Premier League

Tottenham Hotspur host Manchester United on Sunday in the next instalment of a fixture that has produced countless memorable moments.

Football writer Adrian Kajumba looks back at some of the standout matches, goals, incidents and individual performances from their meetings during the Premier League era.

Man Utd seal first part of Treble - May 1999

Heading into the final 10 days of the 1998/99 season Man Utd stood on the brink of history - just three wins away from an incredible Premier League, FA Cup and UEFA Champions League treble.

To complete part one of their bid to become the first English side to achieve the feat, they had to overcome Spurs on what proved to be a nerve-shredding final day of the season.

Mid-table Spurs had little to play for and also knew that taking points off Man Utd would actually benefit their fierce rivals Arsenal more as the second-placed Gunners started the day a point behind Man Utd.

The chances of that dreaded scenario, from a Spurs perspective, becoming reality increased when Les Ferdinand lobbed the north Londoners into a shock lead.

“I scored and thought this could go down in history as the worst move of my career,” Ferdinand told The Times.

But David Beckham levelled for Man Utd before half-time substitute Andrew Cole lobbed in the winner two minutes after the restart and Sir Alex Ferguson’s men held on to make it one down, two to go in their Treble quest.

Victories in the FA Cup final against Newcastle United and Bayern Munich in the Champions League final then made it a remarkable mission accomplished for Man Utd.

Carr’s White Hart Lane screamer - October 1999

A few months later a wonder goal from an unlikely scorer helped Spurs overcome Ferguson’s Treble winners.

It came from Stephen Carr, who picked up the ball inside his own half and ran unchallenged towards Man Utd’s penalty area before unleashing a stinging shot that flew into the net past Mark Bosnich.

Carr had only scored one Premier League goal before that so few could have confidently predicted what came next when he gathered possession.

His 71st-minute strike killed off any comeback hopes Man Utd may have had and put the seal on a fondly-remembered 3-1 win for Spurs.

Man United’s stunning second-half comeback - September 2001

From a long list of turnarounds during his 27-year reign at Man Utd, Ferguson rated their thrilling 2001 recovery at Spurs as “one of the great comebacks.”

The match looked all but over at half-time as Spurs raced into a 3-0 lead through goals from debutant Dean Richards, Ferdinand and Christian Ziege.

Ferguson’s players, familiar with his famous hairdryer treatment, were braced for a half-time dressing-down after being totally outplayed by an inspired Spurs.

Instead Ferguson sprung a surprise by calmly telling them "we're going to score the first goal and see where that takes us.”

Ferguson, meanwhile, remembered Spurs captain and ex-United striker Teddy Sheringham warning his team-mates not to let that happen as the two sides prepared to run out for the second half. Ferguson's prediction was accurate and Sheringham’s efforts in vain.

Cole pulled a goal back a minute into the second half before further strikes from Laurent Blanc, Ruud van Nistelrooy, Juan Sebastian Veron and Beckham saw a transformed Man Utd storm to a stunning win in a match of two halves.

Mendes’ goal that never was - January 2005

This fixture is also in Premier League folklore due to an unforgettable goal that never was.

With the teams locked level at 0-0 and 89 minutes on the clock, quick-thinking midfielder Pedro Mendes tried his luck from just inside the Man United half with goalkeeper Roy Carroll well out of position and frantically trying to return to his goal.

Carroll got back just in time but also spilled Mendes’ shot over the line as he attempted to catch the ball.

The Spurs 'keeper dived backwards to scoop the ball out of his goal but his sheepish looks towards the assistant referee appeared to give the game away.

However, the officials remained unaware that Mendes’ effort had gone in, no goal was given and Spurs were denied a first league win at Old Trafford since 1989.

The incident sparked fresh calls for goal-line technology but, amid the fallout, Spurs manager Martin Jol did accept it would have been "difficult” for the officials to spot in real time.

Assistant referee Rob Lewis said: “I was doing my primary job which was to stand in line to watch for an offside. There was nothing I could have done apart from run faster than Linford Christie.

“The Tottenham players were brilliant - they were shaking my hand and saying there was no way I could give a decision where I was.”

Defender O’Shea finishes game in goal - February 2007

Man Utd’s 2007 trip to White Hart Lane was a match made unforgettable as one of those rare occasions that featured an outfield player going in goal.

With Man Utd having used all of their substitutes, Edwin van der Sar was then forced off with a broken nose leaving John O’Shea to show that his talents as a utility man extended to filling in as an emergency goalkeeper too.

Rio Ferdinand was initially going to replace Van der Sar but Irishman O’Shea’s Gaelic football background helped him get the nod, not long after coming off the bench.

Man Utd were 4-0 up and had the match won when O’Shea stepped in, but he still had work to do to preserve the clean sheet.

At times O’Shea looked like the outfielder he was, flapping awkwardly at one corner.

Watch: O'Shea's turn in goal for Man Utd

But a one-on-one save to deny Robbie Keane was a highlight from his brief cameo and something he enjoyed bringing up when the pair were away on international duty just days later.

O’Shea finished the game being serenaded with chants of “United’s No 1” from the travelling fans and joked in his post-match interview: “I’ve just asked Edwin if he gets a clean sheet bonus because I want half of it.”

Spurs’ White Hart Lane send-off - May 2017

After 118 years at White Hart Lane, Spurs signed off in style with a 2-1 win against Man Utd.

Goals from Victor Wanyama and Harry Kane, before Wayne Rooney’s late consolation, ensured Spurs not only marked the end of an era with a victory but also went a whole season unbeaten at home in the league for the first time since 1964/65 as they finished second.

