Manchester United’s Struggles: A Rocky Performance Against Tottenham
Manchester United endured another dismal day in the Premier League, suffering their 12th defeat of the season against a Tottenham side that has found its form. The Red Devils, now languishing in 12th place, came under heavy criticism, particularly for Rasmus Hojlund’s lackluster performance. Here’s how the players fared according to Katherine Walsh of SunSport.
Goalkeeper: Andre Onana – 3
Onana’s performance was a major concern for Manchester United fans. Despite his reputation, he looked out of his depth, making costly mistakes that tarnished his usually reliable presence. His opposite number, Vicario, who returned to action for the first time since November, seemed to outshine him. Onana’s handling of the ball was particularly questionable, and he was directly at fault for the first goal. A relatively weak bouncing shot that he palmed out made it easy for Maddison to pounce and score in the 13th minute. Onana’s inability to collect the ball effectively under pressure is a glaring issue that United will need to address.
Defense: Mixed Bag of Performances
Noussair Mazraoui – 5
Mazraoui delivered an average performance. His clever link-up play with Zirkzee was a bright spot, but he struggled to contain Spence on the left-hand side. However, he redeemed himself somewhat with an excellent cross that set up Zirkzee’s headed chance late in the game.
Matthijs de Ligt – 6
De Ligt showed moments of defensive prowess, notably with a crucial clearance that prevented a 2-0 lead before the half-hour mark. His presence was felt in key defensive moments, but he could not prevent the overall team’s poor performance.
Harry Maguire – 5
Maguire’s performance was a mixed bag. He started strong with a long ball that created a chance for Hojlund early in the game and ventured forward a few times in the first half. However, he made a bizarre mistake when he froze as a cross came into Son’s path, leading to a missed scoring opportunity.
Diogo Dalot – 6
Dalot had a difficult afternoon, often overwhelmed by Son and Djed Spence. His hesitation on a clear shot from five yards could have cost the team dearly. However, he did provide some relief to Onana with some key clearances, showcasing his resilience despite the challenges.
Midfield: A Lack of Cohesion
Patrick Dorgu – 4
Dorgu’s Premier League debut was forgettable. He was nearly invisible from the left-hand side and failed to make a significant impact when called upon in the second half. His stupidity in being caught offside from a brilliant cross by Bruno Fernandes and subsequent booking late in the game further marred his performance.
Casemiro – 5
Casemiro looked like a player who hasn’t played in the Premier League for two months. His lack of match fitness was evident, and he was booked for a late tackle on Son. A bizarre incident saw him collapsing to the ground demanding a free-kick when no contact was made. Forced to play the entire 89 minutes with young substitutes on the bench, it was a challenging day for the Brazilian.
Bruno Fernandes – 5
Fernandes, usually a reliable captain, had an uncharacteristically poor game. His focus on breaking up play and making interceptions was not his strength, and an uncharacteristically poor cross left United vulnerable on the counter. However, he did improve in the final 20 minutes, showing flashes of his usual form with some attacking intent.
Attack: Struggles Up Front
Alejandro Garnacho – 4
Garnacho’s performance was a significant letdown. He looked shaky and frustrated, particularly after missing a sitter from 10 yards to level the scores. His struggles in the first half were evident, and while he showed some signs of improvement in the second half, he was consistently kept in check by Vicario’s superb saves. Garnacho’s better performances off the bench suggest he may be more effective in a supporting role.
Joshua Zirkzee – 6
Zirkzee was the best of a poorly performing front three. His technical skills and clever touches were on display, but he missed several scoring opportunities, including a wide curl from 23 yards and a header in the 70th minute. Despite his efforts, he also had a few off moments, such as an air shot in the final five minutes.
Rasmus Hojlund – 3
Hojlund’s performance was perhaps the most disappointing. Questioned as possibly being the worst No 9 in United’s recent history, he was second best in every loose ball and frequently lost possession. Even a simple pass from an Onana goal-kick saw him caught offside, a rare and embarrassing mistake. His inability to make an impact on the game is a significant concern for the club.
Conclusion: A Wake-Up Call for Manchester United
Manchester United’s performance against Tottenham was a wake-up call. The team’s struggles in defense and attack, coupled with the midfield’s lack of cohesion, highlighted the deep-rooted issues that need addressing. With the season progressing and the gap to the top of the table widening, United must quickly rectify their shortcomings to avoid further setbacks. The performance of key players, particularly Hojlund, will be crucial in determining whether the Red Devils can turn their fortunes around.
