Bleacher Report · Aug 9, 2015
Manchester United vs. Tottenham: Resolute Spurs Improved but Remain Flawed
Tottenham's first match of the season was at once encouraging and frustrating.
The 1-0 defeat to Manchester United at Old Trafford came courtesy of Kyle Walker's first-half own goal but Wayne Rooney would almost certainly have scored in any case.
Once United took the lead, Spurs were deflated and the brittle confidence of such a young side was temporarily broken.
That is the risk that Tottenham have taken by preferring their promising youth to more experienced campaigners.
Spurs were the better side for much of both halves but United were able to hold on.
Resuming their Ajax partnership, it seemed as if they had never stopped playing together.
Alderweireld was particularly impressive.