James Maddison’s early goal was the difference as Tottenham claimed a crucial Premier League victory over Manchester United, with Ange Postecoglou's side leapfrogging Ruben Amorim’s team in the table and leaving the visitors languishing in 15th.
The returning Maddison lifted Tottenham and the influential midfielder was on hand to fire in the rebound after United goalkeeper Andre Onana spilled Lucas Bergvall’s shot in the 11th minute. It was enough to secure Tottenham’s first home win in the league since the start of November .
But United had chances to level and Tottenham required another returning first-team player, in goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario, to be at his best to deny Alejandro Garnacho’s stinging shot in the second half.
Garnacho, though, should have done better after firing over the bar when left in space in the box during the first half, while Joshua Zirkzee also missed the target later on with a header from close range.
The result offers some relief for Postecoglou but is United’s 12th defeat of the season. Amorim’s squad was decimated by injuries, with the Portuguese forced to name eight teenagers on his bench without a first-team appearance between them.
“I have a lot of problems. My job is so hard but I’m here to continue my job to the next week with my beliefs. I will try to do it, I will try to win again,” Amorim told Sky Sports, with a trip to in-form Everton up next.
Follow all the latest from the Tottenham vs Man Utd in our live blog:
Tottenham vs Man Utd LIVE: Latest Premier League updates
- FULL TIME! Tottenham claim rare home win by defeating Man Utd 1-0
- James Maddison scores only goal as Ange Postecoglou's side secure big win
- Ruben Amorim's struggles continue as injury-hit Man Utd fall to 15th
- ‘My job is so hard’, says Manchester United manager Amorim
- 72' MISS! Joshua Zirkzee heads wide from in front of goal (TOT 1-0 MUN)
- 58' SAVE! Vicario gets down sharply to deny Alejandro Garnacho shot (TOT 1-0 MUN)
- 55' SAVE! Garnacho through but denied by Vicario (TOT 1-0 MUN)
- 24' MISS! Garnacho blasts over the bar from in front of goal (TOT 1-0 MUN)
- 13' GOAL! James Maddison follows in after Andre Onana spills (TOT 1-0 MUN)
- Eight teenagers on Manchester United bench as Amorim hit by injuries
Tottenham Hotspur FC 1 - 0 Manchester United FC
Tottenham fans call for Daniel Levy exit at protest ahead of Man Utd clash
21:01 , Jamie BraidwoodTottenham Hotspur fans turned out in numbers to protest against chairman Daniel Levy and the club’s ownership before Sunday’s home fixture with Manchester United.
Frustration amongst supporters has increased throughout a difficult winter period and last week saw Ange Postecoglou’s injury-hit team crash out of the Carabao Cup and FA Cup in the space of 72 hours.
Fan group Change for Tottenham had already arranged a protest for the visit of United and a crowd of at least two thousand made their way down the High Road before they congregated outside the stadium where various chants for Levy to leave the club followed.
A number of banners were held up as fans gathered outside the West Stand.
The largest – aimed at majority owners ENIC – read: ‘24 years, 16 managers, 1 trophy – Time for change’.
Tottenham fans call for Daniel Levy exit at protest ahead of Man Utd clash
Why Tottenham v Manchester United was one of the worst games in Premier League history
20:30 , Miguel Delaney, at the Tottenham Hotspur StadiumTowards the end of Tottenham Hotspur’s 1-0 win over Manchester United, with the game still in the balance, both Brennan Johnson and Patrick Dorgu lost theirs. The two players careered into each other, leaving them falling to the floor.
It was a moment to sum up what must have been one of the worst Premier League matches ever played, relative to the cost of both squads. This isn’t to criticise either player, or any of the players, or even the managers.
It is just the peculiar context that both clubs find themselves in.
Why Tottenham vs Man Utd was one of the worst games in Premier League history
Ruben Amorim on Man Utd's squad: 'We have to work with the kids'
20:01 , Jamie BraidwoodRuben Amorim responds to questions surrounding the club’s decision not to recruit any forward players in January, after letting Marcus Rashford and Antony leave and now losing Amad Diallo to injury.
"You know the situation, we cannot bring in players without selling players. Then we try some situations and it was not possible.
"We have young kids and we have to work with the young kids. We were not expecting so many injuries in one week. These things happen. Let's focus on the next game."
James Maddison ‘shushes’ Roy Keane as Tottenham star hits back at critics with goal celebration
19:31 , Jamie BraidwoodJames Maddison appeared to hit back at criticism from Roy Keane as the Tottenham Hotspur midfielder scored the winner against Manchester United on his return from injury and shut down the “outside noise” surrounding his performances.
The England international had clearly taken note of Keane’s comments on the Overlap podcast this week, in which the former United captain said Maddison’s return from injury wouldn’t make a difference to Ange Postecoglou’s struggling side.
Maddison ‘shushes’ Keane as Tottenham star hits back at critics with goal celebration
Ruben Amorim on defeat: 'One goal was always going to make the difference'
19:09 , Jamie BraidwoodRuben Amorim, speaking to Sky Sports, on Manchester United’s defeat to Tottenham.
"In the end, they score, we didn't. That was the big difference in the game. We had a lot of chances but in the end they scored one and we didn't.