Watch: Spurs win final match at White Hart Lane

Understandably, this was an emotional occasion as Spurs players past and present joined supporters to celebrate one final time at the club’s iconic stadium.

And the day had a fairytale end when a rainbow appeared over the ground as the final whistle blew.

Eriksen’s historic early goal - January 2018

While their new permanent home was being built, Spurs played at the new Wembley Stadium and the next time they hosted Man Utd another memorable moment in the history of this head-to-head occurred.

Spurs made a lightning quick start to bring Man Utd’s run of six successive clean sheets to a shuddering halt, Christian Eriksen opening the scoring after just 10.54 seconds in a 2-0 win.

At the time the Dane’s 50th strike for Spurs was the third-fastest goal scored in Premier League history.

It now sits sixth on that list but remains the fastest goal scored at the new Wembley Stadium.

Mourinho demands “respect” - August 2018

In difficult times Jose Mourinho has always had his considerable achievements to fall back on and never been shy to highlight them.

A 3-0 Old Trafford defeat for Mourinho’s Man Utd against Spurs prompted one of his more memorable responses in the face of criticism.

The result meant Man Utd had lost two of their opening three league matches for the first time in 26 years and was Mourinho's heaviest home loss as a manager.

Man Utd fell to 13th in the table leaving Mourinho under fire in his post-match press conference.

Backed into a corner, he came out swinging before storming out of the room.

“Just to finish, do you know what was the result?” he asked before holding up three fingers.

“Do you know what this means? [It means] 3-0.

“But it also means three Premierships and I won more Premierships alone than the other 19 managers together. Three for me and two for them two [Pep Guardiola and Manuel Pellegrini]. So respect man, respect, respect, respect.”

Spurs hit Man Utd for six - October 2020

Mourinho was much happier when he returned to Old Trafford two years later while in charge of Spurs - and after inflicting a humiliating defeat on his former employers and successor Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

Five minutes later Spurs had turned the game on its head following goals from Tanguy Ndombele and Son Heung-min.

They continued to take advantage of United’s chaotic defending and, coupled with Anthony Martial’s first-half dismissal, Spurs scored four more times either side of the break, with Kane joining Son by netting a brace.

The final result was Spurs’ biggest win at Old Trafford and equalled their record victory against Man Utd, a 1932 home success.

“It’s history for Tottenham, history for my boys and I cannot deny it is history for me,” said a proud Mourinho, who became the first manager to win at Old Trafford with three different teams following previous victories with Chelsea and Real Madrid.

In contrast, Man Utd made history for the wrong reasons.

This was the first time they had conceded four goals in the opening half of a home league match since 1957 against Spurs. The outcome also equalled their biggest Premier League home defeat against Manchester City in 2011.

“It's my worst day ever,” United manager Solskjaer said.

Hat-trick hero Ronaldo rolls back the years - March 2022

Cristiano Ronaldo was not the force of old when he returned for a second spell at Old Trafford in 2021, but he was still more than capable of deciding matches on his own and breaking records.

Spurs’ visit in March 2022 was a prime example as the then 37 year-old Portuguese superstar scored a hat-trick to inspire United to a 3-2 win.

His first goal, an unstoppable strike into Hugo Lloris’ top corner, was voted Premier League Goal of the Month for March.

Ronaldo doubled his tally with a first-half tap in and then won the game with a towering late header.

In doing so, Ronaldo scored his first Premier League hat-trick in 14 years and 59 days, the longest gap between trebles in the history of the competition.

His exploits also took him to 807 career goals and saw him become the top-scoring male player of all time, according to FIFA’s records.

Manchester United travel to Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday with what reports suggest are a host of injury problems in midfield.

In his pre-match press conference Ruben Amorim suggested that two unnamed players were a concern for him.

Amad has now confirmed that he will be out with an injury, which reports suggest is with an ankle ligament that could mean he will miss for the rest of the season.

"Extremely disappointed to be writing this message in such a crucial time of the season. Unfortunately, I will be out for some time with an injury," Amad said on his Instagram page.

Amad is United's top scorer in the league with six goals, including registering a hat-trick in a 3-1 win against Southampton.

Other reports suggest that Amorim will also not be able to call upon his midfield trio of Manuel Ugarte, Kobbie Mainoo and Toby Collyer for the trip to north London.

Man Utd are already without six other first-team players, with Lisandro Martinez also out for an extended period due to a cruciate ligament injury.

Man Utd's confirmed injury list

Player Injury Latest Update Mason Mount Muscle Details Luke Shaw Knock Details Jonny Evans Muscle Details Altay Bayindir - Details Tom Heaton - Details Lisandro Martinez Knee Details Amad Ankle Details

The Red Devils are aiming for just their fourth away win of the season but are playing a Spurs side who have beaten them twice this season, a 3-0 victory in the league and a 4-3 success in the EFL Cup.

Who could play in midfield?

If Amorim is without Collyer, Mainoo and Ugarte, the Portugese head coach may play Christian Eriksen and Casemiro at the base of his midfield. Neither has started a league match since a 2-0 defeat by Newcastle United on 30 December.

And in the five league games since then, Casemiro has been an unused substitute, while Eriksen has featured for a combined 11 minutes.

For 25 years, John Abel has been running inclusive football sessions for the Tottenham Hotspur Foundation throughout the north London community, inspiring thousands to take part who may never have previously known a pathway.

“What inspires me and keeps me getting up in the mornings is making sure I put a smile on people’s faces," he says. "If I walk in a room and I go and say hello, and they smile at me, that’s my job done before I even start delivering the session. If I get that smile in their eyes, I know I’ve made a difference to that person.

