James Maddison marked his return of injury with the 13th minute opener for Tottenham against Manchester United on Sunday and former Red Devil Captain Gary Neville was not impressed by the visitors’ defense.
Player Maddison handed in when goalkeeper Andre Onana could only parry the oblique ride of Lucas Bergvall in his path in Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
“The defense of United was squeezed too narrow,” Neville told Sky Sports. “Onana pushed it in a dangerous area. [Matthijs] de Ligt, [Harry] Maguire and the rest were static. ‘
James Maddison Nets on his return of an injury! 🎯 pic.twitter.com/59q1dg5mod
– Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportspl) February 16, 2025
Tottenham vs Manchester United: Garnacho Blunders
United Forwards Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Hojlund were both denied by goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario before Maddison struck.
Garnacho continued to reject a golden chance shortly after his side fell on the back and a shot high over the bar after Bruno Fernandes shot a pass to his feet in the room in the box.
On-Loan Bayern Munich Forward Mathys Tel threatened a second for Spurs and drew a save from Onana after he was established by son Heung-Min.
The winners of the competition between two of the most underperforming parties in the competition of this season will be 12th in the top flight.
United did not defeat Tottenham in their last five attempts and lost 3-0 at Old Trafford in the first competition meeting of the teams season.
The average age of the Bank in Manchester United to be confronted with traces … consisting of eight teenagers and Victor Lindelöf! 🤯📊 pic.twitter.com/anl9ni2a5w
– Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportspl) February 16, 2025
James Maddison statistics
Maddison has contributed eight goals and three assists in 16 Premier League-Start this season, making the susceptibility of the 28-year-old for injuries all the more painful for manager Ange Postecoglou.
The former midfielder of England scored and set up a goal in the 3-2 Europa League victory of Tottenham at the German club Hoffenheim on January 23, but then missed five games in all competitions with a calf tribe.
His finish against United brought Maddison to 10 goals and six assists in 32 performances in 2024, where he was once in the Premier League, Europa League and FA Cup, captain.
Maddison had never scored in 12 previous meetings with United in his career, although he registered two assists against them for the former Club Leicester City.
