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Dimitar Berbatov wanted Manchester United forward Bryan Mbeumo to shoot instead of passing the ball early on against Tottenham in the Premier League on Saturday.

Spurs hosted Ruben Amorim’s team on 8 November, and the Red Devils went into the break with a one-goal advantage thanks to Bryan Mbeumo’s header in the 32nd minute.

Senne Lammens had an early scare at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, and while the North London outfit were on the front foot initially, the visitors took control of the game as the first half progressed.

In the fifth minute, Bruno Fernandes threaded an impressive pass to the former Brentford attacker in behind the Lilywhites’ defence, but he squared it into the box instead of testing Guglielmo Vicario.

Bruno Fernandes key for Manchester United against Tottenham

While Mbeumo could potentially have done better when handed one of his first opportunities to score, Berbatov wanted to give the Manchester United captain his flowers.

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The Portugal international was influential in the build-up to the Red Devils’ opportunities at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in the 2-2 draw.

Eventually, in the 32nd minute, the 26-year-old Cameroon international didn’t make any mistakes, scoring a header from Amad Diallo’s cross, and overall, the game had an exciting end to it as Matthijs de Ligt scored a late equaliser after goals from Mathys Tel and Richarlison.

Speaking on Premier League Productions on 8 November during the half-time analysis, Steve Bower said: “Man United have had a couple of opportunities, one actually, where you were screaming, shoot.”

Berbatov responded: “That pass from Fernandes. This is where he thrives, this is what he’s best at. The vision of that pass. Not many players give that pass. [Mbeumo] can dink it, but I like what he tried to do because he tried to find someone to score.”

Pape Matar Sarr struggled defensively against Copenhagen in the 4-0 Champions League victory on 4 November, and the midfielder’s woes continued as he should’ve certainly cleared his lines instead of passing the ball to Micky van de Ven in the build-up to Man United’s goal.

Thomas Frank must address one major issue at Spurs

Thomas Frank risks getting sacked at Tottenham as fans certainly expect exciting football under the former Brentford boss.

Instead, Spurs fans have witnessed their team put in inconsistent performances, and that was their downfall in the Premier League last season.

While the North London outfit’s away form has been impressive, boasting an unbeaten record on the road, they’ve failed to make Tottenham Hotspur Stadium a fortress.

De Ligt’s last-minute goal must’ve been a sucker punch for Frank, but he needs to build on that second-half resilience in N17.

Tottenham drew 2-2 with Manchester United in a crazy game on Saturday afternoon.

The Lilywhites had plenty of optimism heading into the game after a rampant Champions League display in midweek, but they endured another frustrating afternoon in domestic action at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium at the weekend.

Tottenham lost out on Bryan Mbeumo’s signature in the summer, and the United star headed home the opener in the 32nd minute to punish his former boss Thomas Frank.

The hosts didn’t look capable of salvaging the game until the 84th minute, when goals from Mathys Tel and Richarlison turned the game on its head.

However, Matthijs de Ligt popped up to snatch a point for the visitors with a header deep into stoppage time.

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It was a whirlwind end to the game from the N17 outfit, and with that in mind, Tottenham News rates the displays of every single Spurs player.

Randal Kolo Muani anonymous for Tottenham

Randal Kolo Muani has waited for his opportunity at Tottenham for several weeks after his arrival on deadline day, and he hasn’t set the world alight now that he has come into the team.

The Frenchman looks devoid of confidence in a Spurs shirt, which is somewhat understandable given the injury-hit start to the campaign that he has had to endure.

Kolo Muani managed just 12 touches during the first half, the lowest total of any player on the pitch who started the game, and his teammates failed to get him involved in the game at all.

The PSG loanee was largely anonymous during his 45-minute involvement, as he failed to complete a key pass, or successful dribble and also didn’t manage a single shot.

He was substituted at half-time by Frank after an anonymous display, and although that wasn’t entirely his fault, he was worthy of nothing more than a 3/10 rating.

Cristian Romero imperious in Manchester United draw

Cristian Romero has been sorely missed by Tottenham during his recent injury lay-off, but he was back to his best on Saturday against United.

The Argentine was imperious at the heart of the defence for the Lilywhites, despite their frustrating defeat to Ruben Amorim’s men.

The 27-year-old won six tackles during the game, more than any other player, and he was also excellent when it came to winning his duels, as he emerged triumphant from 64 per cent of his battles.

