Express

Manchester United head coach Erik ten Hag will be facing fresh concerns over his long-term future after watching his side succumb to a 3-0 home defeat to Tottenham on Sunday. The Dutchman was under pressure to deliver a favourable result but his players crumbled and finished the game with 10 men.

Brennan Johnson fired the visitors in front with only four minutes on the clock as Spurs enjoyed domination at Old Trafford, with boos whittling out from the home supporters. Bruno Fernandes was controversially sent off for a lunge on James Maddison and things took a turn for the worse.

Dejan Kulusevski made it 2-0 with 47 minutes on the clock, before striker Dominic Solanke prodded home his first league goal for the club to pile on the misery.

Express Sport assesses the Man Utd and Tottenham player ratings from Old Trafford after an afternoon to forget for Ten Hag's men.

Man Utd player ratings

Andre Onana 6/10

Bizarrely stood and watched as Van de Ven sent a low cross within touching distance of his gloves to concede the opener. Twice denied Werner to keep the score down.

Noussair Mazraoui 5

Failed to spot the danger until it was too late from Van de Ven and looked vulnerable against Werner. Made one vital clearance to stop the German making it 2-0.

Matthijs de Ligt 4

Caught out of position several times in the first half and the £43m man appeared to be very nervy in possession.

Lisandro Martinez 4

Gave possession away cheaply in the early moments but showed some fight when his team-mates began to wilter. That quickly turned to petulance. Booked.

Diogo Dalot 4

Inexplicably allowed his marker Johnson to run into the box unopposed for the the opener and struggled to contain the threat of the Welshman in the unfavoured left-back role. Booked.

Kobbie Mainoo 5

Did little wrong, but the 20-year-old was largely quiet by his standards. Substituted for Mount when Fernandes was sent off.

Manuel Ugarte 5

Robbed for being too slow on the ball by Maddison and from there always looked a yard behind the play. A lot to learn. Booked.

Alejandro Garnacho 6

Feeding off scraps on the break, the Argentinian was unlucky to hit the post with a far-post volley. His efforts ultimately weren't enough of the ball to inspire United to a comeback.

Bruno Fernandes 3

Deservedly sent off after a mindless high challenge on Maddison. Still without a goal this season and perhaps more worryingly, he failed to impose himself on the game before the dismissal. What has happened to the United captain?

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Marcus Rashford 6

Despite his efforts being described as "rubbish" by Gary Neville, Rashford showed a willingness to work hard and run in behind. But he just couldn't find the target when United needed him to.

Joshua Zirkzee 5

Anonymous, mainly due to a failure from his team-mates to pick him out when he was unmarked. When he had the chance to score, his effort was saved by Vicario.

SUBS

Mason Mount (on 44') 5

A strange choice to bring on the attacking midfielder after Fernandes was dismissed as he struggled to get into the game. Booked.

Casemiro (on 46') 5

Brought on as a safety net after replacing Zirkzee at half time. Two minutes later, he lost an aerial duel and idly jogged back as Spurs scored their second. Unacceptable lack of effort.

Rasmus Hojlund (on 72') 6

Lacked the proper service to make an impact late on.

Christian Eriksen (on 72') N/A 6

Tried to make things happen late on.

Tottenham player ratings

Guglielmo Vicario 6

Almost a bystander in the first half as Spurs dominated, though the Italian was solid when called upon to deny Zirkzee.

Pedro Porro 6

Had the toughest job of the four defenders up against a lively Rashford but generally coped well with the Englishman. Less comfortable against Garnacho. Booked.

Cristian Romero 7

Kept Zirkzee's influence to a minimum and looked every bit the leader he has become under Ange Postecoglou. The hothead who was sent off against Chelsea last season is long gone.

Micky van de Ven 9

Simply incredible athleticism from the Dutchman to gallop 60 yards with the ball past five players and send in a perfect ball for Johnson to tap home. Magnificent in everything else he did.

Destiny Udogie 6

Looked bright early on before an injury scare forced him to take a more cautious approach to the game. Substituted at the interval.

Rodrigo Bentancur 7

Dictated the play from deep and his presence allowed Kulusevski and Maddison to flourish. The Uruguayan continues to be an unheralded yet essential player in this team.