"The first step is to create situations. We have had games where we are around the box and not created situations. This game we create situations. But in this game with two teams not doing well, one goal was always going to make the difference.
"You start with one idea. We were asking about a long week for so long. And we worked our principles but day after day you lose players that change your approach to the game. I could not play the same way with Joshua [Zirkzee] as I can with Amad [Diallo].”
Ange Postecoglou on Spurs win: 'The result was everything'
18:56 , Jamie BraidwoodAnge Postecoglou, speaking to Sky Sports, as Tottenham climb to 12th with their first home win in the Premier League since November.
“Our league position is not anywhere near what it should be and today was an opportunity to start addressing that. We had a good week of training and had players back.
"We've had it tough the last few months, not for a lack of effort. It was important to gain some traction - we can play better and I think we will once we get the boys back up to speed.
"Our press was better. We made it hard for Man Utd to get out. We looked sharper but still lacked fluency in the final third. It was a decent effort."
James Maddison hits out at 'outside noise' around Tottenham
18:44 , Jamie BraidwoodJames Maddison returned to the scoresheet as he provided the winner in Tottenham’s victory over Manchester United, and made clear in his celebration that he had a message for the haters:
"There was a little bit of outside noise this week,” he tells Sky Sports. “People will have their opinions. Nobody is more critical of me than myself. The gaffer prefers when we are in our own bubble but it's difficult with social media, you see this stuff.
"To be fair to the boys who have been fit all season, we don't want to make excuses, but the last few months have been really difficult. The lads who have relentlessly been going every three days, it's nice to be an injured player coming back to take the pressure off them.
"It's about us being present now and leading like they did during the bad run."
it just gets worse for Ruben Amorim
18:33 , Jamie BraidwoodFamiliar scenes as the Man Utd players applaud the away end after defeat. Out of their last 12 Premier League games, Ruben Amorim’s side have lost eight, winning three and drawing one.
That’s just 10 points from a possible 36, and they drop to 15th in the Premier League table after 25 games played.
Tottenham end winless run at home
18:28 , Jamie BraidwoodA long time coming. Victory for Tottenham over Manchester United is their first Premier League win at home since 3 November.
Since that 4-1 win over Aston Villa, Ange Postecoglou’s side had gone seven games without victory, losing five and drawing two.
Tottenham claim rare win as Man Utd fall to 15th in Premier League
18:26 , Jamie BraidwoodJames Maddison’s early goal was the difference as Tottenham Hotspur claimed a crucial Premier League victory over Manchester United, with Ange Postecoglou's side leapfrogging Ruben Amorim’s team in the table and leaving the visitors languishing in 15th.
The returning Maddison lifted Tottenham and the influential midfielder was on hand to fire in the rebound after United goalkeeper Andre Onana spilled Lucas Bergvall’s shot in the 11th minute.
United had chances to level and Tottenham required another returning first-team player in goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario to be at his best to deny Alejandro Garnacho’s stinging shot in the second half.
Garnacho, though, should have done better after firing over the bar when left in space in the box, while Joshua Zirkzee also missed the target with a header from close range as United failed to score.
The result offers some relief for Postecoglou but is United’s 12th defeat of the season. Amorim’s squad was decimated by injuries, with the Portuguese forced to name eight teenagers on his bench without a first-team appearance between them.
FULL TIME! Tottenham 1-0 Man Utd
18:23 , Miguel Delaney, at the Tottenham Hotspur StadiumThis has been the worst football match I have attended this season.
Compelling in its own way. Low-quality attacking cancels out low-quality defending.
FULL TIME! Tottenham 1-0 Man Utd
18:21 , Jamie BraidwoodAnd that’s it! A rare home win for Tottenham - their first in the Premier League since November - another defeat for United, they fall to 15th in the table.
Tottenham 1-0 Man Utd
18:20 , Jamie Braidwood90+3 mins: Tel is through! But his touch lets him down and Onana comes out to claim.
Tottenham 1-0 Man Utd
18:20 , Jamie Braidwood90+2 mins: Zirkzee can’t find Dorgu on the break - overhitting his pass through to Vicario. United’s attacking play has been awful today.
Tottenham 1-0 Man Utd
18:18 , Jamie Braidwood90 mins: Three minutes added on. Chido Obi becomes United’s first substitute and comes on for his senior debut.
Tottenham 1-0 Man Utd
18:16 , Jamie Braidwood88 mins: SAVE! Casemiro is left free in the box from Fernandes’ corner but heads straight at Vicario, who makes a simple stop.
At the other end, Sarr scampers away and releases Tel, whose shot is blocked by De Ligt. Tel shoots straight at Onana, who then throws out to Dorgu.
Porro presses quickly and wins the foul.
Tottenham 1-0 Man Utd
18:13 , Jamie Braidwood84 mins: This can’t finish 1-0, surely? United have a corner and it almost breaks to Casemiro, but his shot on the turn is blocked by Spence.
Then, Tel is released, but can’t find Johnson to his right, so United will come forward again. It does not appear as if Amorim will make any changes today.
