James Maddison ‘disgrace’ emerges ahead of Tottenham v Manchester United
Jeff Stelling has blasted news around James Maddison ahead of Tottenham facing Manchester United in the Premier League.
The North London outfit will welcome the Red Devils on Sunday (16 February) as they look to bounce back from a series of difficult results.
Spurs lost to Liverpool in the Carabao Cup semi-final on 6 February, missing the chance to make the final at Wembley.
Daniel Levy will not be happy with Ange Postecoglou as the Londoners were also eliminated from the FA Cup after losing to Aston Villa on Sunday (9 February).
James Maddison Tottenham news blasted v Manchester United
Stelling has slammed Maddison’s availability for the Lilywhites against Man United as a “disgrace”.
The talkSPORT broadcaster wasn’t bothered when told the English midfielder would possibly be back in action against Ruben Amorim’s team.
Stelling expressed his dissatisfaction regarding the former Leicester City ace, as Postecoglou doesn’t seem to fancy him anyway.
Speaking on talkSPORT (11 February, 6:25), Stelling said: “To mention Maddison is a disgrace because [Postecoglou] doesn’t play him anyway.
“When was the last time Maddison played 90 minutes for them?”
James Maddison availability a boost v Manchester United
Tottenham will undoubtedly be delighted to have Maddison back in action after he missed the last four fixtures in all competitions due to a fitness issue.
While Postecoglou has often opted to substitute the England international, his performances this season haven’t warranted playing the full 90 minutes.
Maddison has been underwhelming at Spurs in the current campaign, so the Australian manager’s reliance on other midfielders isn’t surprising.
The 28-year-old was impressive during his initial days at the North London outfit but his influence in the team has slowly dwindled.
With the Lilywhites enduring one of their worst seasons in recent times, the English midfielder has no leg to stand on after failing to stand out during dire circumstances.
The former Leicester ace has also been unreliable due to his consistent injuries, which makes the Australian manager’s decision seem sensible.
Spurs have been without several of their players this season, and the former Celtic boss arguably can’t wait to have his entire squad back.
Destiny Udogie could be available against Man United after spending the last few months on the sidelines, but it remains to be seen whether the Lilywhites’ ameliorating fitness issues will help Postecoglou survive the sack.