Manchester United 0-3 Tottenham Hotspur: Erik ten Hag’s disorganized Reds embarrassed at home

Manchester United reached another low point in their young 2024/25 Premier League campaign on Saturday. Erik ten Hag’s team lost 3-0 to Tottenham at Old Trafford, a performance marked by a red card, but which in fact lacked the organization and identity to inspire confidence in the first half, or even in the project as a whole.

ten Hag’s team was similar to that of a week ago, with Rashford remaining in the XI and Amad moving to the bench. Manuel Ugarte and Kobbie Maino formed the midfield pivot behind Bruno Fernandes and Matthijs De Ligt returned to the team after being rotated in Europe.

That was the extent of United’s organization, and Tottenham quickly attacked a team in disarray defending transitions. Brennan Johnson arrived at the back post unmarked and with plenty of space to score the first goal after just three minutes.

The chance came from an exit in front, with Garnacho and Rashford failing to connect with an attempted breakaway. Mickey van de Ven then took the ball at full speed to the byline, cutting across most of the team’s right side before setting up his teammate with no Reds in sight.

It was a pathetic start to what would be a pathetic display. Not for lack of effort, the players had that, but there was no direction and it showed. Frustration grew early, the players were never where their teammates thought they would be, and the only plan to move forward came through counterattacks and long balls, demanding too much from the wingers and striker Joshua Zirkzee.

The Dutch center forward had a good chance to equalize after a cut from Garnacho, but his shot was saved by Vicario.

The first half ended even worse for United, with Bruno Fernandes sent off for a high boot and Kobbie Mainoo limping off injured. Mount replaced the youngster just before half-time, but United were reduced to 10 players.

Tottenham took advantage early in the second half, with Dejan Kulusevski scoring very easily from close range. Dominic Solanke would add a third late on but there was a period of good play from United in between. The players and fans didn’t give up, but it still wasn’t enough to make the game competitive.

Things are bad. This is the worst start to a Premier League season after the worst Premier League season for the club. Erik ten Hag will have to find answers or the calls for change will be deafening.