Tottenham 1-0 Man Utd
18:10 , Jamie Braidwood82 mins: Patrick Dorgu has not managed much attacking from left wing-back, but he can’t keep a cross in play after making a run down the side of the Tottenham box. A waste.
Tottenham 1-0 Man Utd
18:07 , Jamie Braidwood79 mins: SAVE! Son tees up Kulusevski in the box but he hits it straight at Onana.
Straight down the other end and Spence makes a wonderful challenge on Hojlund as he lined up his shot.
Tottenham 1-0 Man Utd
18:05 , Jamie Braidwood78 mins: Two more changes for Spurs - Danso and Bentancur make way for Gray and Bissouma.
Unsure if Danso picked up something chasing back on Hojlund...
Tottenham 1-0 Man Utd
18:03 , Jamie Braidwood74 mins: United are still to make a substitution in this game but are finding a second wind and have Spurs pinned back. Casemiro goes down in the box under the challenge from Spence but there’s nothing in it .
At the other end, Tel fires straight at Onana as Spurs countered.
Tottenham 1-0 Man Utd
18:00 , Jamie Braidwood72 mins: CHANCE! United should be level. Mazraoui pings in a first time cross and finds Zirkzee all on his own, but the forward can’t flick the header on target. He glances wide.
Then Hojlund hits straight at Vicario from the edge of the box .
Tottenham 1-0 Man Utd
17:58 , Jamie Braidwood70 mins: Great challenge from Kevin Danso. The Tottenham centre-back races to challenge Hojlund after Zirkzee slipped him through. Good covering.
Tottenham 1-0 Man Utd
17:57 , Jamie Braidwood68 mins: Tottenham are growing in confidence with legs off the bench - they arguably should do better on the counter, but it comes to Son on the left and his shot is blocked wide by Mazraoui.
Son goes for goal from the corner - and isn’t too far away .
Tottenham 1-0 Man Utd
17:52 , Jamie Braidwood64 mins: Changes for Spurs - Postecoglou must be so pleased to have options again. Johnson and Sarr replace Maddison and Bergvall. A great shift from Maddison.
Tottenham 1-0 Man Utd
17:49 , Jamie Braidwood60 mins: Spurs have barely got out of their own half since the restart but find their way forward- Tel’s turning volley touches a touch wide for a corner.
Spurs take it short - Son cuts inside looking for the sight at goal, and his shot takes a deflection wide and behind.
Tottenham 1-0 Man Utd
17:46 , Jamie Braidwood58 mins: SAVE! Brilliant hit from Garnacho, but Vicario gets down sharply to deny him! United are well on top now.
Garnacho brought it down well, facing inside from the left and stepping past Kulusevski. He looked for the near post but Vicario responded.
Tottenham 1-0 Man Utd
17:43 , Jamie Braidwood54 mins: Ooooh. That Tottenham high line is creaking! This time Garnacho is played in by Zirkzee’s pass. He brings the save out of Vicario and can’t find Hojlund with the cut-back on the rebound.
Tottenham 1-0 Man Utd
17:41 , Jamie Braidwood52 mins: Really good play from Spence down the left as he burns past Mazraoui - but neither Kulusevski or Tel can get a touch on it.
At the other end, Dalot is played through by Maguire and forces the save from Vicario. He was onside - but was flagged off. Vicario saved anyway.
Tottenham 1-0 Man Utd
17:38 , Jamie Braidwood49 mins: A wildly bad cross from Son on the left - sailing long of the box. Tottenham could do with a second goal here, given their current run.
Tottenham 1-0 Man Utd
17:36 , Jamie Braidwood48 mins; De Ligt concedes a corner after getting on the wrong side of Kulusevski - it ends in Tel striking on target but his shot does not trouble Onana in goal.
Tottenham 1-0 Man Utd
17:35 , Jamie Braidwood46 mins: A brief moment of panic as Maddison misses his header in the Tottenham box after Fernandes’ free-kick, but Bentancur is there behind him to hack away.
Tottenham 1-0 Man Utd
17:33 , Miguel Delaney, at the Tottenham Hotspur StadiumA first half where you could see why these teams are in the bottom half. It was not high level. If United had any kind of quality in attack, they could have made Spurs' high line pay. As it is, they themselves look like they could concede at any moment.
Tottenham 1-0 Man Utd
17:32 , Jamie Braidwood46 mins: Fernandes gets us back underway.
As a reminder, injuries have left Amorim with eight teenagers on his bench and Victor Lindelof as the only player to have made a first-team appearance. He does not have much to work with.
HALF TIME! Tottenham 1-0 Man Utd
17:31 , Jamie BraidwoodAs it stands, Manchester United are dropping to 15th in the Premier League table. That’s unless they can find a way back against Tottenham, who are leap-frogging them into the dizzy heights of 12th.
Second half coming up.
HALF TIME! Tottenham 1-0 Man Utd
17:24 , Jamie BraidwoodUnited’s first-half woes continue - that’s 15 of the last 16 games where they have failed to score before half time.
HALF TIME! Tottenham 1-0 Man Utd
17:20 , Jamie BraidwoodWell Spurs have certainly been helped by the return of Maddison and Vicario - bringing energy and some assurance to Postecoglou’s side. Maddison was there to profit when Onana spilled Bergvall’s shot, but that came after the goalkeeper had saved well from Garnacho.