Dejan Kulusevski 9

Given the freedom to roam in a newly-created central role, the Swede was a constant thorn in the side and deserved his goal for an excellent performance.

James Maddison 8

Bright, engaged and keen to combine with Kulusevski in the early moments. Everything Spurs created in the central areas went through him. Earned his brief break after being replaced by Moore.

Brennan Johnson 8

Right place, right time for the winger as he tapped home for the opener. Unfortunate to see his effort bounce back off the post to deny him a second. Set up Kulusevski for the second. Booked.

Bruno Fernandes' season hit a new low with a red card in Manchester United's 3-0 defeat to Tottenham as he slipped and made a dangerous high challenge on James Maddison.

The Red Devils trailed 1-0 at the time after an insipid first half which Gary Neville labelled one of the "worst performances" under Erik ten Hag.

"It just sums up Manchester United in this first half, to be fair they've been an absolute disgrace. It's one of the worst performances I've seen in Erik ten Hag's time at Manchester United and that's saying something," blasted Neville on Sky Sports.

"It's been really bad. And he will not be able to believe what he's watched. I'm not talking patterns of play, I'm talking application to a football match. And now, his captain sent off.

"When players react like that, it means something has gone on that we haven't seen initially. He's gone knee high Bruno Fernandes. I think he slips just before the tackle but he's not going to get away with it."

Fernandes' red card places him amongst a notorious quartet, joining the ranks of Roy Keane, Nemanja Vidic and Wayne Rooney as one of only four United captains expelled at Old Trafford in the league's history.

The Portuguese skipper's blunder was preceded by another early setback for United as Micky van de Ven's daring run handed Brennan Johnson a simple finish within the opening three minutes.

Tottenham were in complete control during the first half, with United only managing to hold 37 per cent of the possession and two shots on target.

Things got worst in the second half as Dejan Kulusevski and Dominic Solanke piled on the pain for the home team. United managed just two shots on target all match.

Neville added at the end of the match: "Brilliant for Tottenham - and we should say that first. For Manchester United, they are booing the ref, but that is not even half the story.

"In the first half they have put in their worst performance. It was an absolutely disgusting performance. in the first half in effort, in quality - in everything you'd want from a football team. There are a lot of questions to answer. for that group and the manager."

Manchester United were woeful as Tottenham swept them aside at Old Trafford on Sunday, with a red card shown to captain Bruno Fernandes compounding Erik ten Hag's nightmare. Goals from Brennan Johnson, Dejan Kulusevski and Dominic Solanke sealed a 3-0 victory for the visitors.

Johnson scored just three minutes into the game, turning home Micky van de Ven’s cross after a fine run by the Spurs defender. United struggled and frustration got the better of Fernandes just prior to half-time, with the captain sent off for a poor challenge on James Maddison.

Ten Hag’s players barely put up a fight and conceded twice more through Kulusevski and Solanke. Here are five things Express Sport took away from the game.

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Man Utd produce ‘one of the worst’ Ten Hag performances

This was United at their dismal worst - reminiscent of some of their shockers under Jose Mourinho and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

As Fernandes trudged off after his red card, United legend Gary Neville summed up the first half on Sky Sports commentary duty. “It (the tackle) is not as bad as I initially thought but it sums up United in the first half - who have been an absolute disgrace. Probably one of the worst halves I've seen under Ten Hag and that's saying something.”

Fernandes will now miss the Red Devils’ next three matches and Kobbie Mainoo may also be absent after limping off injured. Those issues combine to present Ten Hag with further problems in the coming weeks.

Van de Ven exposes soft touch

It took just three minutes for United to allow Van de Ven to wade through their midfield and defence with little challenge. Marcus Rashford was too easily dispossessed with a loose touch in Spurs’ half, while the Red Devils’ midfield were nowhere to be seen.

Noussair Mazraoui was too occupied by Timo Werner on the left wing, presenting Van de Ven with a huge gap between the United right-back and Matthijs de Ligt to break into. Van de Ven’s speed and control saw him to the byline, where he crossed for Brennan Johnson to tap home. Diogo Dalot had failed to track the winger.

