When the moveable object meets the resistable force, something has to give. That could be Manchester United’s thought, but also Tottenham’s. A meeting of early-season underachievers may be a reminder of a dreadful Europa League final – not just in the football, but in the reality it was contested by two teams who finished 15th and 17th in their domestic division – and of opportunities missed, of the ones who got away.
United hoped Mateus Fernandes would be in their midfield now; instead Spurs took them out of the equation to sign the Portuguese from West Ham by bidding £85m.
