United View: The Spurs Debrief

Sunday’s match against Spurs was one of mixed emotions, a 2-2 draw that saw the forwards firing, the defence capitulating, Lisandro Martinez return to action and Sir Jim Ratcliffe making his first appearance at Old Trafford after purchasing 25% of the club.

United got off to a flying start, Rasmus Hojlund smashing the ball into the net after three minutes gave the impression that the Reds would put together a resounding performance. Fitting that the young Dane scored on the same day as the coronation of King Frederik the Tenth in his home country.

However, Spurs didn’t falter and equalised shortly after through Richarlison, heading home from a corner. Ange Postecoglou’s side had 13 corners in the match and looked threatening each time, clearly identifying United’s poor defending off set-pieces.

United’s setup from corners looked to play right into Spurs’ hands, having Mainoo, Wan Bissaka and Hojlund mark their aerial threats. Christian Romero almost scored a second as a result of this but was denied by the crossbar.

The marking system was flawed but there was no commanding presence either, Andre Onana being rooted to his spot every time. Apprehension maybe, or perhaps direct orders from the coaching staff. Either way, a goalkeeper should be taking charge in those situations.

Spurs were in control but United retook the lead through Marcus Rashford five minutes before halftime. It was his first goal at Old Trafford since May, celebrating with a gesture towards his critics after wishing Jadon Sancho good luck on Instagram regarding his loan move to Dortmund.

But once again, it didn’t take long for Spurs to level the game. United conceded another soft goal minutes into the second half. United’s high press was bypassed, leaving the midfield with too much ground to cover, and ended up conceding another goal from a midfield run into the box, same old same old.

This just felt like poor in-game management from United, overexposing themselves so early after the restart. The distance between the front line and the defence was massive, meaning that once Spurs beat the initial press they were able to counterattack with ease.

Despite Spurs being the better side, it was United who could have won it late on. However, Scott McTominay mistimed his jump and was unable to head home. Denying Ratcliffe a Fergie time winner on his first trip to Old Trafford as owner.

This result doesn’t do much for United in the league table, but it just raises more unwanted questions about their progression this season. They were outperformed by a Spurs side missing the majority of its best players.

Even without their big hitters, Ange’s side was able to play in a similar vein and were much the better side. Spurs had 64% possession and completed 555 passes compared to United’s 313. Stats aren’t everything but they were well worth the point on Sunday.

In contrast, it’s been déjà vu for United this season, looking disjointed every week and never building on a good result or performance. No doubt injuries haven’t helped but when you see what others have been able to do despite setbacks just makes it more frustrating.

Lisandro Martinez and Casemiro both returned to the bench and could help to reignite United’s season. They were vital to United’s last campaign but whether they can hit those same highs is yet to be seen.

The Reds now have a week off for their winter break, before returning to action in the fourth round of the FA Cup away to Newport County, who sit 17th in League Two.

Their next Premier League game comes a few days after that away to Wolves. A tough game, especially after they only just beat Gary O’Neil’s side 1-0 on the opening day of the season.