Exploring the free agents�?market is something that every top club wants to contemplate. The proposition of getting a top name on a free transfer has become somewhat of a norm and teams like Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona have already gone down the route, with the former signing Lionel Messi, Sergio Ramos and Gigio Donnarumma last summer.

It’s the same story every season and by the winter transfer window, not only the players but also the clubs start scouting their options and this year’s no different. By the end of the 2021/22 season, several top names will be out of contract and one can expect significant movements in the summer.

On that note, we look at five big names that are available on a free transfer in the summer of 2022.

Kylian Mbappe - Paris Saint-Germain

Kylian Mbappe was a subject of interest for Real Madrid last summer and even the club made peace with the fact that there’s no point in tabling more offers for the French forward. Back then, Real Madrid made a �?60 million offer for the 23-year-old but saw their bid getting an outright rejection.

As things stand, Mbappe’s current PSG contract will run down in June 2022 and despite forcing an exit early in the season, he is said to be in talks with the club over a potential renewal. That deal, however, is only to ensure the young forward does not leave the club for free.

Paul Pogba - Manchester United

Paul Pogba, whose last Manchester United appearance came in November 2021, is expected to leave the club on a free transfer for the second time in his career. Neither the player nor the team seemed to have made up their mind over a decision, and as things stand, the parties involved are ready to wait until the last minute before making any kind of commitment.

Pogba, who joined United in 2016 on a five-year contract, is free to sign a pre-contract with a foreign club in January but is expected to wait until summer. It is being said that Juventus, Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid are monitoring his situation, but no offer has been placed so far.

Angel di Maria - Paris Saint-Germain

Another high-profile name from the French capital is that of Angel di Maria. The former Real Madrid and Manchester United winger will be out of contract in June 2022 and hasn’t found an agreement in place over a possible extension. It is reported that the player has been offered to Inter by his agent but the Argentine is being assessed since he is not the priority at the moment.

Despite going under the radar, the left-footed winger has scored three goals coupled with four assists in 13 Ligue 1 games this season. And while there is hope that he will, in fact, sign a new deal, an agreement is yet to be reached.

Antonio Rudiger - Chelsea

Chelsea have as many as three first-choice defenders who will be out of contract in the summer. One of them is Antonio Rudiger, who has attracted interest from some of the top clubs around the continent. While there are hopes that he will put pen to a new long-term deal with Blues, interest from Barcelona and Real Madrid persists. And these are the kinds of teams that are hard to reject.

Chelsea are set to be working on a new contract, but it is said that the defender will assess his options before committing to his future.

Ousmane Dembele - Barcelona

Barcelona are in absolute mess regarding the future of Ousmane Dembele. The French forward will be out of contract in the summer and although the Catalan club has already tabled a few offers, the player is yet to accept the term.

While Barcelona are keen on extending his stay, lucrative offers from the Premier League mean the team cannot compete with the suitors on the financial front given they are already failing to comply with La Liga’s salary cap rule. Dembele’s salary demand is proving to be the stumbling block and judging by the looks of things, an exit seems quite evident.

Featured photo: AFP / Thomas Coex

Paul Pogba became the first Manchester United player to provide four assists in one Premier League match during United’s 5-1 win over Leeds United in their opening match of the 2021-22 season. 

The French midfielder became only the seventh player in Premier League history to achieve the feat. 

The highlights you've all been waiting for! #MUFC | #MUNLEE pic.twitter.com/DSk0ZPW3A0

�?Manchester United (@ManUtd) August 14, 2021

Two of Pogba’s four assists on Saturday were converted by Bruno Fernandes while the others set up Mason Greenwood and Fred. 

4 - Paul Pogba is the 7th different player to register four assists in a single Premier League match, and the first Man Utd player to do so. The Frenchman made just three assists in his 26 league games in total last season. Fantastic. #MUNLEE

�?OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) August 14, 2021

Four assists in one Premier League match is the most any player has managed and here’s the list of six others who have achieved the record in the past:

Dennis Bergkamp (1999): Arsenal vs Leicester City

Former Arsenal midfielder Dennis Bergkamp was the first player to reach a quartet of assists in Gunner’s 5-0 win over Leicester City in 1999. The Dutch midfielder, who scored a hat-trick against Leicester in 1997, turned into a creator as three of his four assists were converted by Nicolas Anelka.