John's dedication to working tirelessly to provide football for those with a wide range of disabilities, including the delivery of adapted versions of the game, was rewarded by him being named the Spurs' Premier League Community Captain.

He received the award as part of the promotion of the Premier League’s More Than A Game initiative, which brings football together to celebrate community programmes this month.

John has worked with all sorts of people during his quarter of a century with the Foundation, some went on to represent their countries, such as Team GB at the London 2012 Paralympics.

“Some of the young people I've worked with have had life-limiting illnesses," he tells the Spurs' website. "It can be a tough, unforgiving world. Working with them, no matter how short a time it's for, can make such a difference. I've even been invited to the funeral of one child during my time, showing how much the parents appreciated our support.

“On the other side, you’ve got those who go on to fulfil a life, have a family, buy a house, get a job. We're that little link at the beginning that gives them the fundamental life skills and the opportunity to succeed.”

John also helps to deliver other sessions for the Foundation, such as a "Sporting Memories" programme for people with dementia and walking football sessions for women.

As well as the Community Captain award and special shirt that he received, John was surprised by a visit from men's first-team forward Brennan Johnson.

“John is a fantastic example of someone doing incredible work in the community, so to have the opportunity to present him with this award is extra special," Johnson said.

What is More than a game?

More than a game highlights the positive impact of Premier League investment into communities and all levels of football. The League is investing £1.6billion into wider football, the grassroots game and communities between 2022 and 2025.

This includes funding for community projects run by 164 professional and non-league clubs, supporting people of all ages who need it most, as well as providing much-needed funding to non-league, grassroots and women’s clubs to enhance stadium facilities for players and fans.

Football writer Ninad Barbadikar analyses Saturday's FA Cup fourth-round action involving Premier League teams.

Leyton Orient 1-2 Man City

A Kevin De Bruyne winner off the bench rescued victory for Manchester City against a doughty Leyton Orient and secured progress to the fifth round of the FA Cup.

Though on the losing side ultimately, Tottenham Hotspur loanee Jamie Donley’s effort from 40 yards out for the League One side that hit the bar and went in off City ‘keeper Stefan Ortega was the match’s highlight.

It isn’t the first time Donley’s scored something like this either, doing so last season for Spurs’ PL2 team and before that in 2022, for Spurs’ Under-18s. That one was from 40 yards as well.

City recovered in the second half through Rico Lewis’s shot from distance, which beat Orient ‘keeper Josh Keeley (another on loan from Spurs) through an Abdukodir Khusanov deflection, the defender’s first goal for the club.

Though Orient pressed on in search of another lead, Pep Guardiola’s changes would pay off as De Bruyne made the difference for his club in the FA Cup once again. Since his debut in the competition in 2016, no player has been involved in more goals than the Belgian’s tally of 26.

It was only his third goal this season overall, while it was Jack Grealish’s third assist in this season’s FA Cup, two more than he has in the league.

Watch: Donley's goal | De Bruyne's goal

"It was a typical FA Cup tie and that’s why this competition is unbelievable," said Guardiola, who would have been glad to avoid extra-time or more as his team prepare to face a completely different challenge in Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League playoff on Tuesday, before Newcastle United next weekend in the Premier League.

See: Man City report

Coventry City 1-4 Ipswich Town

Jack Clarke’s brace was the highlight of a comfortable victory for Kieran McKenna’s Ipswich Town over Coventry City.

The match’s start was delayed due to congestion but there was little time wasted for the action to get going, as George Hirst scored only his second goal for the Tractor Boys after Sam Szmodics drew a foul inside the first 30 seconds. Szmodics had to be replaced later after an injury blow on his return from an ankle injury for this match, with McKenna making 11 changes to the side.

After scoring and assisting in the third round against Bristol Rovers, Clarke scored a quickfire brace to put Ipswich in a comfortable lead at half-time. Jadon Philogene sealed the win with his first goal since joining the club in January from Aston Villa.

After their shock league defeat at home to Southampton, this was a morale-boosting result for McKenna’s side who face some tough tests ahead starting with a trip to Villa Park next week.

Watch: All four Ipswich goals | See: Ipswich report

Everton 0-2 AFC Bournemouth

Andoni Iraola’s high-flying Bournemouth ensured progress after a victory over Everton that was secured in the opening half at Goodison Park.

There were starts for youngsters Ben Winterburn and Daniel Jebbison as the Cherries continue to navigate this injury-ravaged period with strong performances and results.

With his goal to make it 2-0, Jebbison has now scored two of his last 14 goals at Goodison Park, including his time with Sheffield United. Meanwhile, Antoine Semenyo opened the scoring from the spot to make it four goals in five matches in all competitions.

Everton’s January arrival Carlos Alcaraz came close to scoring on his debut with a brilliant free-kick but could not get the better of Kepa in the Cherries goal who was saved by the post three times during the match.

After a run of three wins, the defeat for a strong Everton side was not what David Moyes wanted in Goodison Park’s last-ever FA Cup tie and ahead of Wednesday’s Merseyside derby at the stadium.

After a disappointing loss against Liverpool, Iraola’s side returned to winning ways as they prepare to face bottom side Southampton next in the league.

See: Everton report | Bournemouth report

Southampton 0-1 Burnley

The optimism at Ivan Juric’s Southampton after their win at Ipswich was dented by an FA Cup exit at the hands of a miserly Burnley, after loan signing Marcus Edwards grabbed a second-half winner off the bench for Scott Parker’s side.

