Spurs 1-2 United U21s - Ugo's verdict

Ugo Ehiogu was determined not to let the manner of defeat overshadow the positives of the performance as our Under-21s suffered an injury time loss against Manchester United on Monday night.

A high-tempo, keenly-contested encounter but one of few chances looked to be heading for stalemate as we entered the final five minutes at Stevenage’s Lamex Stadium.

Instead, the match came to life.

Adnan Januzaj curled a free-kick into the top corner to open the scoring for United on 86 minutes, Nathan Oduwa levelled two minutes later only for Tom Thorpe’s header to win it in the 92nd minute.

“United had a lot of quality out there and the pleasing thing for us was that we matched their mentality,” said coach Ugo.

“Our mentality was good, the best it’s been for a long time. There was a desire not to lose and for 89 minutes, our two central defenders were very good, they tackled everything, headed, organised, that was pleasing.

“But to then to concede a free header in the six yard box, unmarked - it’s schoolboy stuff really.

“It’s hard to take and the players will have to pick themselves up.

“Josh Onomah was exceptional, drove at the heart of United, controlled the game. I was happy with Harry Winks. We spoke to him about controlling the game better, not always being able to hit the killer passes and talked about his energy levels and they were good.

“Dominic Ball was very good, Nathan Oduwa as well. The lads are starting to do some of the stuff we’re asking of them but it’s the small details that you always hope they get.

“The disappointing thing after all those positives was that we spoke about the importance of set-pieces on Sunday and that’s what has cost us in the end.”