Andreas Pereira scores directly from a corner for Man United U21s

Andros Townsend did his best to impress his suitors in the defeat to Manchester United.

Andros Townsend did his best to impress his suitors as he set up a goal and put on a good display in Tottenham’s under-21 defeat to Manchester United.

United beat Spurs 3-1 at the Leigh Sports Village on Monday night thanks to a goal from James Weir and Andreas Pereira’s brace.

But Townsend also did his best to please the scouts in the executive boxes at the home of rugby league side Leigh Centurions.

The Tottenham winger has not played for the first team since he clashed with fitness coach Nathan Gardiner following the club’s game against Aston Villa on November 2.

Townsend, who has been linked with a move to Newcastle, West Brom and Sunderland in this window, started slowly on his fourth consecutive start for the under-21s but grew into the game as it progressed.

In front of a crowd of 959, the England international twisted and turned past his marker three times before firing a dipping shot on to the bar in the 43rd minute and he also provided a cross for Shaquile Coulthirst, but he sent his overhead kick wide.

Townsend delivered a pinpoint cross to Joe Pritchard in the 76th minute and the substitute did not miss from close range.

In reality, the game had already been lost by that point. United were the stronger team throughout and deserved their first-half lead through Weir.

Pereira scored direct from a corner-kick in the 65th minute to make it 2-0 before Pritchard pulled one back for Spurs.

The Londoners pushed for an equaliser, but it never came and Pereira raced through at the death to seal the win.

Will Keane, who was recalled from his loan at Preston last week, played 85 minutes, but did not impress.