Maddison reveals he cops criticism on WhatsApp… as Spurs hero says social media is ‘constantly in your face’

Tottenham hero James Maddison hopes his goal against Manchester United was “enjoyed” by “a certain few” after holding a finger to his lips while celebrating on his return after five games out injured.

Playmaker Maddison struck his 10th goal in all competitions in 2024/25 to give Ange Postecoglou’s side their first victory in eight home league matches and lift them above United to 12th.

“The gaffer always talks about blocking out the outside noise, but it can be difficult,” the midfielder told Sky Sports after the 1-0 win, having contributed eight goals and three assists in 16 Premier League starts this season.

“It’s constantly in your face these days on social media and with people sending it on WhatsApp, especially when [you’re] a big, high-profile name.

“Nobody’s more critical of myself than me. I wanted to do my talking on the pitch, so I hope there are a certain few who enjoyed me being a match-winner today.”

James Maddison nets on his return from injury! pic.twitter.com/59Q1DG5moD

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) February 16, 2025

Tottenham vs Man United: Vicario ‘outstanding’

Postecoglou remained the odds-on favourite with bookmakers after the game to become the next top-flight manager to leave their job, with Spurs’ total of 13 league defeats representing the most of any team above the bottom four.

Maddison slotted in after 13 minutes to perhaps ease the pressure on the Australian, pouncing after goalkeeper Andre Onana could not hold Lucas Bergvall’s angled shot.

“They count the same as 25-yarders, so I’m really, really happy with that one,” Maddison said of his first ever goal against the Red Devils, calling goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario – back after breaking an an ankle in October – “outstanding.”

“The boys who have been fit all season… we don’t want to make excuses, but the last few months have been really difficult for the football club. We didn’t get many bodies in and the physio room has been full of senior players.”

The 28-year-old’s remarks appeared to reference Tottenham’s lack of transfer activity in the context of a lengthy injury list in 2024/25.

“I hope there’s a certain few that enjoyed me being the match-winner today!”

James Maddison on his celebration after scoring against Manchester United… pic.twitter.com/mNu1asU4dU

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) February 16, 2025

Daniel Levy: Tottenham protests

More than 1,000 supporters attended a protest against the club’s ownership and chairman Daniel Levy before the victory over United at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, including flags, banners and a march to the stadium.

Some fans also staged a sit-down protest in their seats after the match, according to BBC Sport, who reported that their banner messages included “time for change” and “24 years, 16 managers, one trophy”.

“These managers have not been backed sufficiently and there is a track record with this ownership,” co-organiser Jay Coughlin told the outlet.