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September 30, 2024

Manchester United 0-3 Tottenham: Spurs Pile on the Pressure as Bruno Fernandes Sees Red at Old Trafford

Manchester United suffered another humiliating defeat on Sunday as Tottenham cruised to a 3-0 victory at Old Trafford in their Premier League clash. In a torrential downpour, Spurs found the net three times, while United’s misery was compounded when Bruno Fernandes received a red card for a reckless challenge.

Tottenham’s goals came from Brennan Johnson, Dejan Kulusevski, and Dominic Solanke, who tore apart a disjointed United side. Fernandes’ red card made the hosts’ afternoon even worse, increasing the pressure on Erik Ten Hag during a challenging start to the season.

Spurs took control from the start, with Johnson scoring after just three minutes following an impressive run and cross by Micky van de Ven. Although Tottenham didn’t add to their lead before halftime, they controlled the game, while United struggled to create real danger. Things went from bad to worse for the home side when Fernandes slipped and caught James Maddison high with a lunging tackle just before the break, earning a straight red card.

Despite the chance to regroup during halftime, United conceded almost immediately after the restart. Kulusevski capitalized on more good work from Johnson, finishing neatly to double Tottenham’s lead. Just as United attempted to mount a comeback, Spurs put the game beyond doubt with Solanke sliding in from a Pape Sarr flicked-on corner, sealing a comprehensive victory.

The visiting Spurs fans celebrated mockingly as United’s players and manager faced growing criticism, leaving Erik Ten Hag facing even more questions about his future.

Player of the Match: 

Van de Ven was pivotal to Spurs’ success, leading from the back with a dynamic performance. His driving run to set up the first goal and his defensive solidity made it impossible for United to threaten.

Player Ratings:

Manchester United: Onana 7, Dalot 3, De Ligt 5, Martinez 4, Mazraoui 5, Ugarte 5, Mainoo 5, Fernandes 5, Garnacho 6, Zirkzee 5, Rashford 5

Subs: Mount 5, Casemiro 6, Eriksen 6, Højlund 6, Amad 6

Tottenham: Vicario 6, Porro 6, Van de Ven 8, Romero 7, Maddison 7, Kulusevski 8, Bentancur 6, Werner 5, Solanke 6, Johnson 7

Subs: Spence 6, Moore 6, Sarr 7, Bergvall 6, Dragusin 6

Key Stats:

Manchester United have scored only five goals in their last six league games—one fewer than Cole Palmer managed in 45 minutes during his recent outing.

Key Moments:

3′ – GOAL! Manchester United 0-1 Tottenham (Johnson): Van de Ven takes control after dispossessing Rashford, going on a dazzling solo run before squaring the ball for Johnson, who taps in his fourth goal in four games.

19′ – CHANCE for Spurs: Spurs nearly double their lead after a flowing move ends with Johnson firing a low shot through Dalot’s legs, only for the ball to rebound off the post.

42′ – Bruno Fernandes Red Card: Fernandes slips while trying to stop Maddison and catches him high with a lunging tackle. VAR confirms the red card, leaving United a man down.

47′ – GOAL! Manchester United 0-2 Tottenham (Kulusevski): Martinez misses a challenge, allowing Johnson to surge down the right and cross for Kulusevski, who improvises a clever finish past Onana to extend Spurs’ lead.

77′ – GOAL! Manchester United 0-3 Tottenham (Solanke): A well-delivered corner from Bergvall is flicked on by Sarr, and Solanke slides in at the far post to wrap up a dominant display from Spurs.

Manchester United’s poor start to the season continues, with Tottenham heaping further pressure on Erik ten Hag as questions about his future intensify.