United starlet Gomes hits winner as tempers flare against Spurs

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Teenager Angel Gomes squeezed in the winner 10 minutes from time as Manchester United beat Tottenham Hotspur 2-1 in what could be described as bad-tempered friendly on Thursday in Shanghai.

French striker Anthony Martial put Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men ahead in the first half, before Spurs substitute Lucas Moura replied with a scrappy effort in the second.

After wholesale changes from both sides – Solskjaer swapped out all 11 starters at the break – Spurs had looked the more dangerous, before 18-year-old Gomes struck the winner for united.

The Victory makes it four wins from four pre-season games for United.

United manager Solskjaer, who is under pressure to prove that he is the man to take United back into the Champions League, named a strong side that included want away midfielder Paul Pogba and new signings Daniel James and Aaron Wan-Bissaka.

The match was filled with hard tackles as both side confronted each other during the game.

Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino apologised to Manchester United but said that he was also annoyed and worried by some challenges in a feisty 2-1 defeat on Thursday.

The supposedly friendly match threatened to boil over at times in blistering fashion, particularly during a bad-tempered first half.

Spurs’ attacking midfielder Dele Alli was earlier booked for two nasty challenges and booed off when subbed on the hour.

“It’s true that I was a little bit annoyed about some situations and not happy – it’s a friendly,” said Pochettino.

“When you are tired and hot, sometimes you are not right and arrive late (to tackle). I apologise on behalf of our players to United.”

But the Argentine, who took Spurs to the final of the Champions League last season, said that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side were not blameless themselves.

“In the second half they did the same to us,” he said.

“I was worried. When something happens in pre-season (an injury), it’s tough.”

His Norwegian counterpart said he thought the International Champions Cup match was a good test for the tough season ahead.

“No tippy-tappy football,” he said.

“No problems about some of the tackles. You are worried (about injury), but no injuries.

“We also gave (it out), we did not just receive.”

United made it four wins from as many pre-season games thanks to a winner from teenager Angel Gomes.

United defender Eric Bailly had to be stretchered off in the second half with what could be a serious knee injury – there was no suggestion Spurs were to blame.

































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