Premier League update

How far can “Ange-ball” take Spurs? 

A long way. Spirit is vastly underestimated as a factor in fashioning a successful football team, and this is where the human intelligence of new Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou is so impressive – alongside his tactical acumen and unwillingness to compromise on his principles. His approach is to create a Tottenham team that is worth significantly more than the sum of its parts.

Many Spurs supporters were sceptical when he arrived, a low-key appointment following some superstar managers. The reaction was remarkably similar to that of Leicester City fans when Claudio Ranieri turned up there. Winning a league title in his first season is probably beyond Postecoglou, but he has already achieved a significant triumph in restoring the joy and hope to the Tottenham atmosphere.

His other early challenge, replacing Harry Kane, also appears to have been managed successfully with new signing James Maddison effectively dovetailing with Son Heung-min. With the Korean leading the line ahead of a free-roaming Maddison, Tottenham have an attack of pace, energy, craft and quality.

What next for Manchester United? 

More months of strife. How can it be anything else while the Glazer family remain in control at Old Trafford? The never-ending saga of will-they-won’t-they sell the club has clearly had a negative impact on the team’s on-field performances. Fans are disenchanted, the players look uncertain, the stadium is decaying, and Erik ten Hag has struggled to inspire a revival.