Romero made some crucial interventions for his team throughout proceedings, and he almost snatched an equaliser in the second half, when his flick forced a superb save from Senne Lammens.

The former Atalanta man was the shining light for Spurs during their defeat, and his performance warranted an 8/10 rating, despite an unwelcome result.

Tottenham player ratings vs Manchester United

Guglielmo Vicario – 6

Pedro Porro – 4

Cristian Romero – 8

Micky van de Ven – 7

Djed Spence – 6

Joao Palhinha – 7

Pape Sarr – 7

Brennan Johnson – 4

Xavi Simons – 6

Richarlison – 7

Randal Kolo Muani – 3

Substitutes

Wilson Odobert – 7

Destiny Udogie – 6

Rodrigo Bentancur – 6

Mathys Tel – 7

Stuart Pearce has questioned Richarlison’s ability to lead Tottenham’s line after his missed opportunity against Manchester United.

Tottenham welcomed Manchester United in the Premier League on Saturday in the hope of boosting their top-four hopes.

The Lilywhites had a sound record against the Red Devils heading into the contest, having lifted the Europa League with Ange Postecoglou in their last meeting.

Richarlison has struggled to perform for the Lilywhites these past couple of months, and the first half against United was no different.

Richarlison miss costly vs Man United

Richarlison missed the opportunity to open the scoring for Tottenham around a quarter of the way into the first half.

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Brennan Johnson sent in a great cross into the opposition box, which was even better than the one Pedro Porro had launched moments before.

This time, Richarlison was there to meet the ball, but didn’t get enough on the ball to guide it in.

On the poor effort, Pearce, while commenting on the game via talkSPORT on 8 November, said: “We’ve seen two things there. One why Micky van de Ven is Tottenham’s top goalscorer.

“Missing chances like that indicates the likes of Richarlison isn’t the man to do that job. It was a gilt-edged chance.”

What was a golden opportunity for the Lilywhites came back to haunt them later in the half when former Tottenham target Bryan Mbuemo opened the scoring for United against his former manager.

Given the Brazilian’s poor form and Mbuemo’s excellent season for the Red Devils thus far, Thomas Frank will no doubt regret that his side did not push harder for the right winger.

Thomas Frank must omit Richarlison from the lineup

Frank started both Randal Kolo Muani and Richarlison in the attack against United in a decision that surprised fans.

The choice to start Muani is understandable, but after a horrid cameo in Spurs’ 4-0 win over Copenhagen in the UEFA Champions League, it is a wonder why he wasn’t benched against the Premier League side.

On top of this, the penalty he missed was won by youngster Dane Scarlett, and taking it did not go down well with Spurs supporters.

Richarlison is clearly a player low on confidence, and with Kolo Muani playing well and Mathys Tel an option on the bench, Frank should consider omitting the Brazilian from his starting lineup after the international break.

Manchester United goalkeeper Senne Lammens was lucky after his error in the second minute against Tottenham in the Premier League on Saturday, Ally McCoist says.

The Rangers icon, who was on commentary duty on TNT Sports 1 as Rube Amorim’s team travelled to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, was left amazed by the Belgian shot-stopper’s lack of concentration early on in the game.

Micky van de Ven will hope to continue his heroics at Spurs after scoring a wondergoal in the 4-0 win over Copenhagen in the Champions League on 4 November.

The North London outfit could’ve had an early lead at home against the Red Devils had Lammens been a few inches to the left.

Senne Lammens to breathe sigh of relief after early error in Tottenham vs Manchester United

Lammens got it all wrong in the second minute of the game as he failed to control Matthijs de Ligt’s back pass.

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The goalkeeper ended up conceding an early corner at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, but Spurs were unable to make the most of it.

McCoist feels the 23-year-old shot-stopper will be “absolutely ecstatic” that his mistake didn’t lead to something worse in N17.

Speaking on TNT Sports 1 on 8 November, the Scotsman said: “That’s incredible. He’ll be absolutely ecstatic that wasn’t in front of his goal. This is incredible.”

Spurs are heavy favourites to beat Man United as per Opta’s supercomputer, and Thomas Frank will hope the day ends with them getting the three points.

While the North London outfit have started strongly at home, the visitors slowly got into the game and Bryan Mbeumo eventually scored in the 32nd minute..