Jose Antonio Reyes (2006): Arsenal vs Middlesbrough

Seven years after setting the benchmark, it was another Gunner in Jose Antonio Reyes who managed to achieve the feat. Up against Middlesbrough in 2006, Arsenal scored seven goals and a certain Thierry Henry grabbed the headlines with a hat-trick. 

While the Frenchman deservedly received the accolades, Reyes was on the top of his game too. Two of his four assists went to Henry while others were converted by Philippe Senderos and Aliaksandr Hleb.

Cesc Fabregas (2009): Arsenal vs Blackburn

In 2009, it was another Arsenal player who provided four assists in one Premier League match. This time, it was Cesc Fabregas. The Spaniard not only provided assists but also scored a goal himself as Arsenal beat Blackburn 6-2. At the time, Fabregas was only the third player to have four assists in one league match.

Emmanuel Adebayor (2012): Tottenham vs Newcastle United

While Emmanuel Adebayor is the first non-Arsenal player on the list, he does have Arsenal roots in his veins. In 2012, while playing for Tottenham against Newcastle United, the center forward put on a dominant display as his team emerged 5-0 victors. Like Fabregas, he not only provided assists but also had a goal to his name.

Two of his four assists went to Louis Saha while Benoit Assou-Ekotto and Niko Kranjcar were the other scorers.

Santi Cazorla (2013): Arsenal vs Wigan

In May 2013, Arsenal pushed Wigan Athletic to relegation in a game where Santi Cazorla wreaked absolute havoc. The former Spain midfielder provided assists to Lukas Podolski, Theo Walcott and Aaron Ramsey as Arsenal won the game 4-1. In a performance of sheer brilliance, Cazorla stamped his authority in some style.

Harry Kane (2020): Southampton vs Tottenham

There has to be a London connection, doesn’t it? During the 2020-21 Premier League season, Tottenham Hotspur came from behind to beat Southampton 5-2 in a game dominated by Harry Kane. All of Kane’s assists were converted by Son Heung-Min and the England forward got himself on the scoresheet as well.

While there are only seven players who managed to provide four assists in a Premier League game, former Southampton midfielder Dusan Tadic’s feat is worth a  special mention. 

In October 2014, Southampton registered their biggest ever victory when they defeated Sunderland 8-0 at St. Mary’s Stadium. This game saw Tadic registering four assists, but one of those goals was an own goal. He nevertheless finished with three assists on the night.

Players with four assists in one Premier League match
Player	Team	Opposition	Year
Dennis Bergkamp	Arsenal	Leicester City	1999
Jose Antonio Reyes	Arsenal	Middlesbrough	2006
Cesc Fabregas	Arsenal	Blackburn	2009
Emmanuel Adebayor	Tottenham	Newcastle United	2012
Santi Cazorla	Arsenal	Wigan	2013
Harry Kane	Tottenham	Southampton	2020
Paul Pogba	Manchester United	Leeds United	2021

Featured photo: AFP / Adrian Dennis

English heavyweights Manchester United and Liverpool will lock horns in the Premier League at the Old Trafford Stadium in the early hours of Friday.

This Manchester United vs Liverpool fixture was originally scheduled for last weekend but a protest by the United fans on the Old Trafford pitch forced the authorities to postpone it.

This comes in the wake of the European Super League controversy and the fans�?discontent about the ownership of Manchester United, which is currently with the Glazer family.

On Tuesday, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men faltered in the match against Leicester City, officially putting an end to their title hopes as cross-town rivals Manchester City were crowned EPL champions.

The Red Devils will be aiming to put aside their loss and end the hectic three-game week with a win over Jurgen Klopp’s men.

While Man United are playing to finish second, Liverpool, on the other hand, are fighting for a UEFA Champions League berth and are currently placed at the sixth position.

Liverpool have regained form in the last month, being unbeaten in the last six league matches. However, it might be too little too late for the Reds as their race to the top four now depends on other teams dropping points in the coming weeks.

All in all, an exciting match is on the cards with the usual suspects Bruno Fernandes, Marcus Rashford, Mason Greenwood, Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firminho slated to have a big say in the box office event.

Where to watch Manchester United vs Liverpool live in India?

Watch Manchester United vs Liverpool telecast live on Sports Select 1 and Star Sports Select 1 HD TV channels in India. The match begins at 12:45 AM IST on Friday.

Live streaming of the Man Utd vs Liverpool in India will be on Disney+ Hotstar.

