The intense anticipation leading up to this match was tinged with a palpable dread of mediocrity that hung heavily over the team. For a storied club like Manchester United, currently navigating a precarious chapter in its history, there can be a certain solace in losing to a rival like Liverpool, as they did at the start of the month.
However, facing Tottenham represents an entirely different scenario—one that offers no excuses or justifications for failure. The beleaguered Dutch coach, Erik ten Hag, along with the new minority ownership group from Ineos, headed by Sir Jim Ratcliffe, must contend with the ramifications of another poor performance.
This 3-0 defeat at Old Trafford laid bare the significant emptiness within the United squad that Ten Hag has yet to address adequately. The stark reality is that there are no further alibis for Ten Hag. His claims of minor trophy victories mean little when his team displays such an alarming lack of cohesion.
Tottenham exhibited a vibrant and free-flowing style that completely dismantled a struggling Manchester United side.
Spurs set the pace early, with Brennan Johnson scoring after a brilliant run by Micky van de Ven.
The defeat intensified pressure on Erik Ten Hag, who is already facing scrutiny from fans and pundits alike after a disappointing start to the season.
Realistically assessing the current state of United, we find a team lacking in every crucial area: no philosophy, no identity, no discipline, no creativity, no determination, no belief—essentially, no plan. Simply put, the situation is dire.
MATCH FACTS AND PLAYER RATINGS
Manchester United (4-2-3-1): Onana, Mazraoui, De Ligt, Martinez, Dalot, Ugarte (Eriksen 73), Mainoo (Mount 45, Amad 85), Garnacho, Fernandes, Rashford (Hojlund 73), Zirkzee (Casemiro 46)
Subs not used: Bayindir, Lindelof, Evans, Antony
Booked: Mazraoui, Martinez, Dalot, Ugarte, Mainoo
Sent off: Fernandes
Manager: Erik ten Hag
Tottenham (4-1-4-1): Vicario, Porro, Romero, Van de Ven (Dragusin 81), Udogie (Spence 46), Bentancur, Kulusevski, Maddison (Sarr 77), Johnson (Moore 76), Werner (Bergvall 77), Solanke
Subs not used: Forster, Bissouma, Gray, Lankshear
Scorers: Johnson 3, Kulusevski 47, Solanke 77
Booked: Porro, Johnson, Spence
Manager: Ange Postecoglou
Referee: Chris Kavanagh
United’s players exhibited an entitled attitude throughout the match, a sentiment that Ten Hag has yet to dispel despite his best efforts. The team seems regressive, lacking the hunger needed to compete effectively.
Becoming a ten-man team only exacerbated their plight following Fernandes’ red card. Prior to that, Spurs had already demonstrated a distinct superiority, effectively dominating the encounter.
Spurs, while not labeled as title contenders, clearly showcased their class and outperformed United across all facets of the game, particularly in coaching directed by Ange Postecoglou. His side is a joy to watch—creative and technically sound—while United looks lost.
James Maddison was instrumental for Spurs, underscoring the contrast between the teams. Without the injured Son Heung-min, Spurs managed to outclass United, highlighting even more the inadequacy of Ten Hag’s side.
New signing Manuel Ugarte’s debut was lackluster, reinforcing concerns about recruitment under the current regime.
Bruno Fernandes put in a reckless challenge that resulted in his dismissal, marking a troubling low point in his tenure at Old Trafford.
Spurs continued to capitalize on their momentum as Kulusevski scored soon after the break, leaving United scrambling.
United had moments but failed to make them count. After Casemiro put a close shot on goal, Solanke sealed United’s fate late in the match, further emphasizing the team’s struggles.
This match served as yet another reminder of the challenges Ten Hag faces and the distance United must cover to return to their former glory.