But Tottenham are showing some vulnerabilities too, United had a golden chance to equalise but Garnacho shot over. Amorim’s side have carried threat but have been so open defensively - with Casemiro struggling on his own in midfield.
HALF TIME! Tottenham 1-0 Man Utd
17:17 , Jamie BraidwoodNo further incident in stoppage time, as Tottenham take a one-goal lead into the break. James Maddison’s goal is the difference.
Tottenham 1-0 Man Utd
17:15 , Jamie Braidwood44 mins: Casemiro is hobbling after that challenge on Son - Mazraoui is the latest to commit a foul as he brings down Spence.
Nothing comes of Son’s cross. Just the one minute of added time.
Tottenham 1-0 Man Utd
17:11 , Jamie Braidwood40 mins: Another United free kick and this one causes more problems as Casemiro knocks it across and Tottenham allow it to bounce in the box.
They eventually clear - then Casemiro brings down Son from behind and is booked.
Tottenham 1-0 Man Utd
17:09 , Jamie Braidwood37 mins: Now Davies is late on Casemiro, giving United a free kick 35 yards from goal.
Fernandes targets Vicario and De Ligt challenges for it - but is caught offside.
Tottenham 1-0 Man Utd
17:05 , Jamie Braidwood34 mins: Gary Neville is covering the game for Sky today and says the space between Fernandes and Casemiro in the United midfield is “madness”. He goes on to say it wouldn’t be seen in “under-9s”.
Maddison is penalised for a late lunge on the United captain.
Tottenham 1-0 Man Utd
17:04 , Jamie Braidwood32 mins: Porro’s corner falls to Bergvall after Bentancur and Davies attack the cross - but a foul is given as Bergvall swings at the volley and United clear.
Tottenham 1-0 Man Utd
17:02 , Jamie Braidwood30 mins: This is chaotically open. Fernandes has space to drive down the right but can’t find Hojlund or Garnacho in the box. Then Spurs attack down the left but Son can’t find a way through past Dalot and Mazroui.
Next goal is crucial and could come from anywhere.
Tottenham 1-0 Man Utd
16:58 , Jamie Braidwood26 mins: CHANCE! Lovely move from Tottenham as Son is released down the left and the Spurs captain pulls it back into the box. Mathys Tel is lurking but his shot is saved by Onana, who makes amends for his earlier error by pushing out for a corner.
Tottenham 1-0 Man Utd
16:54 , Jamie Braidwood23 mins: MISS! DEARY ME. An astonishing miss from Garnacho. Hojlund drags the Tottenham defence away and Garnacho is left with room to take a touch and aim at goal, but the young winger gets it all wrong and blasts wildly over the crossbar.
Amorim howls.
Tottenham 1-0 Man Utd
16:53 , Jamie Braidwood22 mins: CLOSE! Zirkzee turns on the edge of the box, works a yard of space, and then sends a dipping shot wide of the post.
Tottenham 1-0 Man Utd
16:52 , Jamie Braidwood20 mins; Tottenham are having fun down United’s right, with Maddison, Son and Spence all enjoying little pockets of space.
The United midfield of Casemiro and Fernandes is being pulled apart, while Mazraoui and Dalot are being outnumbered.
Maddison vs Fernandes is a great duel.
Tottenham 1-0 Man Utd
16:49 , Jamie Braidwood18 mins: A big impact from Vicario already, then, as his double save from Hojlund and Garnacho was followed by Maddison punishing Onana’s spill.
Tottenham are alive and are back on the front foot after taking the early lead.
'This could be high-scoring'
16:47 , Miguel Delaney, at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium16 mins: United have looked loose at the back in the early minutes and the warnings were not heeded. Yet another ball from out wide has opened them. Lucas Bergvall forced a save from Andre Onana, that allowed James Maddison to tap in. There is at least hope for United in how they got at Spurs already. This could be high-scoring.
GOAL! Tottenham 1-0 Man Utd (MADDISON 13')
16:43MADDISON IS BACK WITH A BANG!
It’s so poor from United’s defence, who were sleeping. Bergvall is able to bring the ball down and shoot in the box but Onana’s save is soft. Maguire and De Ligt are standing like statues but Maddison is alive, he follows in and puts the rebound away.
Back from injury, there’s the old “darts” celebration from Maddison. He’s back on target.
Tottenham 0-0 Man Utd
16:41 , Jamie Braidwood10 mins: SAVE! AND OFF THE LINE! Man Utd suddenly fly forward and are unlucky not to be in front.
Davies looks like he is running through water as Hojlund is played in over the top. He forces a sharp stop from Vicario, then Garnacho curls towards the top corner and the goalkeeper pulls out another stop up high. Then, Dalot fires at goal and the recovering Davies has to hack away.
Spurs escape.
Tottenham 0-0 Man Utd
16:39 , Jamie Braidwood8 mins: A small stoppage of play as Bentancur and Zirkzee clash heads duelling for a high ball. Spurs resume looking to build some early control once play resumes.
Tottenham 0-0 Man Utd
16:37 , Jamie Braidwood6 mins: Yep, Spurs have started better. Spence beats Fernandes with ease down the left but the full-back can’t keep his cross in play. The home fans, who were protesting before kick off, are getting behind the players on the pitch.