Featured photo: AFP / Martin Rickett

When Paul Pogba returned to Manchester United in 2016 for a then-world record fee of £89 million, it was the homecoming that the supporters dreamt of. Having left the club in 2012, Pogba had established himself as one of the best midfielders on the planets in his four seasons at Juventus, putting himself on the wishlist of every team on the planet.

But the prospect of returning home under newly-appointed manager Jose Mourinho to play alongside recently acquired Zlatan Ibrahimovic was simply too tantalising for Pogba to turn down. Moreover, United were the only club willing to shell out Juventus' demand of a world-record fee for their maverick midfielder and after a long-drawn-out saga that stretched into August, the reunion happened. Paul Pogba went back home to pull a club out of its rut and lead them back to the top�?But alas, it has been anything but a happy marriage. 

In the four seasons in Pogba’s second spell at Manchester United, the club has finished in the top four just twice and finished sixth twice as well. They have won just two trophies, both of which came in Pogba’s first season under Mourinho, while all their rivals have either won just as many trophies or have won the biggest prizes in club football.

Pogba himself has been a shadow of the player that he was at Juventus. In 175 matches, Pogba has scored 33 goals and assisted 35, and outside of the honeymoon period that he enjoyed in the early months under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, the Frenchman has been inconsistent and lackadaisical in his approach on the field. 

United have tried everything to get the best out of Pogba. They have tried a variety of formations to fit their talented Frenchmen, they have dabbled with personnel, signing the likes of Nemanja Matic and Fred to ease Pogba’s defensive duties and then went on and signed Bruno Fernandes to alleviate the pressure of creating chances from the midfield. 

Despite all that, Pogba is yet to establish himself as the centrepiece of the Manchester United puzzle. Fernandes, who was brought in to compliment Pogba, has taken over the mantle of leading the side by example and has quickly become a fan-favourite at the club, reducing the Frenchman to the stepchild of the family. 

Pogba’s own comments of wanting ‘a new challenge�?and calling Real Madrid ‘a dream club�?have further disillusioned the fans about his commitment to the club. With him not performing upto the standards expected and then him seemingly flirting with other clubs is simply unacceptable to the Old Trafford faithful.

Pogba’s current contract runs up till 2022. The club have been in constant negotiations with his agent to extend his stay, but it seems rather redundant to do so. The Frenchman clearly isn’t 100% committed to the club and Bruno Fernandes has become the lynchpin that the club hoped Pogba would. 

Selling Pogba and adding a more defensive-minded midfielder could serve United better than relying on the Frenchman, who so far this season has conceded more goals than goal contributions for the club.

At just 28, Pogba is just entering his prime years as a footballer. United could easily fetch atleast their initial investment of £89 million, if not a boatload more, by selling the Frenchman. The capital raised by Pogba’s departure could easily fund two new midfield players for Manchester United that could add more balance than he does.

In all, it simply doesn’t make sense for Pogba or United to continue their marriage beyond 2021. He hasn’t been the leader the club hoped for, neither the club has provided him with the environment that could help him thrive. It is time for both parties to swallow their pride, do the right thing and move on from each other.

Feature image courtesy: AFP / Paul Ellis

We have seen some mesmerizing performances in the ongoing edition of the English Premier League so far, but at the same time, we have seen some big names coming up with disappointing returns as well. Here, we take a look at three such players who have flopped big time in this season thus far.

Timo Werner (Chelsea)

The 23-year-old made a move to Chelsea on the back of a stellar outing in the 2019/20 season for RB Leipzig. Werner scored a total of 34 goals during the season and thus established his name as one of the best strikers in Europe at present. However, his shooting boots have been missing ever since arriving at Stamford Bridge. Werner has played full 90 minutes in all of Chelsea's four Premier League games thus far and has failed to find the back of the net in all of them. From what has transpired in the matches so far, it appears that he is yet to find the proper synchronization on the field with the other players. Werner will be hoping to end his lean patch soon and regain the form he was in last season.

Anthony Martial (Manchester United)

The French forward was Manchester United's joint-top-scorer in the 2019/20 Premier League season. He scored a total of 17 goals last time around and was thus one of the main reasons behind their late revival of form. However, as things stand this season, Martial has failed to score in three outings for the Red Devils in the Premier League so far. He couldn't find the back of the net despite playing full 90 minutes in their loss to Crystal Palace. He also played 89 minutes in their narrow win over Brighton and failed to score once again. Moreover, his indiscipline on the pitch in their big clash against Tottenham Hotspur saw him getting sent off in the 27th minute as well. That left United with one man short and they lost the match by a massive 6-1 margin.

