Tottenham delivered an amazing performance, completely outplaying 10-man Manchester United at Old Trafford, putting pressure on manager Erik ten Hag.
Even without injured Son Heung-min, Spurs dominated the game, showcasing their skills in the first half. It was surprising that they only had Brennan Johnson's third-minute goal to show for it. Johnson scored after a great run by Micky van de Ven, but Tottenham missed several chances to increase their lead, with Timo Werner notably failing to score a clear shot against United's goalkeeper, Andre Onana.
Things got worse for United when captain Bruno Fernandes was sent off just before halftime for a reckless tackle on James Maddison. But honestly, United looked disorganized and overwhelmed even before that moment.
Just two minutes into the second half, Spurs finally scored again. Dejan Kulusevski skillfully lifted the ball over Onana after a fast break led by Johnson. Dominic Solanke added a well-deserved third goal 12 minutes from the end, tapping in a flick from Pape Matar Sarr at a corner. This made many United fans leave the stadium early. This win marked Tottenham’s fourth straight victory in all competitions, and it felt like their best performance since Ange Postecoglou became manager.
Only two weeks ago, Spurs had to fight back to beat Coventry City in the Carabao Cup, raising doubts about Postecoglou. But this exciting win against a rival was a clear statement.
From the very beginning, Spurs showed their quality, energy, and strength. I saw Postecoglou’s frustration as he watched his team slice through United’s defense time after time, only to fail to build on Johnson’s early goal. I was worried that Spurs' missed opportunities might give United a chance, but they didn’t need to worry.
While Fernandes’ red card helped Spurs, they were already in control long before that incident. Once Kulusevski scored the second goal, it was clear Spurs would win, and Solanke's strike added the final touch.
Johnson’s early goal was particularly special for his father, David, who is a former Manchester United player and watched from the directors' box. Johnson responded strongly to recent criticism from Spurs fans, scoring in his fourth consecutive match and assisting Kulusevski's goal, playing a crucial role in Spurs' victory.
United had a few chances in the second half, but it was clear this day belonged to Spurs. They received a standing ovation from their happy fans at the final whistle. For ten Hag, it feels like he is at a breaking point at Manchester United—he's just one bad defeat away from a serious crisis.
He might point to Fernandes’ red card as a reason for the loss, but the truth is that Spurs were already dominating the game long before that. Seeing Fernandes slip on the wet pitch, leading to his red card, was just the icing on the cake for a tough day for United.
The gap between United and Spurs was embarrassing. Only goalkeeper Onana earned some praise for making two great saves against Werner and another against Solanke, who could have scored again.
What shocked me wasn’t just how poorly United played, dropping them into the bottom half of the Premier League table, but their lack of discipline on the field. Mason Mount summed this up perfectly when he came on and immediately got a pointless yellow card for a silly foul on Rodrigo Bentancur. Lisandro Martinez also made a careless foul on Maddison.
In the end, I feel ten Hag is under serious scrutiny after this defeat. There’s little sign that United are improving from last season. These are tough times for him, and I wonder how much longer the management at Old Trafford will remain patient, especially after expressing their support during the summer.
FAQs About Tottenham vs. Manchester United Match
1. What was the final score of the Tottenham vs. Manchester United match?
The final score was Tottenham 3, Manchester United 0.
2. Who scored the goals for Tottenham in this match?
Brennan Johnson, Dejan Kulusevski, and Dominic Solanke were the goal scorers for Tottenham.
3. Why was Bruno Fernandes sent off?
Bruno Fernandes received a red card for a reckless tackle on James Maddison just before halftime.
4. How did Tottenham dominate the game?
Tottenham displayed impressive skills and created numerous chances throughout the match, showing their quality and energy, especially in the first half.
5. Was Son Heung-min playing in this match?
No, Son Heung-min was sidelined due to injury and did not participate in the match.
6. How did the fans react to the match?
Tottenham fans were ecstatic and gave their team a standing ovation at the end of the game, while many Manchester United fans left the stadium early in disappointment.
7. What impact does this loss have on Manchester United’s season?
This loss puts additional pressure on manager Erik ten Hag and raises concerns about the team’s performance and discipline, leaving them in the bottom half of the Premier League table.
8. What’s next for Tottenham after this win?
Tottenham will look to build on this victory as they aim to continue their strong performance in the league and upcoming matches.
9. How did Tottenham respond to recent criticism before this match?
Tottenham bounced back impressively from recent criticism by delivering a commanding performance, showcasing their abilities against a rival team.
10. How does this match compare to Tottenham's previous performances?
This match was one of Tottenham’s best performances of the season, especially compared to their previous struggle against Coventry City, where they needed a late comeback to win.
Recommendations
For Tottenham:
- Maintain Momentum: Tottenham should build on this impressive performance to continue their winning streak. Consistency will be key as they navigate through the season.
- Focus on Squad Depth: With players like Son Heung-min injured, it's essential for the team to ensure that other players can step up and contribute effectively.
- Stay Disciplined: While this match showcased their attacking prowess, maintaining discipline in defense will be crucial to avoid unnecessary penalties or red cards in future matches.
For Manchester United:
- Evaluate Team Strategy: Ten Hag needs to reassess his tactical approach and find a way to regain control over matches, especially against stronger opponents.
- Focus on Discipline: The team's lack of discipline, especially with unnecessary fouls leading to yellow and red cards, needs to be addressed to avoid compromising future performances.
- Boost Player Morale: It’s vital to boost the morale of the players after a tough loss. Fostering a positive team environment can help rebuild confidence and cohesion.
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