Garth Crooks claims Man United star ‘took care’ of Tottenham’s Mousa Dembele

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Tottenham crashed out of the FA Cup after losing 2-1 to Manchester United on Saturday evening.

Former Tottenham Hotspur striker Garth Crooks has claimed in his BBC Sport Team of the Week column that “irritating” Manchester United midfielder Ander Herrera “took care” of Spurs’ Mousa Dembele.

Spurs’ hopes of silencing the critics and finally winning a trophy under Mauricio Pochettino are set to continue at least for another season as Jose Mourinho’s side came from behind to win 2-1 at Wembley.

Dele All had given Spurs the lead after an excellent ball from Christian Eriksen was finished at the back post, but former Arsenal star Alexis Sanchez restored parity. Dembele lost the ball to Paul Pogba, and Sanchez headed home.

Spanish midfielder Herrera won the tie with a second-half snapshot that went under goalkeeper Michel Vorm, and Crooks claimed the United midfielder did a job on Dembele throughout the FA Cup semi-final tie.

“I find Ander Herrera the most irritating player in the Premier League,” Crooks said. “He looks like butter wouldn’t melt in his mouth. But if he’s not pulling your shirt, he’s leaving his foot in on his opposite number and if anyone touches him he goes down as if he’s been poleaxed.

“Against Spurs in the FA Cup semi-final, Herrera did all of those things and much more. He took care of Mousa Dembele in the first half and then imposed himself on the rest of the game.

“In fact, he seemed to be everywhere. For your performance to be so infectious and yet somehow remain on the field takes some doing. I suppose that’s what Jose Mourinho calls a winning mentality.”

Belgian midfielder Dembele has been impressive this season under Pochettino, but doubts remain over the future of the former Fulham star with only a year remaining on his current contract.

With Victor Wanyama waiting in the wings, it remains to be seen if Dembele will keep his place in Pochettino’s side as Tottenham look to keep their top-four place with a win over Watford on Monday night.