Tottenham’s 2021 Man Utd XI: Where Are They Now?

Nuno Espirito Santo and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer faced early pressure during the 2021-22 campaign, with Spurs sitting ninth and United fifth—positions now viewed as desirable. Manchester United secured a 3-0 win through goals by Cristiano Ronaldo, Edinson Cavani, and Marcus Rashford, leading to Nuno’s dismissal shortly after.

Hugo Lloris’ MLS Chapter

Lloris concluded his 12-year tenure at Tottenham in 2024, joining Los Angeles FC. Although LAFC topped the Western Conference in his debut season, they fell in the playoff semi-finals; however, he won the U.S. Open Cup. The 39-year-old remains the first-choice goalkeeper, recording 12 clean sheets so far in the 2026 season.

Emerson Royal Returns to Brazil

Emerson Royal departed Spurs in summer 2024 for Milan but left San Siro after one year to return to Brazil. He currently plays for Flamengo, having been linked with Aston Villa last summer. At 27, a European comeback remains possible.

Cristian Romero at Atletico Madrid

Romero moved to Atletico Madrid this summer, ending fans’ mixed feelings about him. His start has been solid, featuring only one yellow card and no red cards in four matches.

Eric Dier’s Monaco Stint

Dier continues his unconventional career at Monaco. He re-entered English consciousness by scoring a penalty in a 2-2 Champions League draw against Manchester City last season. His memorable tackle on Sergio Ramos is still recalled fondly.

Ben Davies Remains at Spurs

Davies is the only original starter still at Tottenham. Limited to three Premier League appearances last season, he received a contract extension this summer, indicating the club values his presence despite his reduced role.

Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg Struggles at Marseille

Hojbjerg made his loan move to Marseille permanent in summer 2025. The club currently sits in the relegation zone after five games, marking a poor start to the year.

Oliver Skipp’s Loan to Charlton

Leicester signed Skipp in summer 2024. While £50k weekly is modest in the Premier League, it is substantial in League One. Following back-to-back relegations, Skipp remains one of several high earners Leicester seeks to offload. He is currently on loan at Championship side Charlton, who reportedly cover part of his wages.

Lucas Moura Back at Sao Paulo

Moura returned to his hometown club after leaving Spurs in 2023. He rejoined Sao Paulo 11 years after departing in 2005 and continues playing there at age 34.

Giovani Lo Celso’s Exit from Spain

Lo Celso never fully adapted to Spurs, making 77 league appearances over five years. After a 2022-23 loan at Villarreal, he moved permanently to Betis in Spain.

Son Heung-min Joins LAFC

Following Harry Kane’s departure, Son left Spurs suddenly last summer during a pre-season tour in Korea, denying fans a proper farewell. The 34-year-old joined LAFC in the MLS, reuniting with Lloris. He has recorded 20 goals and 23 assists in 49 games.

Harry Kane’s Ballon d’Or Contention

Kane, already elite in 2021, has emerged as a serious Ballon d’Or candidate since moving to Bayern Munich. His new club offers trophy opportunities and prolific goal-scoring, contrasting sharply with Spurs’ relegation-threatened status. Reports suggest his contract includes a clause granting Tottenham first refusal on future transfers, keeping a return theoretically possible.

Steven Bergwijn’s Saudi Move

Bergwijn, known for injury-time drama at Leicester, returned to the Netherlands to join Ajax in 2022, where he had previously trained. In 2024, he accepted a lucrative offer from Al-Ittihad in Saudi Arabia.

Tanguy Ndombele Without a Club

Ndombele, whose conduct frustrated Jose Mourinho, left Spurs permanently in 2024 following multiple loans. He played for Nice for two seasons before his contract expired this summer, leaving him currently unattached.