent move to Tottenham

The main reason Ineos walked away from the Tel deal was because Bayern Munich were demanding a huge £9 million loan fee for the youngster to join for a six-month spell.

United fans were angry at missing out on Tel, with the now 20-year-old instead joining Tottenham on loan for the 2024/25 campaign.

But Ineos were right to avoid Tel given his lack of impact made at Spurs last season. Despite scoring just three goals in 34 appearances last campaign, the North London side have now agreed a permanent deal.

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As reported by transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Tel has agreed terms with Tottenham for a permanent deal with his contract valid until 2031.

Via YouTube, Romano explained the fee that Tottenham are paying for Tel.

“Tel is staying. Bayern will receive 35 million Euros, plus five million Euros in add-ons. The total package is 40 million Euros, but they also received a 10 million Euros loan fee in January for Ten.

“So the whole package is going to be 50 million Euros for the French, talented striker.”

A 50 million Euro package for Tel converts to a £42.5million fee for Tottenham.

Mathys Tel was not in Man United’s striker options this summer

United remain on the lookout for a striker this summer but Tel was one of the few strikers across Europe who wasn’t being linked with a permanent move to Old Trafford.

Tel struggled to make an impact in the Premier League with Tottenham and Amorim needs a marksman who can consistently lead United’s front line.

United have been calling Viktor Gyokeres ‘daily’ to try and get a deal over the line for the Sporting Lisbon forward, but reports suggest he favours a move to Arsenal.

But Ineos didn’t put all their eggs in one basket and there are seven Gyokeres alternatives for United to consider this summer.

Tottenham’s recently launched pursuit of Brentford star Bryan Mbeumo may throw a spanner in the works.

Manchester United have started the summer transfer window with one signing after announcing Matheus Cunha’s arrival from Wolves.

With one forward addition and more to follow, Ruben Amorim has identified United’s lack of goals as the team’s biggest problem before preparations begin for the 2025/26 campaign.

United are trying to bounce back from a 15th-place finish in the Premier League and they won’t be competing in any European competition following a 1-0 defeat against Tottenham Hotspur in the Europa League final.

Ineos are also trying to sell players to generate funds for more signings. That way, they can bolster Amorim’s squad and give the head coach every chance next season.

Brentford star Bryan Mbeumo has attracted several clubs, including United, but competition for his signature has heated up in the past 24 hours.

United are expected to make a second bid for Mbeumo next week.

Talks have been ongoing since Brentford rejected United’s first offer for the Cameroon international.

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However, Tottenham have begun negotiations with Brentford over a deal for Mbeumo, shortly after announcing Thomas Frank as their new manager.

Frank replaces Ange Postecoglou at Tottenham and reports suggest the former Brentford manager wants to form a reunion with Mbeumo.

After a conversation with Graeme Bailey, United In Focus learned that Tottenham are ready to compete with United for Mbeumo’s signature.

However, those who communicate in football circles no longer believe Mbeumo is certain to move to Old Trafford this summer.

The prospect of staying in London may appeal to Mbeumo.

“Tottenham are in touch with Mbeumo’s camp and whilst a bid is being denied, there is clearly something happening – I was told earlier this week that Spurs were on to watch as they were waiting in the wings, safe to say they have taken to the stage now and are ready to compete with United,” Bailey said.

“United are not going to get into whether they are worried, but I can say that within football a number of people no longer believe he is certain to move to Old Trafford.

“United had clearly seen off the likes of Newcastle previously, but this Spurs interest with the chance of staying in London is different and certainly a genuine option for him now.”

Mbeumo shares tribute to Frank

Mbeumo blossomed under Frank at Brentford and his interest may turn the forward’s head, amid interest from United.

The 25-year-old shared a tribute to Frank on Instagram, thanking his former manager for the work he did at Brentford.

It remains to be seen if Mbeumo and Frank will work together again, although Tottenham are doing what they can to make it happen.

United don’t want to deal with the embarrassment of losing out on a top target to Tottenham, a month after losing the Europa League final to the same club.

