Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United struggled at the Tottenham Hotspur stadium and suffered a 2-0 defeat after Pape Sarr’s opener and Lisandro Martinez’s own goal. Here are our player ratings for the Red Devils.
Man Utd Player Ratings vs Tottenham
Defence Ratings
Andre Onana 7/10
United’s £42.7 million signing shined for his distribution once again. One moment that caught the eye was a 20th-minute long ball from near the halfway line that guided Alejandro Garnacho into the box and landed perfectly at his feet. He also made an exceptional save to deny Pape Sarr from close range. He perhaps could have done better for Spurs’ bizarre second goal, however, he would have expected much better from his defenders.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka 5/10
The English right-back started over Diogo Dalot and had some impressive moments going forward in the first half, despite his reputation as a more traditional, conservative full-back. However, like Wolves last week, Spurs looked to force United into passing to Wan-Bissaka to exploit his poor ball progression. He was targeted heavily in the second half by James Maddison and Pape Sarr, who looked to exploit gaps in the box around him and Varane.
Raphael Varane 5/10
A relatively quiet performance from the Frenchman, who retained the ball well despite the opposition’s aggressive press. He was not particularly at fault for Sarr’s opener, but along with Aaron Wan-Bissaka, he was targeted by James Maddison and Pape Sarr. For a player with his experience, fans will have expected much better.
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Lisandro Martinez 5/10
The Argentian was responsible for a shocker of an own goal after Perisic’s low cross snuck into the far corner following a scuffed clearance from Martinez that helped the ball in.
He covered Luke Shaw exceptionally well in the first half as Postecoglou’s side looked to exploit gaps left by the full-back and snuffed out significant moments of danger on several occasions. But ultimately, this will be overshadowed by a moment of madness.
Luke Shaw 6/10
It was not a particularly poor game from Luke Shaw but he looked uncertain of how to deal with the aggressive runs of Pedro Porro, who was a menace down Tottenham’s right-hand side. A failure of communication between the left-back and Garnacho was arguably the cause of Pape Sarr’s goal. He was relatively tidy on the ball despite a lack of options to progress it forward.
Man Utd Midfield Ratings
Casemiro 3/10
The former Real Madrid man had a disappointing game and was given a significant challenge by Yves Bissouma, who caught his Brazilian opposite off-guard and charged at the defence numerous times. Casemiro’s passing was surprisingly sloppy at times and gifted Spurs opportunities to attack in transition. He frequently misplaced challenges and looked overmatched. The decision to play him as a single pivot didn’t help, but he was poor.
Mason Mount 5/10
Mason Mount was fairly unnoticeable in attack but should be praised for his defensive commitment. There are some questions to raise about his performance going forward, perhaps he has lost some confidence, but it appeared as if there simply wasn’t a plan for him to contribute going forward. Another day to forget for the former Chelsea man.
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Antony 6/10
The Brazil international was impressive on the counter-attack and caused issues with his direct runs towards goal. He struck the post in a decent effort to level the game 50 minutes in, but he probably should have scored. Antony struggled in the second half
Alejandro Garnacho 4/10
United’s youth prospect struggled on the left side and failed to make an impression, despite having the benefit of attacking Pedro Porro, who is not a particularly strong defender as a right-back. He was far too hesitant in moments where a shot or pass was on. Miscommunication between the winger and Luke Shaw paid a significant part in Tottenham’s opener.
Bruno Fernandes 7/10
The captain had some impressive moments in this match, in particular, a first-tiRabonaona cross that was very close to reaching Rashford alone in the box (although the Englishman would have been marginally offside). However, he did have a shocking headed miss from about 8 yards despite being in acres of space in the first half. In the second half, he was much more lively after his side conceded. He also took an unnecessary booking for dissent early in the game.
Manchester United Forward Ratings
Rashford 5/10
Marcus Rashford was well-suited to the end-to-end nature of the first half of the game. Sadly, he was as isolated as he was on Monday after Sarr’s opener. His manager will surely need to consider starting him on the left in the coming weeks.
Substitute Performance Ratings
Christian Eriksen 5/10
The arrival of the Dane failed to help his side stabilise their midfield, although it feels harsh to hold him fully responsible.
Jadon Sancho 5/10
The young Englishman struggled to make an impact off the bench, with Tottenham playing the majority of the second half in United’s final third.
Facundo Pellestri 4/10
Struggled to make a real difference in the minuscule time he had off the bench. Missed an opportunity to set up Antony Martial for a late consolation goal.
Anthony Martial 5/10
Failed to leave an impression in his short appearance, although he made a positive late run on goal which was ignored by fellow substitute Facundo Pellestri.
Diogo Dalot 5/10
Unfortunately for Diogo Dalot, United’s chaotic midfield didn’t help him to get forward and he was serviceable if quiet from the bench.
Next Game: Man Utd vs Nottingham Forest
Ten Hag’s side return to Old Trafford next weekend as they face a Nottingham Forest side fresh off of a 2-1 victory against Sheffield United. While they will enter the fixture as the clear favourites, they will surely need to improve and makes substantial changes to avoid a repeat performance next weekend.
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