United were supposed to have solved the issue that saw teams breeze through them too easily with the signings of De Ligt and Manuel Ugarte - but neither addition showed any sign of improving this weakness in this instance.

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Fernandes compounds Man Utd’s misery

Fernandes might count himself a little unlucky to have seen red for his challenge on James Maddison. But once he continued to attempt his tackle after slipping on the sodden turf, it was wild and out of control, catching the Spurs midfielder high on his knee.

It was an action born out of frustration and summed up United’s first half. Ten Hag could have done with his captain remaining on the pitch for the rest of the game, and won’t thank Fernandes for leaving him without his leader for the next three matches.

Kulusevski shines

The space in United’s midfield was perfect for Kulusevski to take control of the game. Revitalised as an attacking midfielder under Ange Postecoglou, the Sweden international was exceptional at Old Trafford.

He created several chances by driving through the middle of the pitch and scored a wonderful goal early in the second half. His delicate flick left Andre Onana stranded after Johnson’s cross.

Tottenham finally replace Harry Kane

It was a familiar sight for Spurs: A striker attacking a near-post flick-on to score a poacher’s goal from a set-piece. Harry Kane scored so many of those goals but his departure left a gaping hole. Dominic Solanke is more than good enough to do a positive job of filling the England captain’s shoes.

Solanke rounded off this Spurs win by rolling the ball home after Pape Matar Sarr’s flick found him with no alternative but to score. The £55million signing has scored three goals in a week and looks to be the centre-forward Postecoglou sorely lacked last term.

Gary Neville was left fuming by Marcus Rashford’s defensive work in the build-up to Tottenham opening the scoring at Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon.

Manchester United found themselves behind after just three minutes after Brennan Johnson bagged his fourth goal in as many games.

The Wales international tapped into an empty net from close range after he was picked out by Micky van de Ven, who had dribbled 75 yards forward before picking out his team-mate with a sensational cross.

The Netherlands international had raced across to tackle Rashford inside the Tottenham half to win back possession before driving through the heart of the United midfield, holding defenders at bay as he effortlessly travelled forward.

Neville was left unhappy with several aspects of the goal, particularly how easily Van de Ven retrieved possession without Rashford truly putting up a fight.

Analysing the goal on Sky Sports, Neville said: “I said Spurs had settled quicker. Van de Ven just steps in and this is absolutely incredible. He drives through four United players and the cross is just wonderful.

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“I mean, Rashford there, he saw it and just carries on running. It's rubbish from him. But then, he is unstoppable. De Ligt starts running too late, he completely misreads the pace. It’s amazing, absolutely brilliant and devastating.”

Neville was also unhappy with the defensive work of summer signings Manuel Ugarte and Matthijs de Ligt, who Van de Ven breezed past whilst making his way down the left.

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He continued: “His [Rashford's] touch is heavy and awful, he's got to do better than that, even if he dives in and gives a foul away. Ugarte who is supposed to stop things in midfield, De Ligt is supposed to stop things at the back. Helpless.”

Tottenham came close to doubling their lead before the half-time break when Timo Werner was released down the left, but the Germany international saw his effort saved by Andre Onana.

Things then went from bad to worse for United when Bruno Fernandes was given his marching orders by referee Chris Kavanagh after a high challenge on Tottenham playmaker James Maddison. The Red Devils skipper pleaded his innocence but VAR were in agreement that his tackle was dangerous, regardless of the midfielder appearing to slip slightly as he looked to make his initial challenge.

Diogo Dalot knew he was at fault for Tottenham's opening goal against Manchester United on a frustrating afternoon for the Red Devils. They were undone after just three minutes when Brennan Johnson tapped home from close range to give Tottenham an early lead.

It came after a lung-busting run from Micky van de Ven, who nicked the ball off Marcus Rashford before dribbling past four United players. He raced to the byline and played a brilliant low cross to the far post, with Johnson timing his run to perfection.

As the Welshman wheeled away to celebrate, Dalot raised his hand to apologise for not tracking back quickly enough. The left-back was responsible for keeping Johnson under wraps but failed to carry out his defensive duties, allowing his opposite number to open the scoring.