Manchester United are keeping one eye on Tottenham Hotspur’s managerial situation, with Bryan Mbeumo’s future under the microscope.

Ruben Amorim already has his first signing of the summer transfer window wrapped up after Manchester United signed Matheus Cunha from Wolverhampton Wanderers.

United aren’t done there, though, and another attacker is on the radar in Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo.

United had a bid rejected for Mbeumo last week, but the Bees star is still expected to make his move to Old Trafford.

There have been some concerns in recent days amid claims Tottenham Hotspur want to hijack United for Mbeumo’s signature.

Spurs are set to land Thomas Frank as a replacement for Ange Postecoglou, with the Dane potentially taking some former United men with him.

Justin Cochrane could follow Thomas Frank to Tottenham Hotspur

United fans will hope to avoid seeing Frank hijack Mbeumo’s move, while Brentford are eyeing former United coach Kieran McKenna as their new boss.

There are United connections throughout Frank’s move and one former Old Trafford youth coach could join him in North London.

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The Mirror report that Tottenham are in talks to land Brentford coach Justin Cochrane as part of Frank’s backroom staff.

Cochrane’s name will be familiar to United fans, having become head of player development and coaching with the Red Devils in 2021.

The former Rotherham United midfielder arrived with a strong reputation having coached at Tottenham and in the England setup.

Cochrane spent just one year at United, though, as he departed for the head of coaching role at Brentford.

Cochrane is now working under Thomas Tuchel with the England squad alongside his Brentford role, but could return to Tottenham very soon.

United didn’t manage to keep Cochrane for quite as long as initially hoped, but he could soon visit Old Trafford as part of Frank’s Tottenham team.

Andreas Georgson could join Thomas Frank’s Tottenham

Cochrane may not be the only former United coach following Frank to North London.

Sky Sports add that Tottenham may also bring in Andreas Georgson to work alongside Frank.

United hired Georgson as a set-piece coach last summer as the Swede quit his post as Lillestrom boss for a move to Old Trafford.

Georgson’s role was brought into question when Ruben Amorim arrived, with Carlos Fernandes taking control of most set-piece coaching.

Georgson has now left United but may not have to wait long for his next Premier League chance with Spurs keen.

Frank and Georgson actually worked together at Brentford in the 2019-20 season and could reunite in North London.

Georgson’s time at United didn’t quite work out, and he will hope for a longer stint with Tottenham if the deal goes through.

Manchester United are battling Tottenham Hotspur for Bryan Mbeumo, but Spurs may end up focusing on another Red Devils target.

Manchester United have snapped up Matheus Cunha from Wolverhampton Wanderers, but the attacking recruitment does not stop there.

Ruben Amorim is seeking more signings in the final third and United launched a bid for Bryan Mbeumo last week.

Brentford rejected United’s first offer, but Mbeumo wants a move to Old Trafford this summer.

Tottenham Hotspur have been linked with Mbeumo, potentially moving to hijack United.

Bees boss Thomas Frank is on the verge of taking charge at Tottenham, sparking rumours of a reunion with Mbeumo.

Tottenham Hotspur target Antoine Semenyo amid Bryan Mbeumo rumours

United will hope to fend off Spurs and ensure Mbeumo’s move to Old Trafford isn’t thwarted.

Sky Sports now claim that Tottenham are actually stepping up their interest in signing Bournemouth attacker Antoine Semenyo.

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That may not completely rule out a move for Mbeumo too, but the fact that both players prefer to play on the right flank suggests it’s surely one or the other.

Tottenham have ‘recently done more work’ on Semenyo than Mbeumo, pointing towards the Ghana international being their top target.

Semenyo hit 11 goals and five assists in 37 Premier League games this past season.

Semenyo has been expected to leave Bournemouth this summer, potentially following Dean Huijsen out of the club following his move to Real Madrid.

Amorim is thought to be a big fan of Semenyo, but it’s Tottenham who appear to be making their move – and potentially shutting down the Mbeumo rumours.

How Antoine Semenyo feels about Manchester United

Sky Sports also note that United ‘remain keen’ on Semenyo alongside Tottenham.

