Tottenham Hotspur vs Manchester United player ratings as the Red Devils succumb to 1-0 defeat

Manchester United’s tough season in the Premier League continues with a 1-0 defeat against Tottenham Hotspur in the 25th gameweek. With this defeat, Manchester United have fallen into the 15th position, glaring into a possible worst finish of the Premier League era as well as a relegation. 

Tottenham Hotspur, on the other hand, capitalized on the one opportunity that the goalkeeper presented to score a decisive early goal in the game. The defense were on their toes to keep Manchester United at bay despite them having gone in moments and spells. With this win, Spurs have moved to the 12th position on the points table with their hopes of qualifying for Europe getting slightly better. Here is how the game unraveled: 

Tottenham Hotspur start the game on a bright note, scoring an early goal 

From the first whistle, Tottenham Hotspur got on the gas and did not allow Manchester United to take a breath. The waves of attacks led to chance creation but in the first eight minutes, the Old Trafford outfit held the fort. On the other hand, a through ball from Bruno Fernandes, held by Rasmus Hojlund went on to register the first shot on target when the club was struggling to get out of their half. Vicario was up to the task and thwarted the ball. However, on the rebound, Dalot and Garnacho tried to score but Vicario was unbreakable. The scoreline remained 0-0 at the end of the 11th minute. 

The Lillywhites were relentless on the pitch and held themselves on the attack. Bergvall hit a long ranger which Onana saved but failed to get it away. The parry away was sweetly served to James Maddison, who did not need a second invite to score the goal. 

A dull first half ends in a 1-0 scoreline 

After conceding the first goal, Manchester United woke up from the sleep and sent the hordes of attack. Bruno Fernandes tried to orchestrate the midfield but the midfield pairing with Casemiro held him back from risking the balls. On the other hand, Joshua Zirkzee looked sublime, creating chances. The chance was served on the plate for Alejandro Garnacho around the 23rd minute which was skied. 

Post this chance, the Red Devils tried to control the game with all might but Spurs were breaking the game play. The poor decision-making by attackers led to counterattacks, stretching them. Tottenham Hotspur did not create any goal in the first half,ending it with a 1-0 lead.

Manchester United tries to strike in the second half; fails to find the back of the net 

Manchester United came out all guns blazing in the second half with a determination to score the goal. However, the chances were created but the Spurs' defense was up to the task. Danso remained tight with Hojlund whereas Spence did not allow the wingbacks to move forward. Occasional loss of possession hindered Manchester United’s chances in the game. There were several counterattacks where the team failed to capitalize on the opportunity. Despite getting multiple corners, both teams failed to penetrate the goalkeeper, resulting in a 1-0 win to Tottenham Hotspur. 

Fans were taken aback when Ruben Amorim failed to make any changes in the ninety minutes of the game. The Portuguese gaffer gave a debut for Chido Obi Martin in the dying embers of the game by bringing on him for Casemiro. Fans felt that the manager could have given the youngsters a run instead of playing the likes of Casemiro and Hojlund for so long. 

Stats Galore: Throughout the game, Manchester United had six shots on target whereas Spurs had only seven on target. The Lillywhites had ten corners compared to five of Manchester United. Despite the counter-attacking nature of the game, Spurs managed higher possession compared to Manchester United with them having 56%. 

Tottenham Hotspur- Player Ratings

• Guglielmo Vicario– 8
• Pedro Porro – 7
• Kevin Danso – 7
• Ben Davis – 7
• Djed Spence – 8 (Man of the Match)
• Rodrgio Bentacur – 7
• Lucas Bergvall – 7
• James Maddison – 8
• Dejan Kulusevski – 7
• Mathys Tel – 6
• Heung Min Son – 6 

Substitutes: Brennan Johnson (6), Pepe Sarr (6), Archie Gray (NA), Yves Bissouma (NA), Wilson Odobert (NA)

Manchester United - Player Ratings

• Andre Onana – 5
• Noussar Mazraoui – 6
• Harry Maguire – 6
• Matthijs de Ligt – 6
• Diogo Dalot – 5
• Casemiro – 5
• Bruno Fernandes – 6
• Patrick Dorgu – 7
• Joshua Zirkzee – 7
• Alejandro Garnacho – 5
• Rasmus Hojlund – 5

Substitutes: Chido Obi Martin (NA)

Next Match for Tottenham Hotspur: vs Ipswich Town, English Premier League, 22nd February

Next Match for Manchester United: vs Everton, English Premier League, 22nd February