Man Utd played an underpowered game and conceded two goals relatively easily in the second half against Tottenham. Here are 6 highlights drawn after the match.
1. VAR Controversy
Referee Michael Oliver denied Man Utd a penalty when defender Cristian Romero let the ball touch his hand inside the box.
That was the situation in the 26th minute, when Alejandro Garnacho’s shot turned Romero’s arm and caused the ball to change direction very clearly. Unfortunately, for some reason, after listening to the VAR team’s advice, Mr. Oliver decided not to blow the penalty.
2. Disappointed Bruno Fernandes
On a day when Man Utd was playing underpowered, it was expected that captain Bruno Fernandes would shine to help the Red Devils have important goals. However, it was he who missed ten opportunities in the first half. If Bruno’s close-range header was successful, Man Utd might have had a better position.
In the second half, the Portuguese midfielder was only a shadow of himself. He was almost ‘out of battery’ after 70 minutes and repeatedly failed to pass (22 times lost the ball). Against Tottenham, he passed the ball exactly 34 times out of 48, achieving a modest rate of 71%. Worth mentioning, this player often yelled at his teammates instead of encouraging them.
3. Reporter Lisandro Martinez
Man Utd’s two goals today are imprinted with the imprint of Lisandro Martinez. At the first goal, after a cross from a Tottenham player, the ball hit Martinez changed direction and created the conditions for Pape Matar Sarr to score.
Towards the end of the game, Martinez’s attempt to clear the ball also accidentally created an own goal. It seems the injury in the match against Wolves kept the midfielder from being in his best form.
4. Marcus Rashford’s Rage
Not only Bruno and Martinez played under strength, Rashford also had a disappointing match against Tottenham. He does not make an impact whether drifting or kicking.
Sofascore rated the English striker only 6 points, the worst score of 22 starting players. Even Rashford has a bad attitude when being substituted. He threw his gloves on the floor and expressed displeasure with Erik Ten Hag’s decision.
5. Ten Hag pays for the number 7
In the last two matches, Ten Hag all trusted Mason Mount. Mount and Bruno both played as an attacker and left Casemiro alone to carry out the defensive duties.
This naturally led to Bruno having to step back more to support Casemiro and make his fitness unsatisfactory in the second half.
The question mark posed for the Dutch strategist when on the bench of Man Utd there was still Scott McTominay, a player rich in combat but he did not use it.
6. Impression Yves Bissouma
Bissouma showed high confidence in the confrontation with the Red Devils. He touched the ball 74 times, the second highest after Romero (90) on the Tottenham side. He is also a good dealer with 45 passes to the right address (88% pass accuracy rate).
In addition, the former Brighton midfielder has 10 wins in duels and successful tackles 5 times. Bissouma’s enthusiasm helped Tottenham have a superior midfield compared to the opponent.