Semenyo hasn’t ruled out a move to Old Trafford this summer but would prefer to play for a club in the Champions League.

Tottenham beat United in the Europa League final, booking their place in the Champions League for next season.

United have no European action at all, meaning a move to Manchester may not be Semenyo’s priority.

That’s just as well, really; Mbeumo is United’s top target and we can’t see Semenyo being targeted if the Cameroonian joins.

The main boost here is that Tottenham appear to be focusing on Semenyo rather than Mbeumo, easing some fears from the weekend.

Manchester United are hoping to finalise the signing of Bryan Mbeumo but could face late competition.

Manchester United secured the signing of Matheus Cunha last week and Ruben Amorim is seeking more attacking additions.

Cunha hit 16 Premier League goals last season and represents a major addition to United’s attack.

Amorim isn’t done there, though, and United had a first bid for Bryan Mbeumo rejected by Brentford.

Mbeumo wants to join United, but Amorim may now face unwanted competition for the Cameroonian forward.

Tottenham Hotspur linked with Bryan Mbeumo move

United are pressing ahead for Mbeumo’s signature just as Brentford wrestle with the pain of losing boss Thomas Frank.

Tottenham Hotspur axed boss Ange Postecoglou on Friday afternoon, despite Spurs winning the Europa League final against United.

Postecoglou hasn’t even been gone 48 hours, but Tottenham are already moving for Brentford boss Thomas Frank.

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The Dane wants to become Tottenham manager according to Fabrizio Romano – but that could bring Spurs into the mix for Mbeumo.

The Mirror claim Frank has asked Tottenham to enter the race for Mbeumo as he seeks a North London reunion with the forward.

That is backed up by The Sun, who claim that Spurs want to hijack United’s £60million move for Mbeumo by offering Champions League football.

Mbeumo has become a star under Frank at Brentford and a reunion could appeal – or he may fancy a fresh voice at this stage in his career.

Tottenham need to appoint Frank before really advancing a move, but United will be trying to ramp up the move for Mbeumo to see off Spurs.

United should remain confident about Bryan Mbeumo move

The Frank connection may give United something to fear.

Mbeumo has smashed 70 goals and 51 assists in 242 games under Frank and Spurs can offer a chance to keep the magic going.

However, Mbeumo wants to join United – and was even ready to snub Tottenham in the process, according to The Athletic.

Spurs have had Champions League football on offer since winning the Europa League final, but he still wasn’t keen.

Frank’s potential arrival may change matters, but Mbeumo has so far made it clear that he wants a move to Old Trafford.

United have done the groundwork on Mbeumo’s potential move and should remain confident of securing his services – potentially handing Frank an early blow at Spurs.

Manchester United are working on a deal to sign Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford as Ruben Amorim attempts to strengthen his attack ahead of the 2025/26 season.

It’s an uncertain time for a lot of people in football. The transfer window is open and every club will hope to improve their squad over the coming months.

Manchester United are no different, especially after a turbulent campaign. The Red Devils finished 15th in the Premier League and missed out on European football after losing the Europa League final against Tottenham.

The end of the season led to an announcement that saw three United players depart at the end of their contracts. They included Christian Eriksen, Victor Lindelof and the retiring Jonny Evans.

Ruben Amorim has had a difficult first six months at Old Trafford, but he will be hoping for better results on the pitch next term, or else he will risk losing his job.

The next step for United this summer is adding a second new signing to the squad. Matheus Cunha became the first signing of the summer when he joined from Wolves.

Now, all eyes are on Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo.

Manchester United must sign Bryan Mbeumo quickly

It’s early days in the transfer window and United still have plenty of time to get their business done.

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To prepare for the new season in the best way possible, Ineos are trying to finalise their biggest deals before the squad reunites at Carrington next month.

Mbeumo has made United his priority, despite attracting interest from Newcastle, Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool.

Unlike Newcastle, Tottenham, and Liverpool, United are winning the race for Mbeumo, despite the fact that they won’t have European football next term.

However, a change in management at Tottenham could spark a new threat for the Red Devils.

Ange Postecoglou has been sacked by Tottenham after leading the club to Europa League glory against United in May.

