Manchester United vs. Tottenham: Resolute Spurs Improved but Remain Flawed

Tottenham Hotspur's first match of the season was at once encouraging and frustrating. 

The 1-0 defeat to Manchester United at Old Trafford came courtesy of Kyle Walker's first-half own goal, but Wayne Rooney would almost certainly have scored in any case. 

Once United took the lead, Spurs were deflated and the brittle confidence of such a young side was temporarily broken.

That is the risk Tottenham have taken by preferring their promising youth to more experienced campaigners.

Spurs were the better side for much of both halves, but United were able to hold on. 

The central-defensive duo of Toby Alderweireld and Jan Vertonghen were excellent. 

Resuming their Ajax partnership, it seemed as if they had never stopped playing together.

Alderweireld was particularly impressive. 

He was utterly dominant in the air and strong on the ground. His switches of play were a little hit-and-miss, but he proved to be a useful outlet. 

Vertonghen, too, looked assured and gave an impressive performance. 

Ahead of the Belgian defenders, Nabil Bentaleb struggled mightily. 

In perhaps his worst performance for Spurs, Bentaleb repeatedly wasted possession and was chiefly at fault for United's goal. 

It was clear that Louis van Gaal had identified Bentaleb's importance and directed his team to shut down short-passing options in an attempt to force the Algerian to panic. 

Without a genuine central midfielder alongside him, Bentaleb was feeling the pressure. The fact he was the first player withdrawn was an admission of that. 

Eric Dier was highly effective in the role given to him by Mauricio Pochettino. Instructed to screen the defence aggressively, Dier won possession back numerous times.

However, he was unable to provide support to Bentaleb and had little presence in attack. 

This is the root of Spurs' problem.

Pochettino has shown an almost unshakeable preference for a two-man midfield. 

Last season, Bentaleb and Ryan Mason formed that pair. They were effective going forward and able to take pressure off each other when required. 

They formed a solid partnership but were unable to provide defensive cover. 

Jon Super/Associated Press

Replacing Mason with Dier resolved the defensive issues but heaped the pressure on Bentaleb. 

Against such quality opposition, he was unable to cope.

Unable to establish themselves in midfield, Spurs were forced into long passes and hopeful balls out to the wing. 

This tactic is good enough to break down the poorer sides in the Premier League but is insufficient at Old Trafford.

Had Pochettino instead selected Mason in place of Dier, Spurs' defence would not have looked nearly so comfortable.

Tottenham's squad is strong but lacking in key areas. 

They are still lacking options alongside Harry Kane, and they are crucially short in midfield. 

These weaknesses are not new, and Spurs have done themselves a disservice by not resolving these issues in the transfer window. 

Per John Cross of the Mirror, Saido Berahino is rumoured to be close to joining the club, but that will only solve one of the problems. The West Bromwich Albion striker will alleviate concerns about Tottenham's strike power but will do little to address issues of balance in midfield.

Tottenham looked strong and solid, although uninspired, against Manchester United. 

Had that performance earned them a victory, or even a point, it would be harder to point out the issues. 

Pochettino's unusual team selection, including Dier in midfield and Mousa Dembele in a wide attacking position, could have worked, but that would have served only to obscure genuine issues. 

There is time left in the transfer window to resolve the issues, but there is little indication that Spurs are looking seriously at the right options. 

That is the greatest concern.

Tottenham may already possess the solution to their midfield quandary. 

Dele Alli could be that man. Still a teenager, Alli is untested but looks a phenomenal talent. 

His pre-season performances raised expectations, but he may yet exceed even those, so talented is the former MK Dons man. 

Pochettino was never likely to start Alli at Old Trafford, but the fact he turned to Alli with the game in the balance speaks volumes. 

The manager has shown a willingness to trust young players in the past, and Alli will continue to get chances to prove himself. He could be the solution. 

Even without a midfielder who can truly contribute in both attacking and defensive phases, Spurs will still improve.

Pochettino's strategic approach is now evident in every Tottenham match. They now look like one of his teams. With the talent available and that approach, they will continue to get better. 

The likes of Christian Eriksen, Kane and Bentaleb will grow, and the team will still be one of the better ones in the Premier League. 

If, however, they genuinely aspire to Champions League football, Tottenham must find that special midfielder.