Paul Pogba (Manchester United)

He spent a major part of the last season on the sidelines due to a series of injuries and thus could accumulate only one goal and three assists in the Premier League. But, as he was fully fit and free of injuries ahead of the beginning of this season, Pogba was expected to be back at his best again. However, things haven't quite gone along the expected lines as he has neither contributed with goals nor assists in the three Premier League games Manchester United have played so far. The transfer speculations to Real Madrid have played some part in contributing to the dip in his performances as well but there's no denying the fact that the Frenchman has been far from his best.

Feature image courtesy: AFP / Neil Hall

Manchester United fans have now got a reason to celebrate as the iconic club recently announced the signing of Dutch midfielder Donny van de Beek on a five-year deal.

The Red Devils acquired the services of the 23-year-old from Ajax for a reported £40 million fee and considering how he has performed over the last couple of years, van de Beek is worth every bit of that sum.

He is one of the best young midfielders in the world at present and was a regular name in Ajax's starting lineup before making his move to the Old Trafford. However, with two of the world's best midfielders -- Bruno Fernandes and Paul Pogba -- already there with United, will van de Beek get enough game time at his new club?

We can't wait to see what the next chapter holds! #MUFC @Donny_Beek6 pic.twitter.com/Gskd6Ry8ob

�?Manchester United (@ManUtd) September 2, 2020

The answer might be 'No' for the initial part of his journey with the Red Devils unless one of the two aforementioned players are forced to sit out due to injury. But that doesn't mean that the youngster isn't important to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's plans or Manchester United's future.

• What makes Donny van de Beek so special?

The last season showed that even though the club had great quality in their Starting XI, the attacking prospects in their bench looked absolutely thin. Look at clubs like Manchester City, Liverpool or Bayern Munich for example. Not only they have quality players as their first team material, but their bench boasts of some of the world's brightest talents as well. 

They always have good replacements available whenever any of their first-team players get injured. Not only that, but they can also rotate the players to manage their workload and prevent long term injuries as well.

Dear @ManUtd,

Enjoy the Future. ♥️#DreamLikeDonny pic.twitter.com/QVKS3Q0Snk

�?Edwin van der Sar (@vdsar1970) September 3, 2020

So van de Beek's role becomes very important from this aspect. Pogba is quite prone to injuries and that has always been a concern for Manchester United in the last couple of seasons. The former Ajax midfielder becomes the perfect asset to take the Frenchman's position in case of any fitness concerns.

Given his abilities of contributing both in attack and defence, it is safe to say he will seemingly fit alongside Pogba and Fernandes, completing a perfect setup for United in the middle of the park.

Moreover, if Pogba is to leave, the doors to United's starting XI will open up forever for van de Beek. And even if that doesn't pan out, he can always bide his time with the club as he is just 23 years old.

It's not that he won't be getting games at all towards the starting phase. Solskjaer will definitely look to rotate him in alternate matches to keep him in the action and lessen the workload on Fernandes and Pogba as well.

Van de Beek is capable of playing both as a No. 8 and No. 10 and that gives Solskjaer a lot of flexibility and cushion in his squad. That's exactly the reason van de Beek was brought to the Old Trafford and he will be eager to live up to the expectations.

Feature image courtesy: AFP / John Thys

Manchester United and French national team’s Paul Pogba has tested positive for the global virus, according to national team coach Didier Deschamps.

The 27-year-old was in the French squad that is scheduled to take on Pogba's club teammate Victor Lindelof and his Sweden side followed by a repeat of the 2018 FIFA World Cup final against Croatia. However, the positive test result means Pogba will now isolate for 14 days before being tested again.

Didier Deschamps a indiqué s'être passé de Paul Pogba suite à un test positif au Covid-19

�?Yahoo Sport France (@YahooSportFR) August 27, 2020

"Unfortunately he underwent a test yesterday (Wednesday) which was revealed to be positive this morning," Deschamps said of Pogba's absence from the group.

The news comes as another huge blow to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Manchester United, who are due to start pre-season training soon without any new signings in sight and now with their ace midfielder.

Tottenham Hotspur's Tanguy N'Dombele, who is heavily linked to a move away from North London, has also tested positive for the disease and he too is ruled out for France's upcoming matches on September 6th and 9th. 