Tottenham will inevitably be linked with Brentford manager Thomas Frank, who could look to disrupt United’s transfer plans by stepping up a pursuit for Mbeumo if he is made Postecoglou’s successor.

Mbeumo will have a connection with Frank from his time at Brentford, but it remains to be seen if he’d be willing to turn down United to rekindle it when he leaves his current club.

Of course, nothing has been done yet and Frank remains the Brentford manager, but Tottenham won’t be wasting any time moving for a new manager.

Tottenham will have multiple options they feel can offer an upgrade on Postecoglou, even though he ended their trophy drought.

With Frank being installed as the favourite to replace Postecoglou, who departs only 24 months into a long-term deal, United need to get the Mbeumo deal done and dusted before it’s too late.

What has Thomas Frank said about Bryan Mbeumo?

It’s a difficult time for Brentford fans.

After becoming a strong Premier League outfit under Frank, their manager and best players are being targeted by bigger clubs this summer.

Some players will remain but Brentford will struggle to keep them all if the players are presented with better deals.

Frank recently spoke about Mbeumo’s future during an interview with Tipsbladet.

“It is clear that if he is to be sold, it must be for a nice, nice amount. It is a lot,” Frank said. “Really a lot.

“Then it is clear that it is impossible to replace him one for one. It cannot be done.

“There is a reason why he costs x number of million pounds, and we do not have x number of million pounds to buy for.”

Frank added: “I would say that I would be surprised if a lot of big clubs don’t look at him. I would be surprised with what he has to offer.

“How many wingers score 20 goals for a mid-table club? And then with seven assists plus his work ethic. And his character. All these things mean that he has a lot, so he is a good player.”

Gary Neville, as expected, pulled no punches after watching Manchester United turn in a Europa League final performance so flat it almost defies the physics of a three-dimensional universe.

That 1-0 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur in Bilbao was, the former Manchester United captain says, the ‘perfect storm of absolute rubbish’.

A perfect storm made up of dreadful leadership from the very top – the fish rots from the head, as the old saying goes – of poor, costly recruitment mistakes, and of bad game management.

Ruben Amorim must accept his share of the blame. And, to be fair to the former Sporting boss, he is not the type of excuse himself from responsibility.

Gary Neville agrees with Rio Ferdinand’s assessment that Amorim probably should have picked Alejandro Garnacho ahead of an ineffective Mason Mount, all the while freeing up 19-goal talisman Bruno Fernandes to do what he does best in a more advanced role.

Yet with Andre Onana at one end and Rasmus Hojlund at the other – Roy Keane questioned Onana’s role in Brennan Johnson’s winner while Hojlund touched the ball only 15 times in 71 minutes – there does appear to be a limit to what Ruben Amorim can really achieve in charge of a team frequently underperforming their XG in both the defensive and attacking departments.

It is not Amorim’s job, after all, to parry simple saves or to stick the ball in the back of the opposition net.

Gary Neville worried by Rasmus Hojlund’s Manchester United struggles

Neville, speaking ahead of Sunday’s final day clash with Aston Villa, feels that an insipid display completely devoid of invention and intensity can be explained by a lack of individual quality as well as some questionable tactical decisions.

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A ‘perfect storm’, indeed.

“I thought Mount would play. Yeah, I would probably have Garnacho in ahead of Mount. I just think having Garnacho and Amad Diallo, [providing a bit more fire]…” Neville begins.

“Hojlund, he’s struggling like mad, the boy. He can’t control a ball, he can’t make a run [even though] the service to him isn’t great.

“The reality of the performance for me [proved that] if Bruno is not on his game then you’ve basically lost everything almost. Bruno probably had one of his most challenging games.”

Neville calls for big changes again at Old Trafford

It is certainly difficult to remember a poorer performance from Man United’s talismanic captain. His passing slack, his influence minimal and his best chance – a header guided wide heading into the dying stages – wastefully off target.

There is little some high-quality recruitment cannot solve, though, and Man United’s £62.5 million deal for Matheus Cunha will ease some of the burden on Fernandes’ shoulders.

