Tottenham Hotspur v Manchester United LIVE: Premier League latest as James Maddison fires hosts to victory

James Maddison’s first-half strike earned Tottenham Hotspur a first home Premier League win in 15 weeks and piled more pressure on Manchester United and Ruben Amorim.

Maddison, back from injury, was quickest to react when Andre Onana could only parry Lucas Bergvall’s shot and made no mistake from close range to give the hosts a deserved lead in the 13th minute.

In a chaotic game, there were chances for both sides, but Spurs hung on for a crucial three points that moved them up to 12th in the table and took some of the heat off manager Ange Postecoglou.

United were hit by injuries and illness in the week leading up to the clash in north London, with Amad Diallo, Kobbie Mainoo, Manuel Ugarte and Leny Yoro all ruled out.

Amorim was forced to make widespread changes and fill his bench with inexperienced teenagers, but the visitors had their opportunities to equalise.

The best of those fell to Alejandro Garnacho in the first half, but with just Guglielmo Vicario to beat, the Argentine blazed his close-range shot well over the bar.

Amorim cut a frustrated figure throughout on the touchline at his side’s last show of profligacy.

There were further chances after the break, but the crucial bit of quality required continued to be lacking.

Joshua Zirkzee, one of the better performers for United, glanced a free header wide of the post, while Garnacho had another shot saved well by Vicario at the near post.

United have now slumped to 15th, just 12 points above the relegation zone and with tricky fixtures against Everton and Ipswich to come.

For Tottenham, there is more to be positive about. As well as the win, the injury fog is slowly clearing.

Postecoglou’s bench was boosted by the returns of Brennan Johnson and Wilson Odobert, who received a rapturous reception when he entered the fray in the second half.

Up next is a trip to Ipswich before the visit of Manchester City to north London.

Manchester United manager Amorim is not worried about his position despite the latest setback.

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, he bemoaned his side’s inability to convert their chances, saying: "It was the difference of the game, they scored and we didn't. We had the opportunities. We had situations in transitions, trying to get a result, but in the end they scored and we didn't.

"We want to recover the players, I think we can recover some players for the next game. We have to be together to finish the season and start over."

On the young players on his bench, he added: "It is the hardest competition in the world. I am trying to be careful with them. I felt the team was pushing for the goal and I felt I don't want to change. But they will play.

"You try to read the game, understand what you see in training. The team were pushing for the goal and I didn't feel the need to change.

"I am not worried. I understand our fans, what the media think about it. I hate to lose, that feeling is the worst.

"The rest I am not thinking about. I am here to help my players. I understand my situation, my job, I am confident on my work and I just want to win games.

"The place in the table is my worry, I am not worried about me."

Speaking to Sky Sports, the Tottenham manager said: "It was important we won today."

On the returns of Maddison and Vicario, he added: "They're quality players. We have had to do it pretty tough in the past two months. Great to get those guys back and the guys who came on and contributed.

"We can play better definitely, but when we got some boys up to speed and start growing into it.

"I did think our press was better. We made it hard for United to get out and that certainly helped to get a grounding in the game. We looked sharp. Front third movements were missing a bit.

"We lacked a bit of fluency in the front third. We will improve and we need to, but it was a decent effort. They're all keen to get out there but game rhythm comes with playing games.

"As much as you train, playing a game of football is different. Vicario and Mads handled it well. Was great to get some time into Brennan Johnson and Wilson Odobert. We are going to need them. We still feel we have a big back half of the year."

Speaking to Sky Sports, goalscorer James Maddison said: "It's always difficult being out injured. You miss one game or 10, you are always chomping at the bit to get back. I went into the game today knowing I can be the difference.

"I'm really proud of the boys, obviously it has been an up and down season, we are not where we want to be in the league table. I'm really happy for the lads and for the fans, we're sending them home happy.

"I've always been a goalscoring midfielder. That's why Spurs brought me to the club. I'm there to be that creative outlet and score goals.

"There was a little bit of outside noise this week. 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."

Liverpool's next Premier League task comes against Aston Villa on Wednesday, live on TNT Sports and discovery+.

It is set to be an intriguing encounter, as new Villa recruits Marcus Rashford and Marco Asensio take on the league leaders.

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Spurs travel to Ipswich next before welcoming Manchester City as they look to build on today’s result, while United go to high-flying Everton and then host Ipswich at Old Trafford.

Crucial games for both these sides.

Despite the openness of the game, Maddison’s strike in the 13th minute proved the difference between the sides. United had their chances but once again could not take them.

It’s a first home win for Spurs in the league in 15 weeks and takes them up to 12th in the table. United fall to 15th, above only West Ham, Wolves, Ipswich, Leicester and Southampton.

We’re into the last 60 seconds and Tel is clean through but Onana is out like a flash to gather the ball.

Spurs have a throw-in and send it long before the referee calls time on a chaotic clash.

A poor throw from Onana is read by Porro, who wins a free-kick from Dorgu. A chance to waste precious time for the hosts. What a needless mistake from the United goalkeeper.

Davies has a chance from the free-kick, but his shot is deflected out for a corner.

There are three minutes of added time.

Odobert and Spence link-up nicely on the left but Maguire shepherds the ball out for a goal-kick.

United go on the attack again as the clock ticks down and win a corner.

Casemiro is wide open and gets up well but his header is straight at Vicario.

Son makes way for Odobert, who gets a big cheer as he enters the fray.

Garnacho needs two bites at it but eventually gets his cross into the Spurs box. It finds Zirkzee at the back post, but the Dutchman completely fluffs his attempted volley.

The Spurs fans liked that one.

United come again and have a corner. It falls to Casemiro but he can’t quite get his bearings and steer a meaningful shot on target.

Tel breaks but his pass is behind Johnson, who loses his footing and comes together with Dorgu.

It looks a sore one but he is back up and running, much to the relief of his manager.

Spurs have a chance for 2-0 at the end of a break. Son has it on the right and tees up Kulusevski but his first-time left-footed strike is saved well by Onana.

Hojlund then has a half chance at the other end. It’s frantic stuff. I can’t believe it’s still 1-0.

Danso seems to have picked up a knock and is replaced by Bissouma.

The anxious groans turn to roars briefly as Son charges up the left wing looking to catch United napping.

But Mazraoui does well to recover and defuse the danger.

Fernandes continues to be allowed all the time and space in the world. His deep cross finds Garnacho this time, who wins a corner.

Spurs momentarily clear the danger but United come again. Casemiro has the ball before claiming for a penalty after falling to the ground, but the appeals are correctly waved away.

Up the other end, Tel has a shot from outside the box but he doesn’t catch it and Onana easily gathers.

Zirkzee has been heavily involved today. He plays a throughball for Hojlund but it is just out of reach for the United forward.

A chance then falls Zirkzee’s way after a brilliant Fernandes cross, but his glancing header flies wide of the far post.

Spence continues to impress. He is given space just outside the United box and takes the shot on but it’s a comfortable save for Onana.

The visitors finally have a chance to break but Zirkzee’s pass is loose and easily intercepted.

Amorim can barely watch from the bench and few could blame him.

Johnson is immediately into the action, winning a dangerous free-kick off Dalot.

Son delivers and Kulusevski flicks it goalward but it deflects off Dalot out for a corner.

United need to find a way to get out of their own half here.