• Eight Chelsea players in quarantine ahead of new Premier League season

Rennes' 17-year-old midfielder Eduardo Camavinga has been called up to the national side to replace Paul Pogba for the matches against Sweden and Croatia. The teenager had a breakthrough campaign in Ligue 1 this season and has been a subject of interest for Europe’s biggest clubs including Real Madrid, Manchester United, Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich.

But the youngster has pledged his commitment to Rennes for the upcoming campaign and the club has also slapped an 80 million euro price tag on their crown jewel, which hasn’t deterred the pursuit of those chasing the young Frenchman. 

Camavinga joins Lyon's Houssem Aouar and RB Leipzig’s Dayot Upamecano in being called-up to the national team for the first time.

France squad:

Goalkeepers: Hugo Lloris (Tottenham/ENG), Mike Maignan (Lille), Steve Mandanda (Marseille)

Defenders: Lucas Digne (Everton/ENG), Leo Dubois (Lyon), Lucas Hernandez (Bayern/GER), Presnel Kimpembe (PSG), Clement Lenglet (Barcelona/ESP), Ferland Mendy (Real Madrid/ESP), Dayot Upamecano (RB Leipzig/GER), Raphael Varane (Real Madrid/ESP)

Midfielders: Eduardo Camavinga (Rennes), N'Golo Kante (Chelsea/ENG), Steven Nzonzi (Rennes), Adrien Rabiot (Juventus/ITA), Moussa Sissoko (Tottenham/ENG)

Forwards: Houssem Aouar (Lyon), Wissam Ben Yedder (Monaco), Olivier Giroud (Chelsea/ENG), Antoine Griezmann (Barcelona/ESP), Jonathan Ikone (Lille), Anthony Martial (Manchester United/ENG), Kylian Mbappe (PSG)

Feature image courtesy: AFP / Guillaume  Souvant

Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will not seek huge funds for transfers this summer due to the economic realities of the global pandemic but is keen for the club to tie down Paul Pogba to a long-term contract.

United executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward has warned it will not be "business as usual" in the transfer market and said that during football's shutdown from (the pandemic), "speculation around transfers of individual players for hundreds of millions of pounds this summer seems to ignore the realities that face the sport".

The form of Solskjaer's men since returning to action last month has also suggested United do not need to spend tens of millions in the upcoming window.

The emergence of teenager Mason Greenwood - who has scored three times in his last two games - has helped quieten speculation over a move for Borussia Dortmund's Jadon Sancho.

"There's got to be realism," Solskjaer said. "I think the whole world has changed, both financially and the perception that we've got on values.

"So every time I put the case in front of Ed, I think it's a sensible one and it's a realistic one.

"I think I've proven to the club that I've always got the club in the front of my mind and the best for the club. I'll always think long term and try to be making good deals. I'm always quite careful with money, my own personal money as well."

Pogba's return to fitness has been a key factor to a run of four wins and a draw from five games since the restart.

The French World Cup winner looked destined to leave Old Trafford for the second time in his career prior to the pandemic.

However, interest from Real Madrid is now unlikely to materialise this summer and Pogba has formed a formidable partnership with Bruno Fernandes in the midfield.

Pogba's contract expires next summer, although United have the option to extend that deal by a further year.

Midfielders Scott McTominay and Nemanja Matic have recently penned new deals with the club and Solskjaer is hopeful Pogba will follow suit.

"Of course we want to keep the best players around the club. We want to build a squad for the future.

"Scott and Nemanja, they're in a similar position but at different stages in their careers. One at the start, one really experienced. We also need players in that mid-range group, so hopefully, we can do something.

"I know that since Paul's come back now he's looking better and better. He's just enjoying his football and let's see where it takes us."

Feature image courtesy: AFP / Ian Kington

Paul Pogba has applauded Manchester United's "beautiful" attack, relishing his role in the team's push for a Champions League spot after a season ravaged by injury.

The French World Cup winner's return to fitness has been a key factor in United's run of four wins and a draw in five games since the restart.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's men, who play Aston Villa on Thursday, are fifth in the Premier League, four points behind Leicester with a game in hand, and on a 16-game unbeaten run in all competitions.

Pogba looked destined to leave Old Trafford for the second time in his career before the lockdown but has since formed a formidable partnership with Bruno Fernandes in midfield.

He said his extended period on the sidelines had further enhanced his love for football and he was "really, really happy" to be back.

"Just being back training, touching the ball and doing what I love is amazing," he told manutd.com. "I missed it so much."

The midfielder said Solskjaer's team had made major strides after an indifferent start to the season.