It is little surprise Saints failed to test a Clarets team who have one of the best defences in the country, conceding a remarkable nine goals in 31 Championship fixtures, while this was their 10th clean sheet in their last 11 fixtures.

With just one goal conceded since Christmas, Parker’s team are favourites for a return to the Premier League on the basis of their defence alone.

Juric’s Southampton will now turn focus back to league action as the league's bottom team prepare for a tough run of matches including fixtures against Bournemouth, Chelsea as well as Liverpool.

See: Southampton report

Wigan Athletic 1-2 Fulham

A Rodrigo Muniz brace was enough for Marco Silva’s Fulham to see off Wigan Athletic.

The Brazilian forward, who has found starts rare to come by of late, made it back-to-back matches with goals, after netting the winner against Newcastle United in the league.

Watch: Muniz's brace

Silva rang the changes, making 10 in total, though there was little struggle in terms of their dominance as Fulham averaged over 70 per cent of the possession during the match and 90 per cent in the opening 15 minutes.

They had to hang on in the end after a Wigan fightback, but back-to-back wins in league and cup will boost the London team’s confidence as they prepare to take on high-flying Nottingham Forest at Craven Cottage.

See: Fulham report

Birmingham City 2-3 Newcastle

Eddie Howe’s Newcastle held on to emerge 3-2 winners against Birmingham City in a classic tie at St Andrew’s. After booking their place in the final of the EFL Cup on Wednesday, Newcastle’s cup joy continued despite naming a team which faced more resistance in the Second City than at home to Arsenal in midweek.

Former Manchester United defender Ethan Laird opened the scoring for the home side after only 44 seconds to set the tone for the half. Joe Willock responded 20 minutes later to equalise, his first goal since late August in the second round of the EFL Cup against Nottingham Forest.

Callum Wilson registered his first goal for Newcastle since May after connecting with Tino Livramento’s cross which had been comically missed by both Willock and William Osula.

Signed from Sheffield United in the summer, Osula stood out with a brace of assists after scoring against Bromley in the third round. The home side kept the pressure on and were rewarded for their efforts when a screamer from Tomoki Iwata lit up St Andrew’s ahead of half-time.

Howe sought more control in the second half though the game spiralled into a series of fouls and yellow cards. Eventually, it would be Willock who would find the breakthrough, calmly finishing past Bailey Peacock-Farrell to restore the Magpies’ lead. "It has not been an easy season for me," said Willock who has struggled for starts. "I've been waiting for my chance to push on and hopefully this is the start of the rest of my season."

Watch: Wilson's goal | Iwata's goal | Willock's winner

Defender Dan Burn limping off in the second half will be the big concern for Howe as he prepares for a trip to Man City next weekend in the league. "It was something with his groin," Howe said. "Fingers crossed it’s not too bad."

See: Newcastle report

Brighton 2-1 Chelsea

Fabian Hurzeler’s side put the humiliation of their 7-0 defeat to Forest last weekend behind them, coming from behind to beat Chelsea at the Amex.

Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca made six changes for this one, though retaining both Cole Palmer and Enzo Fernandez from the start.

It was Palmer’s volley from a superb Jadon Sancho pass that forced an own goal from Brighton 'keeper Bart Verbruggen, who spilled the cross into his own net.

Georginio Rutter’s brilliant headed equaliser marked his fifth goal for Brighton in his last six appearances, after scoring only twice in his first 10 this season. He also grabbed a brace in Brighton’s 4-0 win over Norwich City in the third round.

The Frenchman was involved again in the winner from Kaoru Mitoma, laying on the assist for the Japanese winger to finish with a superb piece of improvisation past his former team-mate Robert Sanchez.

With the lead secured, Brighton put numbers at the back to contain any threat from a largely toothless Chelsea, whose only shot on target came in the fourth minute. While Rutter thrived up front, there was a particularly impressive shift from Tariq Lamptey, who won six of nine tackles in a stellar defensive display.

After a run of seven wins in a row in November and December, Chelsea now only have three victories from their last 10 games in all competitions.

Maresca will be keen to arrest this slide in form when the Blues travel to Brighton again in the league on Friday.

Watch: Mitoma’s goal

Which other Premier League clubs are in fourth-round action?

Sunday 9 February

Monday 10 February

Tuesday 11 February

When is the fifth-round draw?

Teams will discover their fate in the fifth round when the draw takes place from 19:10 GMT on Monday 10 February.

The fifth-round ties are scheduled to be held on the weekend of 1-2 March, after Matchweek 27 and before Matchweek 28 in the Premier League.

After Tottenham Hotspur completed the loan signing of forward Mathys Tel, football writer James Eastham explores the Frenchman's journey to the Premier League via the academy at Ligue 1 side Rennes and Bayern Munich.

Spurs' new signing Mathys Tel could not have wished for a better place to begin his professional career. By joining Rennes' academy at the age of 15, he was increasing his chances of making it in the game he loves.

Rennes’ long list of well-known graduates is testament to the fine work that scouts, coaches and educators have been doing in this particular corner of north-west France for a long time.

Six years before Tel’s 2022 move to Bayern Munich, France winger Ousmane Dembele - arguably Rennes’ most famous academy graduate - embarked on his own journey to Germany, in his case joining Borussia Dortmund.

In August 2021, when Tel became the youngest player ever to appear in a professional match for Rennes, aged just 16 years and 110 days old, breaking the record set by Eduardo Camavinga, who had joined Rennes at the age of 11. Now at Real Madrid, Camavinga made more than 70 first-team appearances for Rennes before moving to Spain.

