Xavi Simons’ Old Trafford Appearance Prompts Manager’s Summer Signing Insight

OLD TRAFFORD (Azat TV) – Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Xavi Simons made a notable appearance in the starting lineup against Manchester United at Old Trafford on Saturday, February 7, 2026, during a contentious Premier League encounter. His early involvement in the match, alongside subsequent remarks from manager Thomas Frank regarding his summer transfer, underscored the significance of his role in Tottenham’s ongoing campaign.

Simons, a key summer acquisition for Tottenham, was central to the team’s attacking efforts in the first half. In the 15th minute, he received a cross from teammate Conor Gallagher and attempted a right-footed shot from inside the area, which was ultimately blocked by Manchester United’s defense. This early offensive play highlighted his proactive contribution in a match that quickly became physically demanding.

Xavi Simons’ Active Role in Old Trafford Fixture

The match, part of the 25th round of the Premier League, saw Simons named in Tottenham’s official starting eleven, alongside notable players like Guglielmo Vicario, Cristian Romero, and Dominic Solanke. His inclusion in such a high-stakes fixture against a perennial rival like Manchester United signals the trust placed in him by the coaching staff to influence critical games.

The game itself was marked by intense physicality and several disciplinary actions. Just minutes after Simons’ shot attempt, Tottenham’s Destiny Udogie received a yellow card in the 26th minute for a hard foul on Amad Diallo. Even more dramatically, Cristian Romero was shown a red card in the 28th minute for a challenge on Casemiro, reducing Tottenham to ten men early in the match. This forced Tottenham manager Thomas Frank to make an immediate substitution, replacing Wilson Odobert with Radu Dragusin to adapt to the numerical disadvantage.

Manager Thomas Frank on Simons’ Summer Arrival

In his pre-match comments, Tottenham manager Thomas Frank explicitly acknowledged Xavi Simons’ importance to the squad. Frank stated, “In the summer, we made two good signings, Xavi Simons and Mohammed Kudus, and a good loan with João Palhinha, so it’s not like we didn’t want to loan players to strengthen the squad. It was a great signing with Conor Gallagher. I know the club is very ambitious.” This statement confirms Simons as a deliberate and significant investment aimed at enhancing the team’s competitive edge.

Frank’s comments provided broader context on Tottenham’s transfer strategy, emphasizing the club’s ambition to strengthen the squad despite facing challenges like injuries. He also touched upon the passionate character of players like Cristian Romero, whose red card became a pivotal moment in the match.

Tottenham’s Challenging Encounter with Manchester United

Despite Simons’ early efforts and the team’s initial attacking intent, Tottenham faced an uphill battle following Romero’s expulsion. Manchester United, under manager Michael Carrick, maintained early control of the game, creating several goal-scoring opportunities. Carrick expressed confidence ahead of the match, noting his team’s good momentum after three consecutive wins. “The three wins were incredible! Tottenham is a big challenge, but we are confident of victory,” Carrick stated, highlighting the high stakes for both sides.

The fixture at Old Trafford added another chapter to the rivalry between the two Premier League giants, with their recent history including a 2-2 draw in November 2025 and a series of Tottenham victories in previous encounters across various competitions, as reported by VAVEL.

Xavi Simons’ consistent inclusion in Tottenham’s starting lineup for major Premier League fixtures, coupled with public endorsement from manager Thomas Frank regarding his transfer, signals his growing influence and integral role in the club’s strategic vision for contending at the top level of English football.