10-man Tottenham Hotspur earn a late equaliser at Old Trafford, piling pressure on Michael Carrick. The manager is leading Manchester United to their worst-ever start to a Premier League season.
A match which lacked any quality
Saturday evening’s 1-1 draw between the sides lacked quality in the final third, an issue that has plagued both sides this season.
Tottenham dominated the opening 35 minutes, creating numerous opportunities but failing to challenge Senne Lammens.
United’s keeper was placed under mounds of pressure by his own backline and midfield failing to pass out from the back. Nearly gifting Spurs an opener, but the Belgian managed to spare his teammates blushes.
Leny Yoro, on the back of a debut for France, had a splendid game at right back. The Frenchman made splendid challenges to prevent Savio from creating threatening opportunities.
Manchester United looked slow and lethargic out of possession and couldn’t keep hold of the ball, especially in the middle of the pitch. Youri Tielemans was often isolated and struggled to deal with the pressure from Spurs’ midfield three.
United failed to register a shot on target in the first half and were lucky to be level at the break. Both manager and players were booed off the field as the United faithful became increasingly frustrated with Carrick’s style of play.
At the start of the second half, the hosts looked more energetic than they did the whole opening 45 minutes.
Matheus Cunha pulled some strings on the left wing before overrunning a ball out of play when cutting it back for Tielemans. The midfielder momentarily thought he had opened his Manchester United account.
Joshua Zirkzee made a real impact off the bench, pulling strings across the final third. His mazy run saw Spurs’ two centre-halves called into the action after an hour to prevent him from getting a shot away.
In the 73rd minute, the stalemate was broken by Bryan Mbeumo after work by Cuhna. The Brazilian turned Archie Grey superbly before teeing up Mbeumo, who finished emphatically from a tight angle.
Embed from Getty ImagesTottenham boss Roberto De Zerbi rang the changes, but one backfired instantly.
Rodrigo Bentancur tried a horrible scissor challenge on Luke Shaw, who reacted by pushing the Uruguayan midfielder.
A scuffle broke out, and Bentancur headbutted Shaw in the nose, seeing the red mist descend upon Spurs for the second time in a year at Old Trafford.
Summer signing Carlos Baleba steadied the slow Manchester United midfield but was let down by those behind him late into the game.
A pinpoint cross from Spurs’ Sandro Tonali found the glancing head of Dominic Solanke, who peeled round the back of the ball, watching Lisandro Martinez, to earn a 92nd-minute equaliser.
Martinez has been at fault for numerous goals this season for the Red Devils, a worrying sign for Carrick’s slow-starting side.
As for Spurs, they have yet to win a game this season and remain in the relegation zone. However, with their recent performances, it shouldn’t be long until they register their first win.
For Carrick’s side, there’s clearly no progress made after the international break. Ineos will be under as much pressure as the man they’ve chosen to lead the side. Their “Best In Class” quote still looks like a facade.
Manager Reaction
Spurs manager De Zerbi told BBC Sport, “I want to see the same character, personality and performance from this afternoon.” Further adding that he believes in his football and that results will come his way.
United manager Carrick said to BBC Sport, “We found it tough and challenging to start with; for whatever reason, we just weren’t quite there. A little bit slower with the ball and without the ball left too many spaces.”
A subtle indication that his midfield lacks enough pace to really dictate games the way he wants his side to play. He added, “We found a way back into the game (after the pressure) to put ourselves in a good position.”
There were a lot of positives said towards Baleba, who had a great individual debut for his new side.
United have a tightly congested schedule over the next month, a real test for the character of a side who look destined for a relegation battle.
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