As James Maddison readied himself on the touchline at Old Trafford, the task could not have been simpler. Turn Tottenham’s dominance into three points with a moment of magic.

Within five minutes, though, that action plan was out the window, with Spurs a goal down and a man down. That familiar sinking feeling had begun to take hold, and Spurs looked set to collapse in on themselves.

Then came the cavalry. This was the first time, Roberto De Zerbi admitted, that his expensively assembled squad had played like a team, and they rallied impressively to steal a well-deserved point in stoppage time.

Dominic Solanke, scoring his first league goal since March, was the hero, but Maddison was the catalyst who ensured Spurs came away with something to show from a game they had dictated from start to finish.

It has been a frustrating start to the season for Maddison, who has yet to return to full fitness after a year out with an anterior cruciate ligament injury.

However, his committed performance against United signalled he could be edging closer to his first competitive start since April 2025.

Seemingly uninhibited by his recent fitness woes, which have forced him to train through pain, Maddison won all four duels he competed for in just over 20 minutes, including three tackles as Spurs wrestled back control from United despite being a man down.

Maddison’s creativity has never been in doubt, but it was unclear when or if the 29-year-old would ever have the confidence to fully commit his body after struggling with injury for the last 18 months.

His performance against United was promising, not because it reaffirmed what we already knew he could offer with the ball at his feet, but because it showed his willingness to throw himself headfirst into De Zerbi’s high-octane style of play.

After an impressive cameo and an extended break to recover - Spurs will have had nine days to prepare for Coventry - Maddison now looks primed to start as the creative fulcrum of Spurs’ attack.

Spurs have been reluctant to risk Maddison so far. But after a winless start to the season, De Zerbi may now be willing to throw caution to the wind.

Tottenham have lacked a decisive edge this season, and an expectant home crowd will be less forgiving of the sort of wastefulness on display against United.

Spurs have started games ferociously this season but have been unable to capitalise in the final third, registering the lowest conversion rate (2.6%) of any Premier League team.

Spurs are a desperately imperfect team, lacking confidence and clarity, but they are better for having Maddison’s skill and composure. Now is the time for De Zerbi to let him loose.