Credit: Imago

Tom Griffin

Fri 7 November 2025 21:30, UK

Tottenham’s mouth-watering showdown with Manchester United on Saturday (November 8) will see plenty of narratives emerge.

The two sides share identical records ahead of the clash, having won five, drawn two and lost three of their opening 10 matches.

Spurs, who were beaten 1-0 by Chelsea last time out in the top-flight, are only ahead of Manchester United on goal difference in sixth position.

Meanwhile, Man United drew 2-2 with Nottingham Forest last weekend, ending their three-match winning streak under Ruben Amorim.

So, with nothing much to separate Spurs from United this term, one player could decide this contest and haunt Thomas Frank.

Tottenham could have signed Bryan Mbeumo ahead of Man United

In the summer transfer window, Tottenham were linked with a move for Bryan Mbeumo, and north London seemed the perfect destination for him after working under Frank at Brentford.

But instead of going all out to sign the Cameroon international, Spurs were busy splashing the cash elsewhere, wrapping up marquee deals for Mohammed Kudus, Xavi Simons and Mathys Tel.

That allowed Man United to complete a move for Mbeumo without much fuss, and what a deal it has turned out to be.

Following his 20-goal haul in the Premier League last term, the 26-year-old has started life at Man United in a similar vein of form with four goals in his first 10 top-flight appearances.

Mbeumo has already proven Neil Warnock wrong after he tipped him to crumble under the pressure at Old Trafford, with the powerful attacker doing the opposite.

And when he comes up against Spurs this weekend, he will be looking to haunt Frank for not signing him, whilst helping United win for the first time in eight attempts against Tottenham.

Thomas Frank tips Mbeumo for success at Man United

Frank worked with Mbeumo for six years at Brentford, seeing him grow from a boy into a man during his time at the club.

Unsurprisingly, the Dane has tipped him to achieve big things at United, even if he hopes that is paused when he faces Spurs.

“For me, looking from the outside, maybe a little bit biased, I think he’s been their best offensive player,” Frank said in his press conference.

“He can create, he can score, he works hard, he’s a team player. He’s the perfect example, in my opinion, for a player what I call about attitude, confident but humble. He’s a top player.

“I think he will have fantastic success there. I hope that for him, not tomorrow, but in general, I hope and wish him all the best.”