Manchester United continue their downward spiral under Erik Ten Hag as they surrendered 3 goals to Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford on Sunday. Goals from Kulusevski (47′), Solanke (77′), and an early opener from Brennan Johnson (3′) set the tone for the away side’s overwhelming performance.

Key Stats Breakdown:

Tottenham had 21 shots, 9 of which were on target, amassing an xG of 3.6, while Manchester United managed 11 shots with an xG of 1.28. Despite United’s 16 fouls, five yellow cards, and one red card (never a red card), they couldn’t disrupt Spurs’ early rhythm. Spurs also showed their tactical discipline, with only 14 fouls and no red cards. The xG per shot for Tottenham was higher (0.17) compared to United’s 0.12, showcasing Tottenham’s better shot selection and higher-quality chances.

Match Momentum:

Looking at the cumulative expected goals (xG) graph, Tottenham maintained control for large stretches of the game. Brennan Johnson’s early goal (xG 0.70) set Spurs on the front foot, and Manchester United never fully recovered. The gap in xG widened steadily, with Tottenham adding a second through Kulusevski and Solanke’s 77th-minute strike (xG 0.41), reflecting their growing dominance throughout the match. United had brief periods of pressure, but they were unable to capitalize on their opportunities.

Shot Analysis:

Tottenham’s shot map shows a flurry of activity inside United’s penalty box, with Solanke and Kulusevski converting their best chances. Spurs could have had more if their finishing was a tad bit better.

Meanwhile, Manchester United’s shot map reveals a cluster of attempts from outside the box, with only two on target (xG 0.37). Tottenham’s defense held strong, blocking four shots and limiting United to speculative efforts, often forcing them to shoot from difficult angles. One of the worst attacking displays so far this season from Erik Ten Hag’s men.

Possession Tactics:

Tottenham’s pass map illustrates a well-coordinated structure, with Bentancur at the heart of most build-up play, constantly linking up with Maddison and Kulusevski. Maddison’s involvement in central areas allowed Spurs to maintain fluidity in attack, creating opportunities for Solanke and Johnson. The combination of Udogie, Werner, and Maddison on the left side gave Spurs further dominance in wide areas, which led to numerous crosses and cutbacks.

Manchester United’s pass map, however, reveals a struggle to build through the midfield. Although Bruno Fernandes and Joshua Zirkzee attempted to spark attacks, there was a disconnect between their midfield and attack. The lack of meaningful forward passes into dangerous areas, combined with Garnacho and Rashford’s isolation on the wings, meant that Spurs were able to stifle United’s creativity.

This was a tactical masterclass from Tottenham Hotspur, who perfectly executed their game plan. In contrast, Manchester United will need to rethink their approach in future matches, as they struggled to cope with Spurs’ pressing and attacking flair. How much longer will Erik Ten Hag be the Manchester United manager?