Brian Mbeumo has urged his Manchester United team-mates to keep their fighting spirit alive after saving a draw against Tottenham on Saturday, saying he told them to “stay in the game” even when they were down 2-1. United initially took the lead at half-time thanks to a clever header from Mbeumo, but they surrendered a one-goal lead for the second time in eight days and were 2-1 up by the end of the game.
As in the previous week’s game against Nottingham Forest, United saved a point through Matthijs de Ligt’s late header, ensuring they had returned from the capital with something to match their efforts. Mbeumo’s first-half goal meant the forward had now scored four goals in his last four appearances for United, and he shared his thoughts on the result after the final whistle.
“It was a big drama, but in the end we managed to come back in the final stages of the game. Even if we don’t win, we don’t want to lose. We knew it would be difficult in the second half. They will push us,” Mbeumo told TNT Sports.
“But until we conceded the first goal, we were playing a very good game. Very solid, but we still need to work on conceding goals.”
“I talked to the players and tried to tell them to stay in the game. There were five minutes left. We know what can happen and I think everyone has a very strong mentality right now to come back and that’s what we’ve done. If you don’t lose, it gives you confidence.”
Mbeumo added: “It’s always easy on the pitch, off the pitch and on the training ground, so everyone is having a lot of fun and we’ll try to build on this situation for as long as possible.”
“Obviously this is a great place to play and develop. I have great team-mates who help me and I think everyone is working hard and I think that makes everyone’s job easier.”
The stalemate with Spurs left United unbeaten in the Premier League in five games. After the November international break, they play at home to Everton, before hosting Crystal Palace and West Ham.