When Tel captained France to victory at the UEFA European Under-17 Championship in 2022, there were two fellow members of the Rennes academy alongside him in the starting line-up in their 2-1 win over the Netherlands in the final - defender Jeanuel Belocian, now at Bayer Leverkusen, and attacking midfielder Desire Doue, who joined Paris Saint-Germain last year.

The club's influence was evident in the Premier League well before Tel’s Deadline Day move to Spurs. Players including Brighton & Hove Albion’s Georginio Rutter, Everton midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure and Chelsea’s Lesley Ugochukwu, currently on loan at Southampton, all entered the professional game via the Brittany-based academy.

Who is Mathys Tel?

Tel was born in Sarcelles, in the northern suburbs of Paris. Before moving to Rennes in 2020, he spent time at several smaller clubs in the French capital - Villiers-le-Bel, Paris FC, Aubervilliers, Montrouge - plus the prestigious INF Clairefontaine academy, the base for the region’s most talented youngsters.

In that sense, Tel’s journey was typical of elite youngsters. Where he differed from many others was in the absence of unanimity over his best position on the pitch.

As a boy, he often played as a defender. Reda Bekhti, one of his coaches at Paris FC, explained to daily sports newspaper L’Equipe: “If you put him up front, with his running and shooting power, it was easy for him to score. He needed to work on his technical skills. By playing in a deeper position, he gained a different perspective on the game, and was able adapt to different situations.”

Defender turned striker

Tel was operating as a defender when Rennes identified him as a player to follow, and even after arriving in Brittany, there was debate about what his best position would be.

“You could tell he had tremendous levels of self-motivation," Mathieu Le Scornet, a senior figure in the Rennes academy, told L’Equipe.

"When he was 13 or 14 years old, though, it was hard to imagine him playing up front. I saw him more as a No 8, replacing Eduardo Camavinga.”

Such was his talent, Tel made his France Under-21s debut aged 18; he has netted three times in eight appearances in that age category now, scoring at an impressive rate of a goal every 102 minutes.

'It's a great move for both parties'

Former Spurs striker Harry Kane, who has been a team-mate of Tel's at Bayern over the last 18 months, believes the talented youngster can flourish during his time in north London.

"It's a great move for both parties. Mathys is a great guy and really hardworking," Kane told Spurs' official club website.

"Obviously, for his potential it’s important for him to get some minutes under his belt and some regular game time and hopefully develop, keep improving and hopefully fulfil all the potential that he has.

"It’s great for Tottenham to have a young hungry player with loads of talent to hopefully score some goals and help push Tottenham as far as possible.

"I’m wishing him all the best. I hope he has a fantastic time there. I know he will and I’m sure all the fans will make him feel really welcome as well."

Tel is available to make his Spurs debut on Thursday night, when they take a 1-0 lead into their EFL Cup semi-final second leg at Liverpool.

Having achieved so much before turning 20 in April, Spurs have signed a player of formidable potential, meaning there is much, much more to come.

Mathys Tel has signed for Tottenham Hotspur on loan for the rest of the 2024/25 season with an option to sign permanently in the summer subject to international clearance and a work permit.

The 19-year-old Bayern Munich forward will wear the No 11 shirt and is Spurs' fourth new arrival in this winter transfer window, following goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky, winger Yang Min-Hyeok - whose move was agreed last summer - and defender Kevin Danso.

Who is Mathys Tel?

Born in Sarcelles, France on 27 April 2005, Tel began his professional career with Stade Rennais. He became their youngest player to feature in a competitive match, beating the record set by Eduardo Camavinga, when he made his debut against Brest in August 2021 at the age of 16 years and 110 days.

Despite making only 10 senior appearances for Stade Rennais, Tel attracted the attention of Bayern, who signed him in July 2022 - the month after he captained France to glory in the UEFA European Under-17 Championship.

Then aged 17, Tel swiftly set all-time records with the German giants; he is the club's youngest goalscorer in any competition - after netting in their DFB-Pokal win over Cologne - and in the Bundesliga, for his September 2022 strike against Stuttgart.

Tel's first UEFA Champions League goal also came in that month, against Manchester United, as he joined Leroy Sane, Serge Gnabry, and Harry Kane on the scoresheet in Bayern's 4-3 victory at the Allianz Arena.

The Frenchman arrives at Spurs with 83 appearances and 16 goals under his belt at Bayern. He has scored three goals in eight matches for France Under-21s.

When could Tel feature for Spurs?

Spurs supporters could get their first look of Tel this Sunday when his new club travel to Aston Villa in the fourth round of the FA Cup.

His Premier League debut could come at home to Manchester United on Sunday 16 February.

Tottenham Hotspur have signed defender Kevin Danso on loan from Ligue 1 side RC Lens, subject to international clearance and work permit.

The Austria international, 26, has joined on loan until the end of the season, with an obligation to make the deal permanent in the summer. He will wear the No 4 shirt.

The addition of centre-back Danso is a boost for Ange Postecoglou, who has seen his squad decimated by injuries, with centre-back Radu Dragusin the latest addition to a lengthy injury list after damaging his knee in Thursday night's 3-0 UEFA Europa League win over IF Elfsborg.

Dragusin joins goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario, defenders Cristian Romero and Destiny Udogie, midfielder James Maddison and forwards Brennan Johnson, Wilson Odobert and Timo Werner of Spurs players currently sidelined.

Who is Kevin Danso?

Born in Voitsberg, Austria, Danso's family moved to England when he was six, beginning his early career at Reading and MK Dons before returning to Germany in 2014 to continue his development with FC Augsburg.

