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Tottenham still ‘not where we want to be’ says Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg despite demolition of Manchester United

North London side put the Red Devils to the sword at Old Trafford, emerging 6-1 winners on Sunday

Jonathan Veal
Monday 05 October 2020 14:57 BST
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Jose Mourinho expresses sympathy for Manchester United after Spurs win

Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg insists there is even more to come from Tottenham after they dished out Manchester United’s joint-heaviest ever Premier League defeat on Sunday.

Spurs ran riot at Old Trafford, winning 6-1 and making a statement that they could challenge at the top of the table this season.

A clueless United contributed to their own downfall, but it was a slick, attacking display from Jose Mourinho’s men, who took their tally to 11 goals in two away games.

The manner of the victory against a traditional top-six club gives Hojbjerg hope, but he says Spurs still have room for improvement.

"In the end the result is only three points like any other win, but I think mentally it is a good step and good proof that we are heading in the right direction," the midfielder said.

"But we are by far not where we want to be. But we are on the right way and we are working hard and most importantly we are working in the same direction and that is very powerful."

The win was even more remarkable considering it came at the end of a gruelling period in which Spurs have played seven games in 22 days and travelled to Bulgaria and Macedonia in the Europa League.

Hojbjerg, who claimed an assist at Old Trafford with a delightful through-ball to Serge Aurier, felt his side's character shone through during the busy schedule.

"The word for me is: character," he said. "It shows that there is only one thing we are going for and that is to win every single game we are playing.

"Of course you need quality and of course you need fit players, but for me the character really stands out that we keep going and keep pushing and that is very nice to be part of.

"It was not just the 90 minutes on the pitch, but also it was the preparation for the game. The coaching staff prepared us really well. The team executed the plan and the quality in the team has produced as well, so all in all a very, very nice day for the club and the players."

It was United's joint-darkest day in the Premier League, matching their 6-1 loss to Manchester City in 2011.

Midfielder Scott McTominay, who was brought on at half-time, promised a reaction.

"You get these shock results that come around, hopefully never again in your career," he told MUTV. "Everybody in that dressing room I can assure you is very, very hurt and we know it's not about speaking to people and listening to what other people say.

"It's about focusing on ourselves. This football club is absolutely massive and for us to play and perform like that is nowhere near good enough.

"Believe me, something will be done about that when we get back. Everyone will be firmly focused on what we have to do going into the remaining part of the first stage of the season."

PA

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