Mauricio Pochettino Disappointed by Spurs' 'Painful' Loss to Red Devils After Late Martial Winner

Spurs manager Mauricio Pochettino was proud of his side's performance against Manchester United, but couldn't hide his disappointment at losing to one of their Premier League rivals. 

The Argentine told Sky Sports: "I'm very disappointed, it is very painful for our players, for everyone. I think it was an even match, we lose in an action that should have been fixed before, I think it's very painful but that is football and I feel very proud."

The former Southampton manager praised his players effort and performance, despite Tottenham leaving Old Trafford empty handed: "The effort was fantastic. The performance can always be better, but I think we compete and we fight a lot, I'm disappointed but now we will keep going and move on."

The Spurs Gaffer also highlighted the absence of star-striker Harry Kane, but refused to use it as an excuse for the defeat: 

"I said before the game to everyone that always you are going to miss your main striker and Harry Kane is one of best strikers in the world, but it is not an excuse today. We didn't lose the game because Kane wasn't here." 

Finally, Pochettino stated that Tottenham deserved at least a point from the encounter with the Red Devils: 

"It is a collective sport and always you must adapt when some player is not fit to play. I am happy with the performance from everyone and I think we deserve more than zero points". 

Mauricio Pochettino will now turn his attention to Spurs' crucial Champions League fixture with Real Madrid this Wednesday evening at Wembley Stadium. 

If Tottenham can avoid defeat at the hands of Los Blancos they will be in a strong position to not only qualify but to finish top of Group H.