Refocused: Man United's Attacking Threat Praised by Tottenham's Thomas Frank
Tottenham head coach Thomas Frank praises Manchester United's attacking strength despite a 2-2 draw, highlighting a key stat that showcases the Red Devils' potent front line. Read on for insights from the thrilling encounter and Frank's perspective on the match.
Tottenham head coach Thomas Frank has claimed he was happy to have only given up five shots to Manchester United during their 2-2 draw in the Premier League on Saturday due to the visitors' attacking strength. The Red Devils led for much of the game before Spurs scored twice in quick succession late on, only for Matthijs de Ligt to head in a 96th-minute equaliser to ensure the spoils were shared.United took the lead midway through the first half through £71 million ($93m) summer signing Bryan Mbeumo, who rose highest to meet an Amad Diallo cross. Mathys Tel came off the bench to bring Tottenham level on 84 minutes, and then Richarlison thought he had won it with a deft header to redirect Wilson Odobert's shot from distance. However, one last United corner saw Bruno Fernandes plant the ball atop the head of De Ligt, whose effort crept over the line to salvage a point for the visitors.De Ligt's header was only United's fifth attempt of the game, with both of their shots on target going in. They accumulated 0.63 expected goals, compared to the 0.96 tally of Tottenham, who had 10 shots with four on target.Much of the buildup to this fixture centred on United's run of four straight defeats to Tottenham across all competitions, including in the Europa League final in May. But Frank denied that match or this record had any bearing on his plans, claiming Ruben Amorim has done well to make the Red Devils a more threatening outfit.Frank told GOAL: "I think I saw this game as one game ahead of us, to try to do everything we could to try to win it. That was the aim of the game. I spoke before the game about it's clear they have improved this season. They look, how can you say, more in sync together. But I think especially going forward they look like a big threat. That's why I actually think, I know we conceded two goals, but if you said to me before the game concede five shots in the game, I would take that. So we're all happy."Looking for smarter football bets? Get expert previews, data-driven predictions & winning insights with GOAL Tips on Telegram. Join our growing community now!The Spurs boss also came up against a familiar face in Mbeumo, who was signed by the Dane at Brentford in 2019. Mbeumo scored 70 goals in 242 matches under Frank before completing a mega-money move to United this summer, despite interest from Tottenham and his former manager.Though the Cameroonian has been a revelation from his favoured right-wing position this season, Amorim shifted him to the left to face Spurs, pushing Amad into the front three and dropping striker Benjamin Sesko to the bench. Nevertheless, Frank said this was a wrinkle he wasn't totally stunned by."I think it's not the first time Ruben has, how can you say, played around with the front three," he added. "I think no matter where Bryan plays he's a threat, which he showed again today."Regarding the game in general, Frank said: "Of course, the emotions inside me are high but I take the positives out of this game. That’s what I believe and how I believe in building a good team and keep adding layers to it."Overall, a fine/good performance against a good Man United team which is definitely in flow. We are talking a bit about our, how can you say, level of defensive/attacking threats and to play against a Man Utd side that play with confidence with [Matheus] Cunha, Mbeumo, Amad and Sesko coming on and we kept them to five shots. It's just another example on the other way around that it's not that easy to create in the Premier League even though they had all their big boys out there."Second half, I was extremely happy with our response. We are playing at home and of course we all want to win and don't talk too much about (Tottenham's bad) home form and all that. I know we need to win before we don't talk about it. The way we turned it around to stay in the game, kept doing the right thing throughout the second half very happy with that. So close to winning it. On any other day, we win it."Ahead of the rest of the weekend's fixtures, Tottenham sit third in the Premier League table, while a resurgent United, who are unbeaten in their last five games, are seventh, but only behind Tottenham on goal difference.
Tottenham's Thomas Frank on United's Attacking Prowess
Following a thrilling 2-2 draw between Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United, Spurs boss Thomas Frank commended the Red Devils' attacking threat. Despite giving up only five shots to United, Frank acknowledged the visitors' improved attacking cohesion and potency. With United leading for a significant portion of the game, Spurs managed to secure a late equalizer before witnessing Matthijs de Ligt's dramatic 96th-minute header to salvage a point.
United's Clinical Display
Manchester United's attacking efficiency was evident in their clinical display against Tottenham. Despite having only five attempts on goal, two of which were on target, United managed to score two crucial goals. Bryan Mbeumo's header and Bruno Fernandes' pinpoint delivery to De Ligt exemplified United's precision in front of goal.
Frank's Analysis and Tactical Observations
Thomas Frank shared his insights on the match, emphasizing the difficulty of containing United's attacking quartet of Cunha, Mbeumo, Amad, and Sesko. Despite being pleased with his team's defensive efforts, Frank acknowledged the challenge posed by United's quality in the final third. He also noted Ruben Amorim's tactical versatility and the adaptability of Bryan Mbeumo, who excelled in a different role during the match.
Positives for Tottenham and United
Both Tottenham and Manchester United can draw positives from the encounter. Tottenham showcased resilience and attacking intent, while United's unbeaten run highlights their growing confidence and form. As the Premier League season progresses, both teams will look to build on their performances and maintain their positions in the table.
Looking Ahead
With Tottenham sitting third in the Premier League standings and United climbing up to seventh, the race for the top spots is heating up. As the season unfolds, fans can expect more captivating matches and intriguing storylines to emerge. The competitive nature of the league promises exciting football and intense battles for supremacy.