Tottenham 0-0 Man Utd
16:36 , Jamie Braidwood5 mins; Spurs with the first moment of the game as Maddison wins a free kick. They chose to play short but United clear eventually despite a strange pass-back from Garnacho.
Son swings in a cross that evades everyone but is kept in by Kulusevski.
Tottenham 0-0 Man Utd
16:34 , Jamie Braidwood3 mins: A gentle start as both teams figure each other out. There is the chance that 14th vs 15th is as dreary as it suggests, but there are usually fireworks when Tottenham and United meet.
Tottenham 0-0 Man Utd
16:32 , Jamie Braidwood1 min: Relief for Patrick Dorgu, who has returned to left wing back after a difficult debut on the opposite side against Leicester.
Mathys Tel, meanwhile, makes his Premier League debut for Spurs after appearances in both cup exits.
Tottenham 0-0 Man Utd
16:31 , Jamie BraidwoodKICK-OFF! Bruno Fernandes leads the Untied team talk before Lucas Bergvalls gets us underway.
Tottenham vs Man Utd LIVE
16:28 , Jamie BraidwoodHere we go! 14th vs 15th in the Premier League, not quite the ingredients for a classic - but also, it would take a brave observer to predict what’s going to happen.
Tottenham and Man Utd have endured horrible Premier League seasons and have been chaotically unpredictable all year - so who’s campaign is about to get worse?
Kick off is next.
Tottenham vs Man Utd LIVE
16:25 , Jamie BraidwoodHow can I watch the match?
The match will be shown live in the UK on Sky Sports Main Event and Premier League, with coverage starting at 4pm. If you’re not a Sky customer, you can grab a NOWTV Day Pass to watch without a subscription.
Confirmed line-ups
Tottenham XI: Vicario, Porro, Danso, Davies, Spence, Bentancur, Bergvall, Maddison, Kulusevski, Son, Tel
Man Utd XI: Onana; Mazraoui, De Ligt, Maguire; Dalot, Casemiro, Fernandes, Dorgu; Garnacho, Zirkzee; Hojlund
Ange Postecoglou on Tottenham's line-up
16:22 , Jamie BraidwoodPostecoglou is delighted to be able to name Guglielmo Vicario and James Maddison in his line-up and calls their returns “extremely important”.
"It's pretty clear what we've been through over the last two and a half months,” he tells Sky Sports.
“A full week of training, some guys being available, it's an opportunity to get some momentum into our league form.
"Having Vic and Madders back is going to be important."
Amad Diallo injury update as Ruben Amorim confirms Man Utd blow
16:16 , Jamie BraidwoodRuben Amorim expects Manchester United to be without Amad Diallo for the rest of the season after the winger suffered an ankle injury.
Amad was injured in training this week, hurting his ligaments, and while United are still assessing him, the best-case scenario is that he will be sidelined for a number of weeks.
Amorim is now deprived of his top scorer since taking over at Old Trafford and gave an update ahead of facing Tottenham in the Premier League on Sunday.
"I think so,” Amorim replied when asked if Amad is out for the season. “Sometimes things happen and seasons where everything happens at the same time."
Tottenham vs Man Utd: Match facts
16:15 , Chris WilsonTottenham are unbeaten in the five most recent clashes with Manchester United, winning three and drawing two.
In fact, Spurs are seeking to complete a league double over the Red Devils for the first time since the 1989-90 season.
United have conceded at least twice in each of their last four Premier League games against Spurs
Tottenham fans call on Daniel Levy exit
16:08 , Jamie BraidwoodTottenham fans turned out in numbers to protest against chairman Daniel Levy and the club's ownership before Sunday's home fixture with Manchester United.
Fan group Change for Tottenham had already arranged a protest for the visit of United and a crowd of at least two thousand made their way down the High Road before they congregated outside the stadium where various chants for Levy to leave the club followed.
A number of banners were held up as fans gathered outside the West Stand.
The largest - aimed at majority owners ENIC - read: '24 years, 16 managers, 1 trophy - Time for change'.
Another banner said: 'Our Game Is About Glory, Levy's Game is About Greed'.
Tottenham vs Man Utd: Head-to-head
16:00 , Chris WilsonThese two sides have met 175 times in the past, with the first match dating back to 1899.
Overall, United have won 90 games, with Spurs winning 42 and 43 ending as draws.
So far this season, Spurs have won both meetings – 3-0 in the league in September, and 4-3 in the Carabao Cup just before Christmas.
Tottenham vs Man Utd: Match facts
15:50 , Chris WilsonThese two sides have already faced off twice this season, with Spurs emerging victorious on both occasions.
In September, the north London side ran out 3-0 winners at Old Trafford in the Premier League, before a comical match saw them beat United 4-3 in the Carabao Cup in December.
'Time for change': Tottenham fans stage protest
15:48 , Jamie BraidwoodTottenham fans have gathered in huge numbers to protest against chairman Daniel Levy.
A “peaceful march against the board” has taken place at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium before fans are called to congregate inside the South Stand concourse pre-match.
