Tottenham fans regret missing out on Watford's Abdoulaye Doucoure

Watford’s Abdoulaye Doucoure was linked with Tottenham Hotspur in the summer.

According to a report in the Watford Observer in August, Tottenham Hotspur were the club most likely to move for Watford’s Abdoulaye Doucoure, with the Hornets holding out for a reported £45 million.

As it turned out, Spurs didn’t pursue their reported interest and ended the summer transfer window without making a signing, while Doucoure remained at Vicarage Road.

Five games into the new season, it’s looking increasingly likely Spurs made the wrong decision not to bolster their squad in the summer, and Doucoure’s latest display against Manchester United surely only strengthens that view.

The 25-year-old was terrific against the Red Devils, bossing the midfield as he recorded three tackles, three interceptions, four shots on goal, a 91% pass completion rate and the assist for Watford’s goal (Whoscored).

Here's how some fans have reacted on Twitter to Doucoure's performance and Tottenham's two defeats on the spin:

Spurs started the campaign with three straight Premier League victories, including a 3-0 win at Manchester United, but back-to-back defeats against Watford and Liverpool has prompted questions over their lack of summer deals.

Notably against Liverpool, the north London club struggled to get the likes of Harry Kane, Christian Eriksen and Lucas Moura into the game - largely due to a dysfunctional midfield.

Mousa Dembele’s influence appears to be waning, while Eric Dier isn’t good enough on the ball to make things happen. There is a real lack of fluidity in there, and Doucoure could have been the man to solve that issue.

The Frenchman is powerful, quick across the ground, accurate in his passing and likes to break forward. He did more at Vicarage Road on Saturday than Spurs’ entire midfield combined managed against Liverpool.