Poch says sorry to United after Sissoko stamp

TOTTENHAM manager Mauricio Pochettino apologised for the behaviour of his players during their 2-1 friendly defeat by Manchester United in Shanghai. The flashpoint was a challenge by Moussa Sissoko on Dan James when the Spurs midfielder floored United’s new £15million signing then appeared to stamp on his midriff. Scott McTominay reacted furiously and clashed with Harry Kane as other players joined the melee. Dele Alli had already left United’s other new boy Aaron Wan-Bissaka in a heap before he was cautioned for a tackle on McTominay and Andreas Pereira was booked for a lunge at Kane. Sissoko escaped punishment for his challenge on James and is fortunate the FA are powerless to take retrospective action over the incident. Pochettino said: ‘I was annoyed about some situations. It’s a friendly game. I apologise on behalf of our players.’ United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer played down the ferocity of some of the tackles, saying: ‘It’s a competitive sport and I thought it was very good preparation for the league.’ United flew home straight after the game, their fourth win in a row on tour, having scored nine goals and conceded just one. Anthony Martial put them ahead in the 21st minute, before a Lucas Moura equaliser was deflected past Sergio Romero. Angel Gomes clinched victory for United 10 minutes from time. Meanwhile Spurs chairman Daniel Levy says the club are in a position to spend big despite paying for a £1bn stadium and £25m training ground. Tottenham, who broke their transfer record to sign Tanguy Ndombele for £65m this summer, have now made an audacious £80m move for Juventus striker Paulo Dybala. Levy said: ‘We have embarked on two major projects which will be of great benefit to the club. We will continue wherever we can to improve the team.’