Talk about pathetic fallacy, eh? As the clouds darkened and the rain poured, Erik ten Hag stood gormless out over to the Old Trafford turf. The Theatre of Dreams had evolved into a cesspit of misery as the stands emptied and Tottenham fans revelled in their side’s victory. Spurs were mightily impressive on Sunday afternoon, but there’s no escaping just how poor Manchester United were.
Where does Ten Hag go from here? It’s a question that’s relentlessly been asked over the past two years, and the direction this club is heading under the Dutchman remains ambiguous. Sunday’s performance was nothing short of a disgrace, and while much of the blame has to be pinned on the manager, these United players certainly didn’t perform anywhere near to the level we think they’re capable of.
Here were the best and worst United performers in their 3-0 defeat to Tottenham based on our player ratings.
If there’s any United player who can escape Old Trafford with an ounce of credibility, it’s Onana. Some of his work with the ball wasn’t great, but the Man Utd goalkeeper ensured that hosts didn’t succumb to a cricket score. A rampant Tottenham created NINE big chances and according to some models over five expected goals. Onana couldn’t do anything to deny Brennan Johnson and Dominic Solanke but he was somewhat outwitted by a clever Dejan Kulusevski finish just after half-time. The Cameroonian shot-stopper didn’t necessarily make outstanding saves and he was aided by a couple of terrible Timo Werner finishes but he did at least frustrate visitors by showing some level of competence.
Ten Hag can not hide behind Fernandes’ red card on brink of half-time as mitigation for his team’s abject defeat. Man Utd were comprehensively outplayed when it was 11-v-11 too.Fernandes rating is impacted by his red card which some thought was harsh as he did slip but he nonetheless caught James Maddison high with bit of lunge.The video assistant referee was never going to overturn Chris Kavanagh’s on-pitch decision.When he was on pitch,the United skipper had little positive influence.Passes were often overhit ,ball retention seemed beyond him,and his work without ball pretty deplorable.Rodrigo Bentancur had his way with him at base midfield.On bright side ,that might be last time ever has play under Ten Hag.
The afternoon might have looked little different at least if Diogo Dalot bothered track run Johnson for first goal.No no.If Dalot bothered get within 50 feet Johnson.The Portugal international set tone for horrendous afternoon with dismal defending.United outfielders struggled all-round,and neither full-back covered themselves in glory.In addition Dalot,Mazraoui also woeful continually getting taken walk Werner