After full-time, supporters have been urged to “no matter the result applaud the players” before a sit-in protest to show the club board “enough is enough”.
Tottenham vs Man Utd: Postecoglou backs Amorim
15:40 , Chris WilsonSpurs boss Postecoglou, who has also come under criticism for sticking to his own particular tactical style, has backed Ruben Amorim ahead of the match.
“I’m sure, and who am I to advise anybody, if Man Utd stuck with Ruben for the next two years, they would see progress.
“Absolutely because that is how long it takes. If anybody can show me somebody who has done it quicker without significant investment, by all means put it across my desk and I will follow that blueprint.
“But we know there is a blueprint there. I’m sure, irrespective of the noise and I have only spoken to Ruben for maybe 30 seconds at a game, I’m sure he is going ‘I’m going to do what I was brought in to do.’ And that is what he should do.”
Tottenham vs Man Utd team news and line-ups
15:22 , Jamie BraidwoodManchester United start both Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee, with Amad Diallo ruled out.
Casemiro comes into midfield and partners Bruno Fernandes - that’s because there’s no Manuel Ugarte or Kobbie Mainoo in the squad.
To add to that, Christian Eriksen and Leny Yoro are both ill, leaving Ruben Amorim’s squad looking very thin indeed.
There are eight teenagers on the United bench: Harry Amass , Ayden Heaven, Elyh Harrison Tyler Fredricson, Jack Fletcher, Sekou Kone , Jack Moorhouse and Chido Obi.
Tottenham vs Man Utd team news and line-ups
15:21 , Jamie BraidwoodTottenham welcome back goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario, for his first start since breaking his ankle against Manchester City in November! There is also a return for James Maddison, while Archie Gray and MIkey Moore drop out.
Destiny Udogie and Brennan Johnson are back on the bench.
Tottenham vs Man Utd team news and line-ups
15:17 , Jamie BraidwoodTottenham XI: Vicario, Porro, Danso, Davies, Spence, Bentancur, Bergvall, Maddison, Kulusevski, Son, Tel
Man Utd XI: Onana; Mazraoui, De Ligt, Maguire; Dalot, Casemiro, Fernandes, Dorgu; Garnacho, Zirkzee; Hojlund
Team news is in! 🫡
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) February 16, 2025
🔢 @krakenfx pic.twitter.com/BLaNk5F9Qj
🚨 Presenting today's United XI 👇#MUFC || #TOTMUN
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) February 16, 2025
Tottenham vs Man Utd team news
15:10 , Chris WilsonThe line-ups should be announced in the next five minutes, so here’s a reminder of the early team news...
Postecoglou is still dealing with one of the worst injury crises in the league at present, with Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven, James Maddison, Dominic Solanke and Richardson all still sidelined.
Guigliemo Vicario, Brennan Johnson, James Maddison, Destiny Udogie and Wilson Odobert all returned to training this week, and all five could make a return to the squad.
United could be without Amad Diallo for the rest of the season after the winger suffered an ankle injury. It is touch and go whether the Ivorian returns before the end of the campaign as manager Ruben Amorim, who is already without Lisandro Martinez until next season, has been hit with another injury blow.
Amorim indicated Mason Mount, Jonny Evans, Luke Shaw and Altay Bayindir will remain out on Sunday, with their new setbacks seeing some academy players called up for training.
Match facts
15:00 , Chris WilsonSpurs are winless in seven Premier League home games, drawing two and losing five.
After beating Brentford 2-0 in their last league outing, Spurs are seeking back-to-back league wins for the first time since September.
United have won four of their past five games in all competitions, losing the other.
They have accrued just 14 points from a possible 39 since Ruben Amorim took charge in November - only five sides have picked up fewer in that time.
The Manchester United transfer problem that could turn ‘Mission 21’ into mission impossible
14:45 , Chris WilsonWithin a few minutes, Ruben Amorim had addressed each of the seemingly incompatible, irreconcilable realities of life at Manchester United in 2025. He cited ‘Mission 21’, the aim of winning the club’s 21st league title. “We talk about that, I sense from day one the focus is to win the Premier League,” said a manager who took a club which had waited a long time for a similar success in his homeland and twice made them champions of Portugal but who, come Sunday evening, could be in charge of the side 16th in England.
The Man Utd problem that could turn ‘Mission 21’ into mission impossible
Postecoglou: 'We’re not all or nothing on anything'
14:25 , Chris WilsonIn his own conference, Ange Postecoglou said that Spurs “still want to progress in the league” despite having nothing to fight for domestically.
“We’re not happy with the position we’re in. There are still significant games. It’s not like there is a few games to go. There is still a lot of football “to be played in the league and we want to address our league position and finish the season strong,” said the Australian.
“Alongside that obviously the Europa League now is a great focus for us with us being out of the other cups, but we’re not saving anyone for anything.”
On his side’s style of football, he added: “That's the kind of football we want to play. It's the kind of team we want to be, and the next two to three weeks allows us to get some players back, which will help with our training, help with our preparation, help with our ability to rotate.
“But also not having midweek games gives us a good chance to recover between games to reach those levels.”
Amorim: 'Every game is a big game for us'
14:05 , Chris WilsonSpeaking in his pre-match conference, United boss Ruben Amorim said that “every game from now until the end of the season is a big game” for the club.
