Merson slams Spurs' summer striker search after Solanke struggle at Old Trafford

Spurs short of a goalscorer, says Merson

While much of the focus fell on Manchester United's struggles, Paul Merson used his Sky Sports column to argue that Tottenham Hotspur's failure to sign a proper centre-forward in the summer is now costing them, despite encouraging performances.

Spurs dominated proceedings at Old Trafford but, reduced to ten men, had to settle for a 1-1 draw courtesy of Dominic Solanke's late equaliser — a goal Merson felt they deserved.

"Tottenham played well at Old Trafford. They dominated, but just don't look like scoring a goal at the moment. They did great with 10 men to come back and finally get an equaliser which they deserved."

Merson was critical of the club's recruitment, insisting a recognised striker should have been prioritised alongside midfield addition Sandro Tonali.

"The only thing they probably could have done with - and what they should have done - is they had to get a centre forward. They went out of their way for a few players, did a bit of this and that. I like Sandro Tonali, I'm a big fan of this. But they had to get a centre forward."

According to a FotMob player snapshot for the Premier League 2026-27 season, Solanke had made 6 appearances with 1 goal and 0 assists as of 11 October 2026 — underlining Merson's concern about his return in front of goal. The pundit was unconvinced by the options available to Spurs.

"Dominic Solanke is better than alright. But he's not yet an actual goalscorer. When Spurs robbed United of the ball in the first half and he goes through on goal, you don't sit there and go: 'goal'. You just don't. And Omar Marmoush isn't going to give you goals. He'll get you're a worldie here or there, but he's not a goalscorer."

Merson also expressed surprise that Spurs did not move for Nicolas Jackson, describing him as "decent," and suggested an early goal against Coventry on Monday Night Football could ignite their campaign.

"There's never a wrong time to score - every time is the right time - but they're failing to find the net when they're on top. They could go to Coventry on Monday Night Football, score an early goal and kick on to win 3-0 or 4-0. That could be the result that kick-starts their season."

He added a note of caution, however, pointing out Spurs have frequently started brightly only to fade: "I've seen them plenty of times this season and they've played well - but only for 20 to 25 minutes. They need to turn that into 90. But you have to say fair play to them for coming back at United when they're having the season they're having, they're down to ten men, dominated the game and gone 1-0 down."