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Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag’s future was cast in doubt following a 3-0 thrashing by Tottenham, handing United a third defeat in six league games.
Tottenham Hotspur's impressive performance at Old Trafford culminated in a resounding 3-0 victory against a struggling Manchester United, further intensifying the pressure on manager Erik ten Hag.
This defeat marked the fourth consecutive match Spurs have remained unbeaten against United, showcasing their growing dominance in this fixture.
From the outset, Spurs displayed an aggressive intent, with Micky van de Ven igniting the attack just three minutes into the game. After a breathtaking run that began in his own half, van de Ven delivered a precise pass to Brennan Johnson, who calmly finished at the back post for his fourth goal in as many games—a personal milestone.
United struggled to find their footing, with Spurs continually threatening. James Maddison's creativity almost led to another goal, but his effort was thwarted by United's goalkeeper André Onana. Destiny Udogie also missed a good chance, while Johnson struck the post shortly after, underscoring Spurs' offensive prowess.
Despite a few moments of promise from United, including a save from Guglielmo Vicario after Kobbie Mainoo set up Joshua Zirkzee, they found themselves under relentless pressure. Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho both came close, with Garnacho's volley hitting the post, but the home side's fortunes took a drastic turn just before halftime.
Bruno Fernandes was sent off for a reckless challenge on Maddison, becoming the fourth United captain to see red in a Premier League match at Old Trafford.
Ten Hag attempted to shift momentum with substitutions at the start of the second half, but the plan quickly unraveled. Spurs extended their lead within three minutes of the restart when Johnson's deflected pass fell perfectly for Dejan Kulusevski to slot home.
While Onana made critical saves to deny Timo Werner and Dominic Solanke, United struggled to capitalize on their chances. Lisandro Martínez wasted a golden opportunity, and Casemiro’s efforts from tight angles failed to find the net, as Spurs' defense held firm.
The final nail in the coffin came in the 78th minute, when substitutes Lucas Bergvall and Pape Matar Sarr combined to set up Solanke, who made no mistake in poking the ball home. This goal marked Spurs’ first run of four consecutive wins since last October, a stark contrast to United’s current plight.
With only two Premier League victories this season, United now languish in the bottom half of the table, leaving Ten Hag under significant scrutiny.
As Tottenham revels in their newfound form, the future looks increasingly uncertain for the beleaguered United manager. The pressure is on, and a swift turnaround is desperately needed to reinvigorate a team that has lost its way.
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