“We need to improve the way we play football - but especially we need to win,” he said.
“No matter what, we need to win and to do that we need to improve the way we play football.
“Sometimes when we are a bit the underdog - and that is a bit we should not feel in any game because we are Manchester United - I feel the players are more free.
“We have to be more dominant in every aspect and I feel we are not there. Sometimes the feeling is different when you play away.
“We just want to win and to improve our performance because we are Manchester United. We are always talking about the same thing.
“We need to win the next game, we need to improve, we need to perform better. There is no comfort in any situation in this club,” he added.
Ruben Amorim claims he is under ‘bigger pressure’ at Man Utd with Spurs jibe
13:45 , Chris WilsonManchester United manager Ruben Amorim says he is under more pressure than Tottenham Hotspur counterpart Ange Postecoglou due to the fact that United are a “bigger club” than Spurs.
Both managers have come under scrutiny in recent weeks ahead of their meeting this weekend, after disappointing runs of form that have seen them slump to 13th and 14th respectively in the Premier League.
While Ange Postecoglou has faced questions over his future at the club, Amorim has avoided speculation due to only arriving at the club in November.
Ruben Amorim claims he is under ‘bigger pressure’ at Man Utd with Spurs jibe
Player stats
13:25 , Chris WilsonSon Heung Min provided his 69th Premier League assist in his last outing against Brentford – the most by a Tottenham player in the competition's history.
Archie Gray is one of just three players aged 18 or under to have made 25 starts for a club in Europe's top five leagues this season, joining Barcelona's Lamine Yamal and Pau Cubarsi.
Amad Diallo is United’s top Premier League scorer this season with just six goals.
Man Utd need ‘three or four years’ to complete turnaround under Ruben Amorim, claims Gary Neville
13:05 , Chris WilsonGary Neville claims that it could take several years for Manchester United to see stability and success again, while stressing that Ineos “have to be given time” to deliver results.
United sit 13th in the Premier League and recent results have not markedly improved under new manager Ruben Amorim, while Ineos and new co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe have come under criticism for making cuts and redundancies across the club.
But Neville has been quick to blame the Glazer family for the club’s current predicament, while adding that Ineos and Amorim may need several years before “United will win again”.
Neville warns Man Utd may need ‘four years’ to complete turnaround under Amorim
Just how bad is Tottenham’s injury crisis? All 20 Premier League clubs examined
12:45 , Chris WilsonTottenham Hotspur’s 2-1 loss to Aston Villa at the weekend means that the club have exited two cup competitions in the space of four days.
And while pressure continues to build on Spurs manager Ange Postecoglou, the Australian claimed that his side will be an “outstanding team” once the club’s injury crisis eases.
Spurs were without 11 senior players for the loss to Villa, and after the match Postecoglou defended his players, saying that “for two and a half months, this small group of players have given everything in multiple competitions”.
So, should Postecoglou be given some leeway as he deals with a slew of injury problems, or have other teams managed to grind out results with problems that are equally as bad?
Do Tottenham really have the worst injury crisis in the Premier League?
Time for change – Tottenham fans plan protest for Man Utd clash
12:25 , Chris WilsonA Tottenham fan group has insisted Sunday’s protest is just the start of a long-term approach to bring about tangible change.
Spurs host Manchester United in the Premier League looking to bounce back from a horror week, having crashed out of the Carabao Cup and FA Cup in the space of 72 hours.
It increased the pressure on Ange Postecoglou, who has battled with a huge injury crisis for the best part of three months which has left the club 14th in the table.
Time for change – Tottenham fans plan protest for Man Utd clash
Amad Diallo injury hands Man Utd fresh blow with list piling up
12:20 , Richard JollyManchester United could be without Amad Diallo for the rest of the season after the winger suffered an ankle injury.
It is touch and go whether the Ivorian returns before the end of the campaign as manager Ruben Amorim, who is already without Lisandro Martinez until next season, has been hit with another injury blow.
Amad was injured in training this week, hurting his ligaments, and while United are still assessing him, the best-case scenario is that he will be sidelined for a number of weeks.
It leaves Amorim short of attacking options after loaning out both Marcus Rashford, to Aston Villa, and Antony, to Real Betis, during the winter transfer window.
Amad Diallo injury hands Man Utd fresh blow with list piling up
Why a new Manchester United stadium would be bad for fans
12:05 , Chris WilsonWhen Jim Ratcliffe arrives at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday, he will get another tantalising view of the expanded concourse known as the Market Place. It helps Spurs take in around £1m per home game on food and drink alone. To some in the game, this is more impressive than the single-tiered South Stand.
It is also why, for all the talk of a “Wembley of the North”, what Manchester United owner Ratcliffe really wants is a “Tottenham Hotspur Stadium of the North”. That doesn’t sound as catchy, admittedly, but it has worked its way into the minds of many executives. Newcastle United have talked behind the scenes about how their reimagined St James’ Park would be comparable to Spurs’ project. And Chelsea have cast envious glances from across the capital.
Such is the admiration the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, the Premier League could well end up with equivalents all over the country; an update on the Emirates type that proliferated from the mid-2000s.