After progressing through FC Augsburg’s youth system, he went on to make 44 senior appearances in all competitions for the Bundesliga outfit, scoring three times.

In August 2019 Danso joined Southampton on a season-long loan, making 10 appearances in all competitions across that campaign.

Following a further loan spell at Fortuna Dusseldorf he joined Lens in August, 2021, helping the French side to a second-place finish in his second season with the French club, which saw them claim a spot in the 2023/24 UEFA Champions League group stage.

Danso made 128 appearances for the club in all competitions during his time in France, finding the net on four occasions.

He has featured for Austria across numerous age categories and earned his senior debut in September, 2017. Danso has gone on to earn 24 caps for his country to date and represented Austria at Euro 2024.

With both Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur both progressing to the last 16 of this season’s UEFA Europa League, football writer Adrian Clarke looks at how they fared in their final match of the league phase and who they could face next.

A dream night for Spurs prospects

Tottenham Hotspur 3-0 Elfsborg

Three of Spurs' academy graduates scored their first goals for the club in quick succession to steer Ange Postecoglou’s side into the last 16.

A stunning spell in the last 25 minutes made this a night to remember for the hosts, who had been labouring against an obdurate Elfsborg outfit. Sat back in a 5-4-1 formation, the Swedes allowed Spurs to have 81.3 per cent of possession.

Dane Scarlett, recalled from a loan spell at Championship side Oxford United, stooped to head home his first Spurs goal from Dejan Kulusevski's inviting, inswinging cross.

Just three minutes and 39 seconds after coming off the bench for his first-team debut, 19-year-old Damola Ajayi lit up the stadium with a brilliant strike.

The teenager drilled a fierce left-footed finish into the bottom corner after cutting in from the right before exchanging a 1-2 with Scarlett.

Mikey Moore then got in on the act, deep into stoppage time, carrying the ball 30 yards before despatching a terrific shot into the bottom corner - his first senior goal for Spurs.

Just 17 years and 172 days old, Moore became England’s youngest ever scorer in major European competition, breaking a record set by Spurs legend Jimmy Greaves back in 1957.

On an evening when records tumbled, Spurs also became the first Premier League team to register three goalscorers under the age of 21 in the same European match since Arsenal did it in 2007 against Slavia Prague (Theo Walcott, Nicklas Bendtner, Cesc Fabregas).

Those outstanding contributions from Postecoglou’s youngsters elevated spirits on a night when they lost another defender to injury, Radu Dragusin leaving the pitch with a knee problem. On the plus side, key centre-back Micky van de Ven was eased back into action with an effortless runout for the first 45 minutes.

Son Heung-min was also replaced at half-time, having produced a sensational first-half performance. The South Korean completed 10 of his 12 dribbles as he ripped Elfsborg to shreds down the left wing.

That was the most by an individual in the first 45 minutes of any match in Europa League history.

In truth, Son’s achievement was just a footnote, on an evening that belonged to the next generation of Spurs players.

Thanks to their late exploits, Scarlett, Ajayi, and Moore are three names that are now etched in the folklore of this north London club.

Mainoo shines in new role as United cruise through

FCSB 0-2 Manchester United

Kobbie Mainoo was Ruben Amorim’s main man in Bucharest, delivering a stellar display to help Man Utd progress to the last 16.

The 19-year-old was deployed in a new attacking midfield role and became the first United player to score and assist on his first major European start since Wayne Rooney on his debut against Fenerbahce in September 2004.

On the hour mark, Mainoo flashed a low cross along the six-yard box for Diogo Dalot to convert at the far post, before inflicting a telling blow of his own eight minutes later.

After being teed up by substitute Alejandro Garnacho, Mainoo calmly stroked home a finish that sealed victory.

After a relatively ponderous first-half performance, it was a smart tactical half-time switch from Amorim which unlocked his side's potential.

Amad came off the bench to provide the spark as a right wing-back, while Garnacho took up a position as their left-sided No 10, in a shape that morphed into a 3-4-3 diamond formation.

With Toby Collyer and Tyrell Malacia making way, and Christian Eriksen dropping into a deeper role, Amorim moved Mainoo from the left to become a right-sided No 10, with Bruno Fernandes adopting a more offensive central-midfield role.

Mainoo flourished on the right side and linked superbly with Amad throughout a dominant second half.

With a greater proportion of attackers on the field, more powerful running, and the passing much crisper, Man Utd were able to get into dangerous areas on a regular basis.

That is now four straight wins for Amorim in the Europa League, three in all competitions, and he is making a habit of improving his side after the interval.

Remarkably, 19 of Man Utd’s last 20 goals in all competitions have come in the second half.

Who will they face in the next round?

Man Utd and Spurs have qualified in the top eight, meaning they automatically progress to the last 16.

The Red Devils finished unbeaten on 18 points, earning them a third-place finish in the table. That is one point and one position ahead of Postecoglou's side, who ended up fourth.

This means both clubs will be twinned in the draw for the last 16, with each of them facing one of the four teams who enter the playoffs having finished in 13th, 14th, 19th and 20th place.

These are the teams Man Utd and Spurs can be drawn against: Real Sociedad, Galatasaray, AZ Alkmaar and FC Midtjylland.

The draw for the playoffs takes place today (Friday 31 January); the last-16 draw will be held on Friday 21 February.

Lazio and Athletic Club finished as the top two during the league phase, which means that neither English side can now meet them until at least the semi-final stage.

Leicester City ended their seven-match losing run and moved out of the relegation zone with a 2-1 turnaround win to pile on the pressure for Tottenham Hotspur head coach Ange Postecoglou.