"We play more as a team than we did before, we enjoy it even more, we defend together, we attack together, and this team is stronger as well," he said.

Read | Solskjaer realistic on transfers but keen to keep Pogba

"The players who are on the bench or who don't play every time, they come on they help the team so the mentality is good and is right. All this together has put us where we are today."

The arrival of Fernandes in January has transformed the club's fortunes and Pogba said watching the attacking players in action was a joy.

"From behind I just enjoy it," he said. "I'm enjoying just watching Bruno, (Marcus) Rashford, (Anthony) Martial and Mason (Greenwood), who all played the last game, and seeing them score goals. You just keep applauding, it’s beautiful�?they make me enjoy football every time.

"As well though there is the defensive work that people don't talk about -- they do it. The pressing -- they do it�?that’s what you maybe don’t see that much."

Pogba said United were relishing the pressure of chasing a top-four spot.

"We're never satisfied with one trophy or one game we win or two games or 10 games, you want more, you always want more.

"That’s what makes Manchester United the biggest club, for me, in England."

Feature image courtesy: AFP / Dave Thompson

Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer believes he can rekindle Paul Pogba's best form after the Frenchman made a big impact in his first appearance for six months in a 1-1 draw at Tottenham on Friday.

Solskjaer left the World Cup winner on the bench from the start, but Pogba won the penalty for United's equaliser, converted by Bruno Fernandes, with a sublime piece of skill to bamboozle Eric Dier.

Pogba has been beset by ankle injuries this season, making just nine appearances, and has been heavily linked with a move away from Manchester.

"Paul always has a point to prove because he wants to be the best," said Solskjaer. "He's had such a frustrating season with his injuries.

"For me, Paul has shown today how he can contribute. I just look forward to getting him fitter so he can get back to his best."

A point does little for either side's chances of breaking into the top four.

Read | Four things we learned from the Premier League restart

United remain in fifth, two points behind Chelsea, but Spurs were even more desperate for the points as they remain in eighth, four points further back.

Jose Mourinho was on course to get the better of his former club when Steven Bergwijn's strike gave Spurs a half-time lead.

However, Mourinho was left frustrated when United's second-half pressure finally told nine minutes from time when Fernandes converted from the spot.

Fernandes then thought he had won a second penalty, but a VAR review decided there was little contact as he went down under another challenge from Dier.

"We know Manchester United has an incredible record this season of penalties given, so we knew everything in the box was dangerous for us," said Mourinho.

"I think in the first penalty, the referee made this decision which I admit is difficult for referees, but then the VAR is a different story.

"Referees can make mistakes but I don't think VAR should make mistakes, then the second penalty is incredible for me."

In keeping with all matches since the Premier League's return earlier this week, all players and officials took a knee before kick in protest against racial injustice.

Once the action did get underway, United settled quickest to the eery surroundings of a 62,000 seater stadium draped in banners with the only fans appearing on giant video screens behind each goal.

Read | Man City make winning return after joining race protest

Marcus Rashford has had a momentous week as the English international's campaign to ensure vulnerable children are not left without food vouchers during the English school holidays forced a government U-turn.

Solskjaer described the 22-year-old's action as far "more important than any game of football that he would probably play."

However, the England international admitted he was also desperate to get back to the day job after being sidelined since January with a back injury prior to the global shutdown of football for three months.

Rashford had the best chance to turn the visitors' early control into a goal as his low shot was beaten away by the legs of Hugo Lloris.

Prior to lockdown, Mourinho spoke of his desire to fast forward to the end of the season when he would have Harry Kane, Son Heung-min, Moussa Sissoko and Bergwijn fit again.

All four were fit to return to the starting line-up and it was an inspired moment from the Dutchman which opened the scoring.

Bergwijn surged past the leaden-footed Harry Maguire before David de Gea could only parry his powerful shot into the roof of the net.

Tottenham sat on their lead after the break and invited plenty of United pressure.

Lloris kept United at bay with an incredible save to deny compatriot Anthony Martial.

Pogba was then introduced from the bench and made an instant impact in his first appearance since December 26.

The midfielder's quick feet left Eric Dier in his wake and Dier then pushed Pogba over inside the box as he tried to recover.

Fernandes coolly sent Lloris the wrong way from the penalty spot to deservedly level and moments later went down himself inside the box.

Jon Moss pointed to the spot again, but Rashford's chance to score the winner was taken from him as this time the VAR call went Mourinho's way.

Feature image courtesy: AFP / Matthew Childs