Manchester United’s league campaign went from bad to worse as they were dominated at Old Trafford by Tottenham, losing 0-3.
The game started with one-way traffic from Spurs and remained that way for much of the first half at least, with Alejandro Garnacho’s one effort hitting the post the sole big chance.
Spurs, on the other hand, sliced through United effortlessly and could have been two or three up in the first half itself.
Bruno Fernandes summed up the team’s troubles after an ill-advised challenge got him sent off in dubious circumstances to leave United high and dry.
The man advantage was clear from then on as Spurs doubled their lead early in the second half. There were fluttering signs of life from United after that but they were just that, the last flutters of a dying effort as Spurs killed the game with their third.
Here’s how the players rated:
Andre Onana – 7
The scoreline would have been historically humiliating if not for his interventions as Spurs seemed like they were hitting the target with every attack.
Noussair Mazraoui – 5
The best of a bad bunch in defence that was all at sea. Tried to play well out of the press and made some timely interventions.
Matthijs de Ligt – 4.5
No glaring error but part of a dysfunctional defence that was cut up time and again by the fluid movement of Spurs’ attackers.
Lisandro Martinez – 5
Injected some calm into the proceedings and defended well at times but that’s not a high bar to clear in this game. Created a good chance for Casemiro in the second half.
Diogo Dalot – 2
Let Johnson run free for the opening goal and the game didn’t go any better from there as he was pinned back and harried throughout the 90. A chastening evening that might flow under the radar due to Fernandes’ horror game but he was equally as bad.
Manuel Ugarte – 4
Got his “Welcome to Premier League” moment when Van de Ven ghosted past him in midfield to assist Johnson. Needs time to get up to speed but time is exactly what Ten Hag is running out of.
Kobbie Mainoo – 5
Was doing well with some nice interplays before he went off due to an apparent injury. A hammer blow to United’s prospects.
Alejandro Garnacho – 6
Struck the post with an acrobatic volley and found himself in acres of space but the final bit of decision-making was always missing. Still, kept going and became a crowd favourite by the full-time whistle.
Bruno Fernandes – 2
Picked up from where he left off in terms of giving the ball away and generally bad form. Straight red for a tackle on Maddison summed up his outing. Going through his worst run of form since arriving four years ago.
Marcus Rashford – 4
His heavy touch let Van de Ven run away with the ball for the first goal. The match should have been tailor-made for him to take charge and run in behind but the team’s confidence was shot.
Joshua Zirkzee – 4
Another game, another missed chance, this time in the first half when he shot it close to the goalkeeper. Could have levelled the game, instead, Fernandes was sent off a few minutes later. Came off at half time for Casemiro as the team searched for more tactical balance after the red card.
Substitutes
Casemiro – 5
Came on to do a sweeping job in the second half when United were reduced to ten and he was just about average.
Mason Mount – 4
Was called upon earlier than he would have expected due to Mainoo’s injury. Fans know what he is at this point. Pressed honestly but rarely threatening the goal. Came off as a precautionary measure after a head injury.
Rasmus Hojlund – 4
This team needs a clinical striker urgently and he’s United’s best bet right now. So far, he has not been up to it and clearly still very rusty.
Christian Eriksen – 5
A couple of below-par set-piece deliveries undermined his overall performance which was generally acceptable, especially in possession.
Amad – 6
Came on with five minutes to go. No time to make an impact.
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