Ruud van Nistelrooy's strugglers knew a defeat in north London would see them equal their worst-ever streak in league action, and they fell behind to a first-half header from returning striker Richarlison.

However, two goals in the first five minutes of the second half turned the match on its head, with Jamie Vardy levelling just 57 seconds after the restart.

Bilal El Khannouss then put Leicester ahead with a curler from just outside the penalty area, and the Foxes clung on to leapfrog Wolverhampton Wanderers and go 17th in the table.

Leicester are one point clear of the bottom three and seven behind 15th-placed Spurs.

How the match unfolded

Jakub Stolarczyk was again busy in the Leicester goal early on, parrying Pedro Porro's strike before making a wonderful save to prevent Son Heung-min from finding the bottom corner.

Van Nistelrooy's side were then fortunate to see a Son cross clip the crossbar, but they had no such luck when Spurs went ahead in the 33rd minute.

Porro whipped an inviting cross in from the right, with Richarlison escaping Wout Faes and James Justin to head home from close range.

However, the home fans were stunned into silence by two quickfire goals to start the second half - Vardy firstly equalising with a tap-in after goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky failed to gather Bobby De Cordova-Reid's cross.

El Khannouss put Leicester ahead with a pinpoint finish into the bottom-right corner, after De Cordova-Reid pounced on some sloppy play from Rodrigo Bentancur.

Watch El Khannouss' winner

Porro saw a free-kick rattle the crossbar after a wicked deflection off Vardy, but that was as close as Spurs came before the final whistle.

Postecoglou's problems mount

Postecoglou said in the build-up to Sunday's match that injuries were solely responsible for Spurs' poor form.

With Guglielmo Vicario, Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven, Destiny Udogie, Brennan Johnson, Dominic Solanke, Timo Werner and James Maddison among their absentees, it is fair to say the Australian has been working with his hands tied.

He did receive one major boost as Richarlison was fit to make his first Premier League start this season, and the Brazilian was in the right place with his stooping header to put Spurs ahead.

However, by the time Richarlison was withdrawn in the 54th minute, the contest had been flipped entirely.

Porro was the only member of Spurs' first-choice back four to start, but coincidentally, both Leicester goals came from his flank. He was nowhere to be seen as De Cordova-Reid crossed for Vardy's leveller, then his ill-advised pass saw Bentancur lose possession for the second.

While Spurs remain easy on the eye going forward, such mistakes have become far too commonplace, with 13 defeats in 23 league matches a poor return for a team once tipped for the top four.

Postecoglou will hope to have players such as Maddison available for next Saturday, when they face a trip to Brentford.

Leicester avoid unwanted history

Spurs were not the only side desperately needing a result on Sunday, with things looking bleak for Leicester following a 2-0 loss at home to Fulham last time out.

Supporters at King Power Stadium voiced their frustrations at the end of that defeat, with the Foxes threatening to equal their worst-ever losing run in the league - a streak of eight defeats between March and April 2001.

Van Nistelrooy's team have seen their goal peppered with shots in recent matches, and only the efforts of Stolarczyk prevented Spurs from taking a more handsome lead into half-time.

However, the Dutchman's words at the break clearly had the desired effect, and the industry of De Cordova-Reid proved crucial. The former Fulham man unsettled Spurs' backline by leading the Leicester press, also showing composure in the final third to record two assists.

El Khannouss, meanwhile, gave another glimpse of his Premier League qualities by bending a wonderful finish just inside the post from 20 yards out, scoring his first goal since Leicester's most recent win, a 3-1 triumph over West Ham United on 3 December - Van Nistelrooy's first match in charge.

The league's bottom four teams have threatened to be cut adrift in recent weeks, but Leicester will now hope to drag 16th-placed Everton into the relegation fight when they visit Goodison Park next Saturday.

Club reports

Spurs report | Leicester report

What the managers said

Ange Postecoglou: "It is a disappointing result, but at the same time I can't ask any more from this group of players. They are trying their hardest and things just aren't falling for us. We certainly had opportunities to kill the game off and we didn't take them. It wasn't for the want of trying, the players gave everything but we fell short.

"The reality is that two or three players weren't at 100 per cent to play today and that is the reality that we're in. The supporters and club should, and I think they do, acknowledge that you can't ask any more of this group of players. They are giving everything they can and it is not for a want of trying."

Ruud van Nistelrooy: "The effort, the dedication, the blocks and the clearances, the tactics we made it was a joy to watch. It got us a massive three points away from home.

"The players also feel we are improving. They feel the way we want to play suits them. We will keep pushing to do these things. The players are buying into it. I can only be very proud of this team."

Next PL fixtures

Key facts

Spurs have failed to win any of their last seven Premier League matches (D1 L6), their longest winless run in the top flight since a nine-match spell between May and October 2008.

This was Leicester's first Premier League win at the eighth attempt in London (D2 L5), since a 1-0 victory over West Ham United in November 2022. The Foxes had conceded 2+ goals in each of their last six visits to the capital in the top-flight.

Spurs conceded two goals in the opening five minutes of the second half in this match, the first time that they have suffered that fate since November 1997 against Liverpool.

Richarlison has scored 10 goals across his last 12 Premier League starts, whilst he has now netted more competition goals against Leicester (six) than any other side during his career. Five of those six goals overall have put his side in the lead.

Ange Postecoglou says everyone at Tottenham Hotspur is "united" in what he and his coaching staff are trying to do despite the club being in their worst run of form for 17 years - saying "something special" can happen when Spurs' raft of injured players return to action.

