- Entrou
- Out 5, 2021
- Mensagens
- 52,919
- Gostos Recebidos
- 1,471
What Man Utd fans learned as Erik ten Hag's flops thrashed by Tottenham and sink to 12th
Manchester United produced their worst performance of the season at Old Trafford as Erik ten Hag's side fell 3-0 to Tottenham Hotspur to fall to 12th in the Premier League
Manchester United produced a dross display on Sunday afternoon as Erik ten Hag's side fell 3-0 to Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford.
On three minutes, Micky van den Ven blazed through the United team to produce a stunning assist for Brennan Johnson who tapped home from close range to give his side a 1-0 lead. Then on 42 minutes, United skipper Bruno Fernandes was sent off for a challenge on James Maddison.
With United handed an opportunity to regroup at half-time, they immediately squandered that when Dejan Kulusevski scored immediately after the break to make it 2-0.
And on 77-minutes, Spurs striker Dominic Solanke wrapped up proceedings to make it 3-0 to Spurs on what was a disastrous day for Ten Hag.
Look, trophies buy you time and Ten Hag did guide United to an impressive FA Cup win last term over . But the is not a knockout cup competition. It is a marathon where you need to have a coherent style of play to be able to win it.
United do not have this and they did not last year either. The signs last term were clear that Ten Hag wasn't the right man to lead United forward. Instead, INEOS opted to give him a new contract after briefing they were going to sack him regardless of the outcome of the FA Cup final.
Under the Dutchman, United look a deeply unserious team. They can't press, can't create chances effectively and still, despite spending millions on new players, can't control a game. That is on the manager and it cannot be blamed on boardroom politics or the Glazer's.
Before the game at Old Trafford, Neville opined that this was the first time United fans would get to see their new-look first choice midfield of Manuel Ugarte and Kobbie Mainoo.
That partnership lasted 42 minutes. Mainoo was subbed off following Bruno Fernandes' red card, with Mason Mount coming on to replace the youngster. Ugarte meanwhile found his way into the book in the second half for a foul on Dejan Kulusevski.
While Marcus Rashford received stick for giving the ball away with a bad touch to Micky van de Ven for Spurs' opener, Ugarte did just let the Dutchman blaze through the United midfield unchallenged before he put the ball on a plate for Johnson to tap home. United paid big money for Ugarte's signature from PSG. If they want to have any hope of enjoying a successful season this term, they will need the Uruguayan to be much better going forward.
For years, United were the best in class. They remain one of the biggest clubs in world football. But on the pitch they're a mess. Heck, even off the pitch it doesn't look much better.
Supporting a football club is often so exciting because you get to follow your team on a journey. But what exactly is there for United fans to get excited about right now? The journey with Ten Hag should have ended last season and because it didn't, it might cost United their season this term.
The Dutchman didn't really have much to work with on Sunday and was subbed off at half-time. He did have one opportunity to score but his strike was saved by Vicario in the Spurs net.
However, the reality is Zirkzee, while talented, is just not a consistent goalscorer. While he impressed a Bologna last season, he did only score 11 goals in Serie A. In seven appearances so far this season, he has scored once. With Marcus Rashford still not looking like the player he was two seasons ago and with Rasmus Hojlund coming back from injury, United need Zirkzee to stand up and produce. So far he hasn't.
United will be without captain Bruno Fernandes now for three games. The Portugal international is undoubtedly United's best player and he will now miss games against Aston Villa, Brentford and West Ham United.
Given United's form, none of those games look easy. Aston Villa will be a tough test, while Brentford are capable of turning over bigger sides on their day. West Ham have been poor this season but will be looking to scrap and claw for every point given their start to the season.
However, United will now head into those games without their best player.
Daily Star Sunday
Manchester United produced their worst performance of the season at Old Trafford as Erik ten Hag's side fell 3-0 to Tottenham Hotspur to fall to 12th in the Premier League
Manchester United produced a dross display on Sunday afternoon as Erik ten Hag's side fell 3-0 to Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford.
On three minutes, Micky van den Ven blazed through the United team to produce a stunning assist for Brennan Johnson who tapped home from close range to give his side a 1-0 lead. Then on 42 minutes, United skipper Bruno Fernandes was sent off for a challenge on James Maddison.
With United handed an opportunity to regroup at half-time, they immediately squandered that when Dejan Kulusevski scored immediately after the break to make it 2-0.
And on 77-minutes, Spurs striker Dominic Solanke wrapped up proceedings to make it 3-0 to Spurs on what was a disastrous day for Ten Hag.
Look, trophies buy you time and Ten Hag did guide United to an impressive FA Cup win last term over . But the is not a knockout cup competition. It is a marathon where you need to have a coherent style of play to be able to win it.
United do not have this and they did not last year either. The signs last term were clear that Ten Hag wasn't the right man to lead United forward. Instead, INEOS opted to give him a new contract after briefing they were going to sack him regardless of the outcome of the FA Cup final.
Under the Dutchman, United look a deeply unserious team. They can't press, can't create chances effectively and still, despite spending millions on new players, can't control a game. That is on the manager and it cannot be blamed on boardroom politics or the Glazer's.
Before the game at Old Trafford, Neville opined that this was the first time United fans would get to see their new-look first choice midfield of Manuel Ugarte and Kobbie Mainoo.
That partnership lasted 42 minutes. Mainoo was subbed off following Bruno Fernandes' red card, with Mason Mount coming on to replace the youngster. Ugarte meanwhile found his way into the book in the second half for a foul on Dejan Kulusevski.
While Marcus Rashford received stick for giving the ball away with a bad touch to Micky van de Ven for Spurs' opener, Ugarte did just let the Dutchman blaze through the United midfield unchallenged before he put the ball on a plate for Johnson to tap home. United paid big money for Ugarte's signature from PSG. If they want to have any hope of enjoying a successful season this term, they will need the Uruguayan to be much better going forward.
For years, United were the best in class. They remain one of the biggest clubs in world football. But on the pitch they're a mess. Heck, even off the pitch it doesn't look much better.
Supporting a football club is often so exciting because you get to follow your team on a journey. But what exactly is there for United fans to get excited about right now? The journey with Ten Hag should have ended last season and because it didn't, it might cost United their season this term.
The Dutchman didn't really have much to work with on Sunday and was subbed off at half-time. He did have one opportunity to score but his strike was saved by Vicario in the Spurs net.
However, the reality is Zirkzee, while talented, is just not a consistent goalscorer. While he impressed a Bologna last season, he did only score 11 goals in Serie A. In seven appearances so far this season, he has scored once. With Marcus Rashford still not looking like the player he was two seasons ago and with Rasmus Hojlund coming back from injury, United need Zirkzee to stand up and produce. So far he hasn't.
United will be without captain Bruno Fernandes now for three games. The Portugal international is undoubtedly United's best player and he will now miss games against Aston Villa, Brentford and West Ham United.
Given United's form, none of those games look easy. Aston Villa will be a tough test, while Brentford are capable of turning over bigger sides on their day. West Ham have been poor this season but will be looking to scrap and claw for every point given their start to the season.
However, United will now head into those games without their best player.
Daily Star Sunday