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MANCHESTER UNITED legend Gary Neville has weighed-in on Dele Alli's confrontation with Ashley Young, saying he was being a good team player.

Alli and Young almost came to blows after squaring-up in the first-half of the game at Old Trafford.

 Dele Alli showed maturity in face of Manchester United provocation
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Dele Alli showed maturity in face of Manchester United provocationCredit: Getty Images

The Spurs star took exception to the United winger's attempts to wind him up and immediately appeared to see red.

However, nothing came of the altercation, with Neville saying Alli did well to keep his composure on this occasion.

Neville said on Sky Sports: "His heart would have been saying I want to break your nose.

"[But] his head would have been saying don't lose the game for my team."

 Dele Alli and Ashley Young needed to be restrained in the first-half
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Dele Alli and Ashley Young needed to be restrained in the first-halfCredit: PA:Empics Sport

Meanwhile, Nev's Sky Sports co-panellist King, said: "I thought he handled it really well.

"After the incident I saw a few tackles go in on him, and I think they were trying to wind him up a little bit.


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"But he's got to keep a cool head."

Graeme Souness - also talking on Sky Sports - had his say on the incident, adding: "They know he can be got at, he's got to control that.

 Gary Neville said Dele Alli did well to take one for the team and not lash out
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Gary Neville said Dele Alli did well to take one for the team and not lash outCredit: Reuters
Manchester United 1-0 Tottenham: Anthony Martial comes off the bench to score late winner against Spurs

"Some players need to be on the edge to get the best out of them, and I think he is one of them."

United ran out 1-0 winners in the game, thanks to a late strike from substitute Anthony Martial.

The French forward took advantage of an uncharacteristic misjudgement in the Spurs defence to slot the ball past Hugo Lloris with his left foot.

The win moves Jose Mourinho's men three points clear of Tottenham, and closed the gap on neighbours Manchester City to two points.

 Man United ran out 1-0 winners after a late goal from Anthony Martial
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Man United ran out 1-0 winners after a late goal from Anthony MartialCredit: Reuters
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