Maddison answers ‘outside noise’ with Man United winner | OneFootball

James Maddison said he was confident he could ‘be the difference’ in Tottenham’s 1-0 win over Manchester United despite the ‘outside noise’ surrounding him this week.

Maddison scored the only goal of the game in North London as Spurs earned a morale-boosting win. The midfielder marked his return from a calf strain with the winner on 13 minutes, as he followed in Lucas Bervall’s saved shot to turn in.

Maddison’s match-winning moment came amid criticism of his game from former Manchester United captain Roy Keane.

Speaking on Sky Sports’ Stick to Football, Keane questioned whether Maddison’s impending return from injury would make much difference to Spurs’ struggles this season.

“We saw Maddison at Tamworth, he was taken off. Tamworth are non-league. People say Maddison’s the man. When is he going to step up to the plate? He got relegated with Leicester and he’ll get relegated with Spurs.

“Maddison isn’t bad when he’s not at the darts, but let me tell you, if you think he’s going to come back and get Spurs into the top six, you’re in cuckoo land.”

Maddison celebrated his goal with a shush to the camera as Spurs sealed a win that lifted them above Manchester United and into 12th in the table.

Speaking to Sky Sports at full-time, he said he was confident he could impact the game.

“It’s always difficult being out injured. You miss one game or 10, you are always champing at the bit to get back. I went into the game today knowing I can be the difference.

“I’m really proud of the boys, obviously it has been an up and down season, we are not where we want to be in the league table. I’m really happy for the lads and for the fans, we’re sending them home happy.

“I’ve always been a goalscoring midfielder. That’s why Spurs brought me to the club. I’m there to be that creative outlet and score goals.

“There was a little bit of outside noise this week. People will have their opinions. Nobody is more critical of me than myself. The gaffer prefers when we are in our own bubble but it’s difficult with social media, you see this stuff.

“To be fair to the boys who have been fit all season, we don’t want to make excuses, but the last few months have been really difficult. The lads who have relentlessly been going every three days, it’s nice to be an injured player coming back to take the pressure off them.

“It’s about us being present now and leading like they did during the bad run.”

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