Manchester United thought they had seen the back of Moussa Dembele after his head-turning display for Fulham at Old Trafford in late August. For a few months at least.
The Fulham midfielder was the best player on the pitch as his side slipped to a narrow 3-2 defeat that day, but found himself celebrating rather than disconsolate on Saturday just gone.
While United had cruised into a 3-1 lead over Fulham in their match-up, Dembele's passing and movement helped them stage a comeback and nearly claim a draw. His energy in the final 30 minutes overpowered anything United had to offer and they were fortunate to escape with all three points.
He finished that match with an astounding 96 per cent passing accuracy, making the highest number of any Fulham player, also making eight tackles, more than anyone on the pitch. His nine successful dribbles was also more than anyone on show that day, by context Rafael was United's highest dribbler, registering three successes.
So by coming up against a player in such inspired form, playing for a move away perhaps, United will have felt relieved to have won, and he will have been the last person they wanted to see in the opposition line-up when Tottenham entered the Old Trafford pitch on Saturday.
This time Dembele got his reward, his side took all three points in a 3-2 win. He worked in a key tandem with Sandro in the centre of the pitch, allowing Spurs a key foothold, and preventing United from providing the service Robin van Persie thrives on.
Dembele's passing this time around was not as accurate, but he did provide an assist when his counter attacking through ball gave Gareth Bale the perfect opportunity to extend Tottenham's lead and put them 2-0 up.
As the game went on and United pushed for victory, a lesser midfield would have buckled and allowed even more pressure on the defence, but Dembele's fitness meant he didn't stop running until the final whistle.
United were of course linked with the Belgian over the summer. Sir Alex Ferguson was even claimed to have had an offer turned down which didn't meet Fulham's asking price. We wonder what his valuation of the midfielder is now?
The good news? The transfer window is closed, and Dembele won't be switching teams again. Unless there is a cup draw, the player won't be returning to Old Trafford until next season.
image: © brostad
Dan Coombs
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Dan Coombs is a writer who is keen to embrace the internet revolution. He first started writing for us in June 2011 and commenced his new role as Sports Editor in February 2012.
As a trained journalist he has met famous faces from Mr T to Boris Johnson. He once featured in an England World Cup music video too, but it did not make the charts.
He grew up wanting to be a Formula 1 driver, but it looks like this dream has passed him by. Instead, he hopes you enjoy reading his writing on our site, as we seek to debate the day's sporting hot topics.
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