Manchester United’s patched-up team was torn apart by the Spurs, and they lost 1-0 against Ruben Amorim’s men, which added to their woeful Premier League campaign.
It was a game of many chances but as many misses by both sides as the final scoreline doesn’t reflect how the game was played out between two extremely shaky outfits.
James Maddison’s opener early in the first half ended up being the winner as well both teams lost their shooting boots.
Andre Onana parried Lucas Bergvall’s shot straight into the path of Maddison who tapped it in from close range but Glenn Hoddle said after the game that the real culprit behind the goal was another Man Utd player entirely.
Glenn Hoddle breaks down Man Utd’s conceded goal vs Spurs
Spurs had made a strong start to the game, dominating territory and possession but just after that, United missed a few guilt-edged chances.
It promised to be a high-octane affair, a repeat of their League Cup tie so it was clear that whichever team was more clinical would take home the honours.
Maddison started off proceedings but that ended up being the end as well with Onana squarely in the focus again for parrying it weakly.
However, Glenn Hoddle broke down the goal after the game and said the problem began with Diogo Dalot in the buildup who made a crucial mistake. It was ‘massive’.
Hoddle said: “Dalot came in and tucked in [close to Son Heung-Min] when he didn’t need to. That’s got to be done in a moment. It’s a simple little thing but it’s massive. That’s how the goal came in.”
Diogo Dalot has become a real worry
The goal against Spurs was just the microcosm of what was a really bad game again from Dalot.
The Portuguese was restored to his preferred right flank on his stronger foot and started well with some overlaps but that was all there was to his performance.
Son had him on skates even beyond the goal and behind Son, Djed Spence was a threat all game, enjoying plenty of time on the ball when overlapping.
Dalot was completely pushed back by the left flank of Spurs as they made it difficult for him to play out and influence the buildup.
It continues a trend of worrying performances for the fullback who’s been ever-present but rarely reliable in his performance levels after winning the Player of the Season award last year.
As important as he is to this team, Dalot needs to improve quickly because the team is sinking with him.
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