Spurs surrendered a one-goal half-time lead to lose 2-1 at home to Leicester City on Sunday. They have now lost six of their last seven Premier League matches, drawing the other, meaning they are on their longest winless league run since May 2008.

Spurs' last seven PL matches

Sunday's match was the first time since 1912 that Spurs had lost at home against a side on a seven-match losing streak. They lost it because of conceding two goals in the opening five minutes of the second half, the first time Spurs had done so since 1997.

Spurs have now won only five points from the last 33 available in the Premier League, with only bottom-club Southampton winning fewer in that period. Furthermore, they are the only team to lose at home this season to both Leicester AND Ipswich.

They've also lost 18 of their last 30 Premier League matches, with Wolverhampton Wanderers (20 losses) the only ever-present side to lose more in that time.

Pressure is now mounting on Postecoglou, whose side are 15th in the Premier League table, just eight points above the relegation zone. But the Australian says the Spurs board and his players believe in what he is trying to achieve amidst an injury crisis that left 10 senior players unavailable on Sunday.

"It hurts. It hurts a lot," Postecoglou told Sky Sports.

"The players are giving everything they can. That is all we can ask for as a football club and as a manager. They are trying their hardest and that is all anyone can ask for.

"When you're in this situation, they are trying as hard as they can and sometimes that doesn't give you the clarity in decision-making. I know it will turn. We'll get some players back, we were short again today but in the next couple of weeks there's some really important players coming back that I know will help this group."

In his post-match press conference, Postecoglou added: “The players are committed to what we’re doing. That’s important to me. I believe in it. This is as low as we’ve been this year but in the next three months we can do something really special. The players believe that. Right now it’s hard to visualise that with our circumstances. Just look at the absences but they will be back. All these things aren’t allowing us to get any momentum. When those things change we can make an impact."

When asked if he feels he deserves more time at Spurs, he replied: "Who knows? A fair chunk will say no.

"When you are a manager of a football club, you can feel vulnerable and isolated, I don’t feel that. The players are giving everything. I focus on that and try and support the players.

"When I took the role I wanted to unify the club, focusing on the one thing. It hasn’t worked out that way. It’s understandable the fans aren’t happy with the situation. It’s a difficult one to navigate. We need the fans right now to create an atmosphere. We did that versus Liverpool – it was a great night. The players are giving everything – that needs to be acknowledged by everyone.

"We've not hit a ceiling. We've been going like this for two months. They [the players] put in an enormous performance on Thursday to make sure we're OK in Europe and they had to back it up today but there were probably at least two or three players that weren't at 100 per cent.

"I'm a football manager and I get judged on results, that is the way of the world.

“I don’t speak regularly to him [Daniel Levy, chairman]. Players and staff are united in what we’re trying to do. I’m not trying to convince people about where we’re heading. That’s where I get the solace to say we can believe. I believe in this group of players. Even today, some of the performances were outstanding. That’s all positive but ultimately we’ve lost the focus is on that.

"The players are giving everything they can. Two players shouldn’t have been out there but they are desperate to turn our fortunes around. In the next 10 days we should get some significant players back which will help. We still have fantastic opportunities to make an impact – I’m sure that will happen."

Postecoglou: Even available players are injured

Postecoglou revealed that midfielder Pape Sarr was one of the players not at 100 per cent and playing through the pain against Leicester, while James Maddison missed out with muscle soreness following Thursday's UEFA Europa League win at Hoffenheim.

He also said that Richarlison has a groin problem and that was why he took the striker off - a substitution that was met with boos at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Spurs' injured players

Player Injury Latest Update Cristian Romero Muscle Details Destiny Udogie Hamstring Details Micky van de Ven Hamstring Details Guglielmo Vicario Ankle Details Wilson Odobert Hamstring Details Timo Werner Hamstring Details Brennan Johnson Muscle Details Dominic Solanke Knee Details Djed Spence Knock Details James Maddison Knock Details Richarlison Groin -

But when asked if January signings are on the way to help alleviate Spurs' injury crisis, Postecoglou said he is unaware of any imminent incomings ahead of the winter transfer window closing on 3 February.

"The players need help. The club is working hard to alleviate those problems. Pape Sarr shouldn’t have played today – he wasn’t fit. The players are giving everything - we can’t call off games, we have another one in three days' time. The players are having to front up. The injury situation will ease, that will help. One more player coming in in the short term would help us to navigate us through the next two weeks. It’s been a hard slog for the players."

Sherwood: Spurs' season can still be a success

Spurs' Premier League form has been poor, but they take a 1-0 first-leg lead to Liverpool in the semi-finals of the EFL Cup next month, while they also remain in the FA Cup - facing Aston Villa in the fourth round. Furthermore, if they beat Swedish side Elfsborg at home on Thursday, they will qualify for the last 16 of the UEFA Europa League.

Premier League pundit Tim Sherwood, a former manager of Spurs, says Postecoglou is not the problem at the club and believes the head coach needs more support with quality signings.

"The pressure's mounting because of the losses," Sherwood said. "But they're in the FA Cup and the EFL Cup semi-finals, taking a lead to Liverpool. And they're favourites to win the Europa League.

"What's the point of changing the manager? Who are they going to get? They've had the trophy managers, the Jose Mourinhos, the Antonio Contes. The glaring problem for me is the recruitment. It's where the money is being spent. Give Ange some help. Changing the manager will do nothing.

"They could win the Europa League end up in the Champions League [qualifying for next season because of winning the Europa League] and it's the best season ever. I really feel for him. I admire that he takes it on the chin and doesn't look for excuses."

Spurs' next five PL matches