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Dalot was not the only United player at fault, though, with Matthijs de Ligt and Manuel Ugarte both failing to stop Van de Ven in his tracks. Rashford, meanwhile, inadvertently started the move with a poor first touch as the Red Devils were looking to break away.

Gary Neville singled out all three players for criticism in the Sky Sports commentary box, saying: "Rashford there, he saw it and just carries on running. It's rubbish from him. But then, he [Van de Ven] is unstoppable. De Ligt starts running too late, he completely misreads the pace.

"His [Rashford's] touch is heavy and awful. He's got to do better than that, even if he dives in and gives a foul away. Ugarte who is supposed to stop things in midfield, De Ligt is supposed to stop things at the back. Helpless."

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Things went from bad to worse for United before the break when Bruno Fernandes was sent off for a clumsy lunge on James Maddison. He slipped while attempting to win possession but did not back out of the challenge, making contact with Maddison at knee height.

After the interval, Tottenham doubled their lead with Dejan Kulusevski volleying over United goalkeeper Andre Onana from inside the box. Johnson managed to break away down the right flank before clipping the ball to his team-mate, who made no mistake with a first-time finish.

Tottenham could have been four or five goals to the good at that point, with Onana making a few important saves to prevent the visitors from running away with it.

Manchester United are exploring former Juventus manager Massimiliano Allegri as a potential replacement candidate should results not improve under Erik ten Hag, according to reports. Ten Hag is under intensifying pressure to turn United's improved performances this season into wins at the start of a decisive week.

The Red Devils welcome Tottenham Hotspur - similarly struggling for points in the Premier League this term - to Old Trafford today (Sunday).

Both are locked in mid-table on seven points, having won two, lost two and drawn one of their opening five fixtures.

A win against Ange Postecoglou's dynamic side could help kickstart some much-needed momentum after a slow start in the Premier League and Europa League.

But a third consecutive draw in all competitions or another defeat would ramp up the scrutiny on Ten Hag's job security.

United are already eight points off the Premier League summit and trail fourth-place Chelsea by six. There won't be much confidence in trimming that gap away at Aston Villa next weekend, either.

In between Spurs and Villa, United travel to FC Porto - on paper, their toughest opponents of the League Phase.

A failure to triumph in Portugal would extend Ten Hag's woeful European streak to just one win in 10 outings, stretching back to his first season in charge.

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Amid discontent among supporters and progress being shown by United's rivals, INEOS are reportedly remaining alert to possible contingency plans.

According to CaughtOffside, United's hierarchy wants to see an improvement in results and more consistent performances in the near future.

Ten Hag's job is currently not in imminent danger, but a continued failure to win matches would ultimately cost him.

The report claims that some figures within the walls of Old Trafford agree that Allegri should be in the frame if a replacement is required.

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No concrete talks have been held with the 57-year-old's representatives yet, but he is said to be an option actively being explored.

Allegri has been out of work since his dismissal from Juventus at the end of last season, two days after lifting his fifth Coppa Italia.

Despite ending on a high, his return to Turin didn't go to plan. In his first two seasons back in the dugout, he became the club's first manager in 36 years to fail to secure silverware in back-to-back campaigns.

However, the Italian coach has accumulated a trophy-winning pedigree throughout his career, and he is reportedly one of Ten Hag's potential successors.

Sir Alex Ferguson boldly dismissed Tottenham Hotspur's chances of lifting the Premier League trophy, suggesting Manchester United are in a better position to claim the title. As Old Trafford gears up for the arrival of Spurs later today, both teams are eager to secure vital points.

Ange Postecoglou is determined to turn around his team's mixed start to the season, while Erik ten Hag's squad aims to recover from their Europa League stalemate against FC Twente, with a win that would propel them above Tottenham in the standings.

Despite Spurs finishing ahead of United last term, Ten Hag's men clinched the FA Cup with a 2-1 win over rivals Manchester City. This marked back-to-back seasons with silverware - a stark contrast to Spurs' trophyless run since their 2008 League Cup win.