Thomas Frank has no-brainer change for half-time at Spurs

Richarlison has been underwhelming for Tottenham this season, and the Brazilian striker continued his struggles against Man United.

In the 17th minute of the game in North London, the former Everton forward missed a glorious chance to give the hosts the lead after a delicious cross from Brennan Johnson, but he missed the header.

A few minutes later, the 28-year-old’s clearance from a Man United cross hit his arms, but thankfully, nothing much was made of it.

It would make perfect sense to bring Wilson Odobert on for Richarlison and adjust the system a bit in the second half.

‘This Tottenham player’s display vs Copenhagen showed exactly why he must leave in January’

Richarlison’s performance against Copenhagen has reaffirmed for some Tottenham fans that this should be his last season in North London.

Tottenham triumphed in a 4-0 victory against Copenhagen in the Champions League on Tuesday.

Richarlison was substituted in the second half and went on to produce on one of the worst cameos seen by a Spurs player this season.

As well as missing multiple goalscoring opportunities, he took the ball from Dane Scarlett, who had won the penalty, and ended up hitting the crossbar.

Indeed, it was a display that fans will not want to see rewarded anytime soon.

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Richarlison could leave this January

Richarlison was linked with a departure from Tottenham over the summer window, but ended up continuing his journey at Hotspur Way.

While Richarlison’s start to the season at Spurs began well, his form soon took a turn for the worse.

Due to his drop in form and now his performance against Copenhagen, speaking exclusively to Tottenham News, Tottenham expert and Lilywhite Rose owner John Wenham believes the Brazilian could leave Spurs as early as January.

“It was another sort of performance that realigns people’s thoughts that the club needs to move him on,” Wenham said.

“The way Dane won that penalty of individual brilliance, to turn the defender out on the far side, dive into the box, and then lead the defender to commit a foul. It was a real shame that when you’re winning by four and Richarlison took it and then missed.

“I think we’ve talked before about that potential move to South America, as early as the January transfer window. I just think with Randal Kolo Muani now coming into form, with Dominic Solanke back hopefully soon.

“I don’t see many minutes for Richarlison in a World Cup year. He wants to go to Brazil, and he needs to play.”

Randal Kolo Muani is the better option

Kolo Muani could’ve scored a brace in Spurs’ win over Copenhagen after missing several chances in the first half.

While his finishing was not dissimilar to Richarlison’s, the French international showed himself to be a team player when he passed the ball to Wilson Odobert to net his first Champions League goal for Tottenham, rather than taking the shot himself.

It was the right and a selfless decision, which made the Brazilian international’s choice to take the penalty appear that much worse.

The goals will surely come, but for now, Kolo Muani’s general play, selflessness and character have shown he has the talent and mindset to succeed in North London.

How to watch today’s Tottenham vs Man United Premier League clash: TV Channel and kick-off time

Tottenham’s Premier League game against Man United on Saturday could be hugely impactful for Thomas Frank.

Following Spurs’ embarrassing defeat to Chelsea, Thomas Frank will need to get a reaction from his players in a match that could bear a lot of significance when it comes down to European qualification at the end of the season.

Tottenham’s 4-0 win over Copenhagen was a brilliant victory in all aspects, yet there is a desperate need to put an end to the woeful home form in the Premier League.

Sitting level on points with Spurs, Man United have grown in confidence as the season has progressed.

Tottenham News has highlighted everything you need to know ahead of the game.

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Where to watch Tottenham vs Man United

Tottenham’s Europa League final win was the last time these two teams faced each other, and Spurs boast an impressive record over Ruben Amorim’s side.

Man United are winless in the last seven meetings between the sides, although they’ll be prove to be a much different test at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday.

The game will be televised on TNT Sports 1, with kick-off at 12:30pm, and coverage beginning at 11am.

It is also available to watch or stream on Discovery+ UK, with a subscription required, and can be viewed on their website or app.

The last meeting between the sides in the Premier League saw Tottenham secure a much-needed win thanks to James Maddison’s first-half strike.

Tottenham’s 2-0 win over Man City has been the highlight of their season so far, but the manner of the win over Copenhagen in midweek was certainly close.

Tottenham must be wary of Man United’s threat in big games.

Man United’s 2-1 win over Liverpool at Anfield has been a turning point for Amorim’s relationship with the fans.

Their tactical approach to go long and cause problems in the air proved to be incredibly successful, and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see them deploy that strategy against Spurs.

