Old Trafford display strengthens Udogie’s Tottenham left-back case
Destiny Udogie’s display in Tottenham’s 1-1 draw at Manchester United has sharpened Roberto De Zerbi’s left-back decision, with Andy Robertson still offering a different set of strengths. Robertson was left out of the matchday squad after starting all four of Scotland’s international-break games, while Udogie took his place and impressed. The Athletic describes Spurs’ options as “a source of strength – not concern” – a welcome change for a position that has not always offered such an uncomplicated choice.
Udogie makes his case
The 23-year-old completed 24 of 26 passes, made three recoveries and two interceptions, and played 10 line-breaking passes against United, according to The Athletic. He was replaced by Micky van de Ven in the 74th minute. The numbers were solid; the more intriguing sign was his first start on the same side of the pitch as Savio.
Their combinations helped turn possession into forward movement. Udogie made runs beyond his marker as Savio linked play, and the pair found each other in dangerous areas. The Athletic also highlighted Udogie’s front-foot defending and his part in keeping Tottenham’s press intact. That profile fits the demands of De Zerbi’s possession principles, where the left-back must be involved in more than simply holding the line.
There is attacking output to point to beyond Old Trafford, too: Udogie created two strong chances against Liverpool in the Carabao Cup with cutbacks, one for Lucas Bergvall and another for Mohammed Kudus. His season has not yet included a sustained run of league starts, but his display against United gives De Zerbi a clear reason to keep testing the partnership with Savio.
Robertson offers a different threat
Robertson, 32, brings movement and delivery that Udogie does not replicate in the same way. The Athletic notes that his off-ball runs from different positions have helped create chances since he joined as a free agent, and draws on his old understanding with Sadio Mane at Liverpool. He may no longer have the athleticism of his peak, but his timing and experience remain useful tools.
His set-piece delivery has also created opportunities, while his wider crossing is described by The Athletic as an upgrade on Udogie’s. That contrast matters: De Zerbi can pick a more direct source of service without losing a defender who has generally been sound at the back. Robertson’s recovery challenge on Dango Ouattara in the 3-0 defeat to Brentford was one example of his positional awareness and recovery ability. His availability has also been a talking point during Spurs’ full-back decisions, alongside Robertson’s fitness.
A choice, not a settled pecking order
The Athletic’s league figures favour Udogie so far: Tottenham have conceded twice in his 161 minutes, compared with seven goals in Robertson’s 367. That is a small sample, not a verdict on either player. Udogie has not started five consecutive league games since December 2024, and Van de Ven and Ben Davies can also cover at full-back if needed.
Udogie has the current edge after Old Trafford, but Robertson’s movement, crossing and set pieces give De Zerbi a credible alternative rather than a like-for-like reserve. The manager may continue rotating until one makes the position his own; Tottenham’s next league selection will offer the next indication, not a final answer.