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Tottenham's best shot at Premier League success came during the 2015-16 campaign when they ended up third behind rivals Arsenal, and the fairy-tale champions Leicester City. Postecoglou, amidst a two-year rebuilding phase, has acknowledged his side is still finding its feet, focusing on breaking into the top four and securing Champions League football.

Earlier in the year, when quizzed about Tottenham's prospects of a Premier League triumph, Ferguson couldn't suppress a chuckle as he emphatically stated "No!".

The former United manager admits that the competition is far too fierce at the top for the London club to break through. "No, '61 was the last time they won it, well that's a long time," he remarked. "The opposition today with Liverpool and Manchester City being so powerful in the Premier League. Even for United now, we're having to fight."

To the question of whether Spurs would clinch the league title before Man United secured their 14th, he responded emphatically: "No chance!".

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Ferguson's stance on Spurs hasn't wavered over the years after he famously motivated his players 15 years ago with the "Lads, it's Tottenham" pep talk, asserting their superiority over the North London side.

Despite Tottenham's strides forward in recent years, including a Champions League final appearance, Ferguson's assessment appears unchanged. His tenure at United is studded with triumphs, overshadowing Spurs who have not had the same level of success since their 2008 triumph.

On the other hand, United boast silverware such as the Carabao Cup, FA Cup, and Europa League in their post-Ferguson era - which is argued as their least successful period, due to the lack of league victory.

As both teams grapple with shaky starts this season, with Spurs just edging above United in the table, both Postecoglou and Ten Hag are keen for a turnaround when their squads clash.

Amanda Staveley, who with husband Mehrdad Ghodoussi helped orchestrate Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund's whopping £305million acquisition of Newcastle United, is poised for another entry into the Premier League landscape.

This time, Tottenham could be the beneficiaries as Staveley and Ghodoussi, guests of Spurs during Brentford's recent visit, are reportedly engaged in high-level negotiations to acquire a significant stake in the north London outfit.

As Joe Lewis' control over Tottenham ebbs away, the club is on the hunt for fresh investment. It is anticipated that Staveley and her partner will snap up shares from billionaire Lewis' family trust, marking their assertive return to the top tier of English football.

Per the Mirror, an informed source shed light on the development, saying: "Amanda is serious about being involved with Spurs, and is hoping that an initial purchase can be completed within weeks."

Following their departure from Newcastle this summer, after forging a profound imprint on the club's administration post-Saudi takeover, Staveley and Ghodoussi are now courting Middle Eastern wealth once more to support their Tottenham ambitions.

The Newcastle faithful, who had embraced the couple amidst their vocal backing of cherished manager Eddie Howe, felt the sting of their exit.

Staveley herself confessed to her emotional ties with the club, revealing: "I am devastated. The club has become part of my DNA."

Staveley, previously reticent about her commercial manoeuvres earlier this season, divulged to The Athletic her willingness to get into new Premier League opportunities.

He said: "My preference would have been to stay with Newcastle, but life doesn't always work out exactly how you want it to. Nothing is going to replicate that.

"I fell in love with Newcastle, the club and the people and that can't change, but I didn't want to get in Newcastle's way. It's got to be about what's best for Newcastle.

"Mehrdad and I are keen to be hands-on. We're hard-working people, I love to be very busy and to engage and I love football.

"Very sadly, we have to move on to other projects and that might involve us taking a stake in another club or buying another club and that's difficult. But it's possible."

Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur meet at Old Trafford this afternoon, with Erik ten Hag and Ange Postecoglou needing a Premier League win. In the case of the former, it wouldn't be a stretch to say he desperately requires a positive result amid scrutiny that is refusing to disappear.

Ten Hag has been under mounting pressure since the start of a disastrous 2023/24 campaign, which was salvaged by the shock FA Cup triumph in May.

Had it not been for glory at Wembley against Manchester City, the Dutchman likely wouldn't still be roaming the Old Trafford technical area.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS still assessed their options, though, holding meetings with multiple candidates, including Roberto De Zerbi, Thomas Tuchel and Thomas Frank.

They eventually settled on Ten Hag as the best option to guide United into a new era, backing him with five new signings in the summer transfer window.

