football

Player ratings as Tottenham Hotspur dominate Manchester United

Published 19:29 19 Aug 2023 BST

Home football

United fans have every right to be concerned after this.

Tottenham Hotspur beat Manchester United at home to give Ange Postecoglou his first win as a Premier League manager much to the frustration of Erik Ten Hag. The first half was a mixed bag from both teams, with United having the brighter start, seeing the majority of possession and having some decent chances on goal. Bruno Fernandes in particular seemed to be in the mood, spraying long range passes that split the Tottenham defence, and setting Marcus Rashford through on one occasion that very nearly worked out. However, the new captain took a bit of a confidence-hit when he found himself completely free in the box, five or six yards away from goal, and a perfect cross coming his way for a free header, only for him to sky it over the bar. Things to worse for him moments later when he picked up a yellow card for verbally complaining to the match official when he disagreed with a decision that went against his teammate Antony. Spurs then came into the game, and hit the woodwork twice in a chaotic few moments and with their confidence now high, ten Hag was probably the happier of the two managers to hear the half-time whistle. The second half saw Spurs keep their momentum as they played like men possessed and scored early with a great finish from Papa Matar Sar. United made three substitutes at once, hooking Antony, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, and Alejandro Garnacho, in the hope that Jaden Sancho, Christian Eriksen and Diogo Dalot will bring some life back to the Red Devils. The opposite happened when Ben Davis managed to scuff a shot that deflected off Lisandro Martinez and past his own goalkeeper. Spurs were completely in control for the entire second half, and even though it's early in the season United fans will be feeing very nervous.