Frank has come under criticism for not being able to break down teams that sit back, and this was evident in the defeat to Aston Villa.

The Red Devils will pose huge problems on the counter-attack with their pace and power in transition, and it’s up to Tottenham to find a way to play through Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 system.

Micky van de Ven to be dumbfounded after Champions League announcement

Tottenham defender Micky van de Ven will not be happy with the latest Champions League announcement that UEFA have made.

Tottenham smashed FC Copenhagen 4-0 in the Champions League on Tuesday, as many players stood out for Thomas Frank, including the likes of Randal Kolo Muani and Wilson Odobert.

Xavi Simons looks to have finally arrived for Tottenham, with his best performance of the season so far, which the Dutchman will look to build against Manchester United on Saturday.

However, Van de Ven’s solo goal against Copenhagen stole the headlines. But despite his immaculate performance, UEFA have decided to snub him in their latest reveal.

Arsenal man beats Micky van de Ven to Champions League TOTW

According to Tottenham Hotspur’s official website, Van de Ven made Champions League history against Copenhagen.

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Van de Ven recorded the longest ball carry ending in a goal in the history of the competition, as he ran 67.7 meters before curling the ball into the net.

On top of scoring a goal and keeping a clean sheet, Van de Ven won 100 per cent of his aerial duels and touched the ball 75 times.

As per FBref, Van de Ven is now in the top one percentile for goalscoring centre-backs across Europe’s top five leagues.

Somehow, despite his unbelievable performance and a potential Puskas award-winning goal, Van de Ven has missed out on the Champions League’s Team of the Week, as UEFA revealed their decision on X.

He was even beaten by Arsenal’s Mikel Merino in the announcement, but Van de Ven can respond perfectly on Saturday.

Van de Ven loves playing Man United

Tottenham have a lucky Van de Ven omen heading into the Premier League clash against United, as the Lilywhites have never lost to the Red Devils when the Dutchman has started

Micky van de Ven’s record against Man United:

Everyone knows how it played out last time when Tottenham met Man United, as Van de Ven helped Spurs lift their first trophy in almost two decades.

Van de Ven’s goal-line clearance will go down in Tottenham history, as United and their fans continue to have nightmares of Frank’s man of the moment.

Spurs will be hoping to beat Manchester United once more on Saturday, and Van de Ven will hopefully have another standout performance.

‘Be careful’ – Dimitar Berbatov warns Tottenham signing Ivan Toney could ‘breed problems’

Dimitar Berbatov has warned that Tottenham must take the current squad into careful consideration before making a move to bring in Ivan Toney.

Thomas Frank has been linked to bringing ex-Brentford star Toney to Tottenham amid injury and lack of production from his current strikers.

Toney may need to push to leave Al Ahli for Tottenham but with Dominic Solanke out and Richarlison copping heat for his Spurs performances Berbatov has weighed in on a possible January addition.

The Bulgarian scored 46 goals in 102 appearances in North London before leaving for Man United in 2009 but doesn’t feel the club has had a striker with an all-round game that compares to his since Harry Kane left.

Dimitar Berbatov backs Tottenham move for Ivan Toney

But with a possible more for Toney, 29, on the cards Berbatov believes it could be a sensible one for Frank, provided it doesn’t upset egos in the Tottenham squad.

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In an interview with talkSPORT he said: “With Harry Kane… he was unbelievable, that’s why I love watching him. Now I don’t think Spurs have a similar profile like him, or me.

“About Ivan Toney, if he decides to go there the way he plays football is, let’s say, interesting, in a way, that he knows where the goal is. He looks calm under pressure. He can score goals, he can sure take penalties as well.

“So is he going to be a good fit? If you ask me, why not? Do Spurs need a striker to put a bit more pressure on the strikers already there? If it’s for good, yes.

“Sometimes you need to be careful because it can breed problems. Because football players, especially the strikers, big egos, big personalities. We all think we are the special one, the chosen one, and sometimes that can lead to more trouble in the team.”

Ivan Toney move to push Richarlison out of Spurs

There’s a lot to like about the idea of Toney returning to the Premier League motivated to get into Thomas Tuchel’s World Cup and reprising his Brentford form under Frank at Spurs.

It’s unlikely to be cheap and his age might make a difference to whether it is deemed value for money, but if he could be a reliable focal point at the tip of the forward line Frank may see it as worth it.

