Tottenham Hotspur produced a breathtaking performance to thrash 10-man Manchester United 3-0 at Old Trafford, intensifying pressure on manager Erik ten Hag
The convincing win highlighted Tottenham’s dominance and exposed Manchester United’s glaring weaknesses.
From the outset, Tottenham asserted control, exploiting Manchester United’s vulnerabilities.
Brennan Johnson’s third-minute goal, expertly assisted by Micky van de Ven’s powerful run from midfield, set the tone.
Van de Ven’s driving force and vision created the opportunity, and Johnson’s simple finish gave Spurs an early advantage.
Tottenham continued to overwhelm Manchester United, creating numerous scoring chances.
Timo Werner squandered a golden opportunity, failing to beat goalkeeper Andre Onana when clean through. Despite their dominance, Spurs only held a slender 1-0 lead at halftime.
Manchester United’s woes worsened just before halftime when captain Bruno Fernandes received a straight red card for a reckless tackle on James Maddison. The dismissal left United with 10 men and further diminished their chances.
Spurs capitalized on their numerical advantage in the second half. Dejan Kulusevski doubled their lead two minutes after the interval, lifting a deft finish over Onana following Johnson’s impressive break.
Tottenham’s relentless pressure ensured Manchester United remained on the back foot.
Dominic Solanke’s 78th-minute goal sealed the victory, providing a more realistic reflection of Tottenham’s dominance. Solanke converted Pape Matar Sarr’s headed flick at a corner, sparking a mass exodus from Old Trafford by Manchester United supporters.
The defeat raises concerns about Manchester United’s top-four aspirations and Erik ten Hag’s future. Tottenham’s victory demonstrated their strength and resilience, even without injured star Son Heung-min.
Key statistics include Tottenham’s first win at Old Trafford since 2014, Manchester United’s heaviest home defeat this season, and Bruno Fernandes’s first Premier League red card.
The loss will prompt intense scrutiny of Manchester United’s performance and Ten Hag’s tactics. Meanwhile, Tottenham’s impressive display solidifies their position as contenders for a Champions League spot.
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