Yet, Cunha is only one piece of a mighty jigsaw.

“I’ve called them a disgrace. I’ve called them all the words you can imagine,” Neville sighs, again calling out those taking the big and usually ill-advised decisions in the boardroom. “This is a time for serious, serious reflection at that football club.

“This is a result of many, many years of horrific recruitment, horrific decisions in and out of the club, of ownership, all the way through to managers, scouts, people in positions who have signed players.

“It’s like the perfect storm of absolute rubbish.”

The good news, a sliver of a silver lining, is that the curtain will officially and finally fall on a torturous campaign when the final whistle blows at around 5pm on Sunday.

If there was any moment from any Manchester United player which left Roy Keane with even the briefest pang of pride, it probably came after the full time whistle as a jubilant Tottenham were waiting to get their mitts on the Europa League trophy.

Harry Maguire had been engaged in a running battle with Cristian Romero – Tottenham’s troublesome centre-back throwing his weight around and his body to the floor in true ‘plastic hardman’ fashion – throughout much of Wednesday evening.

A battle that threatened to come to a head as a triumphant Romero sauntered through a dejected Manchester United roster at full-time.

Maguire, clearly feeling that the combustible Argentine was looking to rub salt into Red Devils wounds, soon set about chasing Romero off into the distance. By that point, however, the damage was well and truly done. A battle lost.

Romero wrote his name into Tottenham Hotspur folklore while the man whose last-gasp winner against Lyon helped pave the way to Bilbao was left mourning a second Europa League final defeat of his Manchester United career.

According to The Times, Maguire is one of only four players Ruben Amorim wants to keep at all odds beyond the summer. The England international pulled no punches as United’s trophyless fate was sealed by Brennan Johnson’s 42nd minute decider either, bemoaning a campaign for which even the word ‘inconsistent’ feels almost like a compliment.

Roy Keane, as anyone au fait with his fork-tongued ways, was far harsher in his own assessment of a Man United performance devoid of any real threat or intensity.

Roy Keane says Harry Maguire ‘sums up’ Manchester United issues

Mere weeks after Maguire popped up at centre-forward to stun Lyon in the quarter-finals, the sight of the big defender camped in the Tottenham penalty area during the final stages was another damning indictment of a squad posing about as much threat as a Storm Trooper with a weak wrist and shattered glasses.

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Yet, in Ruben Amorim’s defence, Rasmus Hojlund can only dream of emulating Maguire’s penalty-box presence.

“United lack real quality,” Keane sighs. “And when you are depending on Harry Maguire to get you out of jail at the end, it sums up their problem.”

Luke Shaw and Andre Onana helpless as Brendan Johnson scores Tottenham winner

The legendary Man United captain was less than impressed with Maguire’s involvement at the other end of the pitch, too.

Drawn out by the presence of Dominic Solanke, neither Maguire, Luke Shaw nor Patrick Dorgu managed to clear a testing delivery as Brennan Johnson bundled his finish past a typically-sluggish Andre Onana.

“It’s a huge moment. There was a real lack of quality and they’ve [United] almost brought their league form to the table,” Keane adds at the end of a night in which Andre Onana may have sealed his fate ahead of what is likely to be a massive summer of change.

“We mentioned before the game about getting bodies in there, United having bodies back, but not obviously not doing their defensive jobs.

“I think Maguire has got to focus on clearing the ball. Johnson does a brilliant run, obviously nice and aggressive. United have enough bodies back but they are not doing enough. Again, there are question marks over the goalkeeper.

“Spurs aren’t doing anything extraordinary, it’s all pretty simple play. That is where you have to be really critical of United’s defensive shape and decision-making. Players not doing their jobs, not concentrating.

“Shaw maybe not match fit, Maguire focussed on his man [Solanke]. Remember, there’s only one ball. Just focus on the ball sometimes.

“You’ve got to multitask. You’ve got to be able to do this [battle with the striker] and still clear the ball. It’s as if [Maguire is thinking], ‘I’ve got my man here!’. But no, you’ve got to multitask and do more than one job.”