Tottenham and Man Utd are abject failures – and it’s obvious why
11:35 , Chris WilsonTowards the end of the transfer window, as poor results led to a growing sense of panic around Tottenham Hotspur, the club pushed for some unexpected deals. Some were so unexpected that the targets abruptly expressed no interest in going there. More than one player preferred a move to Aston Villa.
Manchester United aren’t at that point but they have found their sway isn’t what it was. Many under-23s, which is the age profile the club are now prioritising, have grown up with the club looking like a basketcase rather than frequent champions. One target's disinterest was described as “a low”.
That’s been the thing with this season for both clubs. As bad as it has got, it has always felt like a new nadir is just around the corner.
Tottenham and Man Utd are abject failures – and it’s obvious why
Ruben Amorim feels cost of Manchester United’s PSR position with transfer update
11:05 , Chris WilsonRuben Amorim said Manchester United will have to sell players if they are to buy in the summer transfer window.
United have little leeway with Profitability and Sustainability Rules, which have been extended for next season, while their finances are tight, with co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe considering a fresh spell of redundancies and cost-cutting after sacking 250 staff last year.
Amorim made his first buys in the January transfer window, with Ayden Heaven arriving for £1.5m and Patrick Dorgu for £25m, but only when he brought in money by loaning out Marcus Rashford, with Aston Villa paying at least 75 percent of his wages, Antony, with Real Betis paying 84 percent of his salary, and Tyrell Malacia, with PSV Eindhoven covering his earnings.
Ruben Amorim feels cost of Manchester United’s PSR position with transfer update
Tottenham set for huge injury boost as five first-team stars could return for Man Utd clash
10:45 , Chris WilsonTottenham are set to be boosted by the return of several key figures for Sunday's visit of Manchester United.
Spurs were without 11 players for last weekend's FA Cup exit at Aston Villa, but boss Ange Postecoglou has worked with Guglielmo Vicario, Destiny Udogie, James Maddison, Wilson Odobert and Brennan Johnson in training this week.
Italy international Vicario has not featured since he fractured his ankle in the 4-0 win at Manchester City on November 23 and Postecoglou has used three different goalkeepers during the ensuing three-month period.
Tottenham set for huge injury boost as several stars return for Man Utd clash
Prediction
10:30 , Chris WilsonThis could well be the Premier League’s most difficult match to predict, with neither manager knowing exactly what kind of performance they’ll get from their side. The two sides’ meeting in the Carabao Cup in December was a comedy of errors and lack of quality, and this could well be the same.
Tottenham 2-2 Manchester United.
Predicted line-ups
10:20 , Chris WilsonSpurs XI: Kinsky; Porro, Danso, Gray, Spence; Sarr, Bentancur, Bissouma; Kulusevski, Son, Tel.
Man Utd XI: Onana; Mazraoui, Maguire, Yoro; Dalot, Ugarte, Fernandes, Dorgu; Amad, Mainoo; Hojlund.
What is the Man Utd team news?
10:15 , Jamie BraidwoodFor United, Ruben Amorim revealed that there are “one or two issues” within the squad after the win over Leicester last weekend, though he didn’t give any names. Lisandro Martinez is the only long-term absentee, but Amorim indicated Mason Mount, Jonny Evans, Luke Shaw and Altay Bayindir will remain out on Sunday, with their new setbacks seeing some academy players called up for training.
What is the Tottenham team news?
10:10 , Chris WilsonPostecoglou is still dealing with one of the worst injury crises in the league at present, with Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven, James Maddison, Dominic Solanke and Richardson all still sidelined.
Guigliemo Vicario, Brennan Johnson, James Maddison, Destiny Udogie and Wilson Odobert all returned to training this week, and all five could make a return to the squad.
Is Tottenham vs Man Utd on TV?
10:05 , Chris WilsonWhen is Tottenham vs Manchester United?
The match kicks off at 4,30pm on Sunday, 16 February at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London.
How can I watch the match?
The match will be shown live in the UK on Sky Sports Main Event and Premier League, with coverage starting at 4pm.
If you’re not a Sky customer, you can grab a NOWTV Day Pass to watch without a subscription.
Tottenham vs Man Utd LIVE
10:02 , Chris WilsonTottenham Hotspur host Manchester United in the Premier League today, with the league’s two most underwhelming sides set to face off in the capital.
Ange Postecoglou’s Spurs sat in 14th in the table going into the weekend – with just 27 points – having exited both the Carabao Cup and FA Cup, with questions persisting around the Australian’s future at the club.
And things are not much better at United, with Ruben Amorim’s side sitting just two points and one place above Spurs.
The Portuguese’s start to life at Old Trafford has been underwhelming so far, and while they have taken a place in the last 16 of the Europa League alongside Spurs, it’s now a fact that success in that competition is the only potential positive that either club can take from an otherwise disappointing season.
Tottenham vs Man Utd LIVE
10:00 , Chris WilsonGood morning and welcome to The Independent’s live coverage of today’s Premier League match between Tottenham and Manchester United.
The match sees two of the league’s most underwhelming sides face off, as a struggling Spurs look to leapfrog United into 13th place in the table.
And we’ll have all the latest build-up and team new right here.
