United set-piece routine 'didn't work in training' - Mbeumo

Bryan Mbeumo says Manchester United's players practiced the intricate corner kick routine that led to his ninth Premier League goal of the season in training – and it didn't work.

United coach Jonny Evans and analyst Kaita Hasegawa came up with the plan, which began with Harry Maguire attacking as a distraction in the penalty area.

Kobbie Mainoo then dashed forward to take Bruno Fernandes' short pass, then flicked it first-time to the edge of the area, where Mbuemo applied the first time finish to give United the lead against Tottenham.

"It was the coach who wanted to practice this in training," said Mbeumo.

"Jonny Evans came to me and the guys, and we just try to hit it. We did it once and it didn't work out. But this was the most important."

A fourth successive victory moved United to within three points of third-placed Aston Villa and their hopes of returning to the Champions League are rising.

Michael Carrick has gained a lot of credit for the impact he has had since replacing Ruben Amorim last month but Mbeumo doesn't feel the form had been disastrous before.

"I just feel we built on what we were doing from the start," he said.

"I don't think it was as bad as a lot of people felt. We just work together, make the effort together and, with a big mentality, we're never beaten."