Tottenham Hotspur dominated Manchester United despite the absence of three of their greatest players, Son Heung-min, James Maddison, and Dejan Kulusevski.
Yves Bissouma and Pape Matar Sarr were also absent due to their participation in the Africa Cup of Nations, leaving their midfield to be made up of Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, Oliver Skipp, and Rodrigo Bentancur.
Spurs controlled the ball for 64% of the time and attempted 16 shots. The only thing missing from their assured second-half display was a game-winning goal.
Tottenham’s quality suffered due to the absence of their finest players, but Ange Postecoglou has given them a distinct identity, which means that every player in the squad is prepared to execute the strategy.
Tottenham wants to play on the offensive, push and defend with a high line in order to win the ball in hazardous places. They want to be entertained, and Postecoglou has done an excellent job.
However, his success in establishing a distinct style in six months has led United supporters to doubt Erik ten Hag, whose club has been disjointed this season.
United has relied on individual talent in the past, and that was clear again at Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon, when, despite goals from Rasmus Hojlund and Marcus Rashford, there was little control in midfield and the team’s performance was terrible.
Hojbjerg, Skipp, and Bentancur are not a scary midfield three, but they controlled the game. Christian Eriksen had been a spectator and was substituted by Scott McTominay just before the hour mark, but the change had no effect on Tottenham’s flow.
United were inferior in the second half and were fortunate to share the points. Tottenham’s performance also made a mockery of this season’s excuse of an injury crisis.
United have suffered an unprecedented number of injuries this season, which has virtually saved Ten Hag, with decision-makers and fans sympathetic to the predicament.
Despite the poor performances, many felt Ten Hag had been handed an impossible deck of cards, and critics were advised to wait until everyone was available.
That justification has some merit, but it was rendered ineffective by Tottenham, who were still brilliant versus United despite the absence of Son, Maddison, Kulusevski, Bissouma, and Sarr. “These guys are just not going to make excuses,” Postecoglou remarked following the game.
Ten Hag began the season with a lot of goodwill in the bank following a fantastic first year in command, but it has dwindled and the majority of fans are now unsure about his future.
The team has deteriorated significantly, and the concerns about a lack of identity are unavoidable. United is unable to control games, overwhelm opponents, or appear convincing.
United outclassed Spurs despite having superior man-for-man quality on the pitch. The manager is no longer getting the best out of his employees.
Some may argue that a draw against a European opponent is not a poor result, but it is the manner of the performance that is raising concerns. This script has already been seen.
Casemiro and Lisandro Martinez were back on the bench on Sunday, and Luke Shaw is anticipated to be eligible for the next game, with Harry Maguire, Mason Mount, Tyrell Malacia, and Victor Lindelof not far behind.
United will have a completely fit squad available soon, and there will be no more excuses. They must advance and have a solid second half of the season, but this is doubtful.
Ten Hag is in charge of how the squad plays, and recent results indicate that there will still be a game.
Ten Hag’s excuses are running out, and the questions are piling up.
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