But results haven't improved. United have won just six of their last 19 Premier League games and one of their previous nine in Europe.

Although performances have offered some aspects to be optimistic about, the Red Devils' only wins in seven outings this season have come against Fulham, Southampton and Barnsley.

A failure to beat FC Twente in Wednesday's Europa League clash predictability ramped up the discontent among supporters.

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Another winless day when Tottenham visit M16 would intensify the situation further, sparking continued debate about Ten Hag's credentials.

In the opposite technical area stands Postecoglou, who was praised for his first season at Spurs but won't be happy with how they've started his second.

His stock remains high, though, and in March, ESPN reported that INEOS were ready to be ambitious with any attempt to replace Ten Hag.

And it was claimed that United's new hierarchy hadn't ruled out a potential approach for Postecoglou or any other manager who is secure in a job.

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The same report named De Zerbi, Tuchel and Frank as shortlisted targets months before they held meetings about the position.

Gareth Southgate, Graham Potter, Julen Lopetegui, Zinedine Zidane, Ruben Amorim and Julian Nagelsmann were also mentioned.

INEOS will hope Ten Hag can turn United's fortunes around in the coming months, removing the need to consider succession plans.

But Postecoglou certainly has admirers within the walls of Old Trafford, and if Ratcliffe isn't in attendance to watch his work first-hand this weekend, INEOS executives will be.

Dominic Solanke has his eyes on achieving more than Harry Kane at Tottenham - by leading the team to trophy success. The 27-year-old striker acknowledges that he can't fill the shoes of his record-breaking predecessor.

However, he's determined to justify his club-record £65million transfer fee in the best way he knows how - by finding the back of the net.

When questioned about the burden of taking over from Kane, Solanke confidently stated ahead of today's match against Manchester United: "No, not really. Harry is who he is. I don't think anyone would want to see him replaced anyway. He's a world-class striker.

"But I'm here now and I want to score as many goals as I can for Tottenham and hopefully we can win some trophies."

Solanke also shared that he received Kane's well-wishes on the day his transfer was confirmed.

As expected, he was assured that Tottenham was the perfect club to take his career to new heights. He recalled: "I actually saw him when Bayern Munich came here during pre-season.

"Harry came into the changing room and I spoke to him - we had a few words and he obviously only had good things to say about the club. It was probably just what you expect. But he spoke so highly about Spurs, how good the players and staff are here."

Life at Tottenham post-Kane has turned out to be less gloomy than initially feared.

Following his second goal in consecutive matches during the midweek 3-0 Europa League thrashing of Qarabag, there is a growing belief that Solanke can take advantage of Erik ten Hag's shaky defence.

The ex-Bournemouth forward, who netted 21 Premier League goals last season for the Cherries, has made it clear that Spurs are heading to Old Trafford without any. fear.

He added: "Everyone knows how big of a club United is so it's going to be a tough game. But we are not scared of anyone so we will go there and be on the front foot and hopefully we can get another result."

Ange Postecoglou was the key figure behind Tottenham's ambitious chase for Solanke's signature, despite interest in Ivan Toney. The Australian's fervent defence of his star summer signing, given during a press conference last week, has clearly resonated.

Postecoglou criticised those who were "too quick to judge" Solanke, who has since scored two goals in as many games.

Responding to recent criticism, the Spurs striker, who missed games against Everton and Newcastle due to an ankle injury sustained on his debut against Leicester, said: "Yeah, that was probably a bit premature after just a few games given the start to the season that I had.

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"No matter how much you get bought for, what club you play for, there is always going to be pressure in football so it's something we have to deal with, something we all know will be part of the game."

Tottenham's unyielding pursuit of glory isn't the only thing driving Solanke - he still has dreams to achieve on the international stage.

Despite having U17 Euros and U20 World Cup winners' medals to his name, Solanke's solitary senior England cap dates back to a match against Brazil in 2017 - a situation he intends to change.

He stated: "It's definitely something I'll hopefully get back into. If you're performing well for a club like Tottenham, it's certainly easier to make your way into the national team. So, my primary focus is Tottenham - to score goals and win trophies here, but then hopefully I can also earn a place in the England squad."