How Solanke does if and when he can finally get a regular run under the new manager may be what makes the decision for the Dane.

And if a move is made it is hard to see Richarlison being long for the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. The Brazilian has undoubted quality but after his difficult first season for the club it feels like the pressure piles back onto him as soon as he has a dry spell.

The real reason behind Tottenham’s iron-clad Premier League defence, and it’s not Thomas Frank

Guglielmo Vicario has prevented the most goals in the Premier League this season as he continues to silence his doubters at Tottenham.

Fans were keen to see Antonin Kinsky replace Vicario earlier this season after a disappointing run of performances.

But Spurs’ 2-0 defeat to Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup saw Tottenham fans taking to social media and apologising to Vicario for doubting him.

Following that game, Tottenham suffered a 1-0 defeat to Chelsea, and if not for the strong hand of Vicario, fans would’ve endured further humiliation.

Indeed, this season has taught supporters a valuable lesson in appreciating what you have before it’s gone.

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A closer inspection of Tottenham’s ‘iron-clad’ defence

Tottenham have conceded eight goals in the Premier League this season, which is the second-fewest behind league leaders Arsenal.

On the surface, that seems like a praiseworthy statistic, but a deeper delve shows that it’s extremely misleading.

Indeed, the Lilywhites have conceded 14.6 expected goals, which is the sixth most in the league this season.

To put that into perspective, three of the bottom four teams are in the top five:

Furthermore, the Lilywhites aren’t exactly a high-creating team, having netted 17 goals from 10.1 expected goals. This is a huge overperformance.

As a result, something, or rather someone, has been working relentlessly to keep opponents out of Spurs’ net.

Gugilemo Vicario is Tottenham’s unsung hero this season

With 5.17 goals prevented, Vicario is the keeper who has prevented the most goals in the Premier League this season.

The gap isn’t small either, with Dean Henderson coming in at second with 3.50 goals prevented thus far.

He also has a save percentage of 81 per cent, just behind David Raya, who has saved an impressive 84.2 per cent this season, according to Sofascore.

Furthermore, he is third behind Martin Dubravka and Matz Sels for saves per 90, which is worrying considering both these keepers are playing for teams on the wrong end of the table.

What is becoming clear is that Tottenham do not have one of the best defences in the Premier League. No, the Lilywhites have the best keeper.

Therefore, Thomas Frank is not the brains behind Spurs’ iron-clad defence this season. But given Vicario’s poor performances last season, he may have been the man to unlock the Italian keeper once again.

Al Alhi aren’t expected to make it easy for Thomas Frank to be reunited with Ivan Toney at Tottenham.

The England international has been linked with a return to the Premier League after thriving during his time under the Dane at Brentford.

Richarlison has come in for criticism at Tottenham this term, while Dominic Solanke is injured, and the likes of Mathys Tel and Randal Kolo Muani have been goal shy, so the addition of a striker in January is on the cards.

Tottenham have been tipped to move for Toney since Frank took over, with the both Toney and the Tottenham boss thought likely to have an interest in the move.

Ivan Toney will have to push for Tottenham move

According to talkSPORT Frank is indeed “open” to bringing the 29-year-old to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

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From the forward’s point of view involvement in the England set up is likely to be easier ahead of the World Cup if he is playing in the Premier League, having been left out of Thomas Tuchel’s latest squad announced earlier on Friday.

However, Saudi Pro League side Al Ahli are not thought to be looking to let Toney leave after 41 goals across all competitions since his move two summers ago.

It is believed that the ex-Bees star will therefore need to actively push to join Tottenham if the move is going to have a chance of happening.

Tottenham should have bought Ivan Toney from Brentford

If Frank does indeed end up bringing Toney to North London then it is hard to ignore an element of 18 months wasted on both sides.

As the striker’s time at the Gtech Community Stadium was coming to an end two seasons ago he had long been linked to moves within the Premier League, and although the inevitable pay day in the Middle East would have held some attraction for him either way, it was something of an anti-climax to the transfer race at the time.

If he now as his eye on a return in order to be in the running for the World Cup then it is tempting to conclude that Ange Postecoglou should have gone after him as the ultimate replacement for Harry Kane instead of Solanke that summer.

Clearly there’s no guarantee that he would be a roaring success but perhaps it will be a case of better late than never and Spurs end up with both in their ranks in the near future.