Manchester United 0-3 Tottenham Hotspur. Tottenham delivered a stunning performance to dominate a 10-man Manchester United at Old Trafford, intensifying the pressure on United manager Erik ten Hag.
Despite missing Son Heung-min due to injury, Spurs dismantled United with a commanding first-half display. The only surprise was that they led by just one goal, a third-minute strike from Brennan Johnson, after a powerful run by Micky van de Ven. Tottenham created numerous chances but failed to capitalize, with Timo Werner particularly wasteful when he was denied by United keeper Andre Onana.
United’s troubles deepened when captain Bruno Fernandes was sent off just before halftime for a reckless challenge on James Maddison. However, United had already been struggling long before the dismissal.
Spurs doubled their lead shortly after the break when Dejan Kulusevski lifted a delicate finish over Onana following another swift break by Johnson. Dominic Solanke added a third, converting a flick-on from Pape Matar Sarr at a corner, prompting many United fans to leave the stadium early.
This was Tottenham’s fourth consecutive victory in all competitions, showcasing a complete team effort that marked their best performance since the early days of Ange Postecoglou’s tenure. Just two weeks ago, questions arose about Postecoglou’s leadership after a narrow Carabao Cup win over Coventry City. However, this emphatic display, where they dismantled a key rival, silenced those doubts.
From the start, Spurs exhibited skill, energy, and power, repeatedly cutting through United’s defense, much to the visible frustration of Postecoglou. Despite their dominance, there was concern that failing to extend their lead might leave them vulnerable. But once Fernandes was sent off, and Kulusevski added the second, the result was secured. Solanke’s third was the finishing touch.
Johnson’s early goal was celebrated by his father David, a former Manchester United player, watching from the directors’ box. Johnson, facing recent criticism from Spurs fans, responded by scoring for the fourth game in a row and setting up Kulusevski’s goal, playing a pivotal role in Tottenham’s commanding display.
Although United had a few moments in the second half, the day belonged to Spurs. They were applauded off the field by their delighted supporters at full time. For Ten Hag, this defeat could signal the beginning of a crisis.
While the dismissal of Fernandes was a setback, United were outplayed long before that incident. Their inferiority to Spurs was stark, with only goalkeeper Onana emerging with any credit, making crucial saves from Werner and Solanke to prevent further humiliation.
United’s performance was tactically poor and lacking discipline, exemplified by Mason Mount’s needless yellow card moments after Fernandes’ red and Lisandro Martinez’s foul on Maddison.
Ten Hag will inevitably face scrutiny after this loss. With United showing little sign of improvement from last season, the patience of the Old Trafford hierarchy may be wearing thin.
source – BBC