The Argentine missed a gaping opportunity to score as his wait for a first league goal or assist since November drags on and on
Manchester United were let down by static defending and toothless attacking as they were beaten 1-0 by Tottenham on Sunday, a result that sees them slide all the way down to 15th in the Premier League table, putting them on track for their worst finish since being relegated in 1974. James Maddison struck the only goal of the game in the 13th minute, although United did not struggle to create chances. They did, however, look incapable of scoring them, with Alejandro Garnacho the biggest culprit while Rasmus Hojlund again failed to score.
Ruben Amorim's side could hardly have been in worse shape before the game. They were already reeling from the news that Amad Diallo had been ruled out for the season with an ankle injury and that Kobbie Mainoo had suffered a muscular injury before they then had to travel to London by coach due to train problems, while upon their arrival, Amorim revealed that Christian Eriksen and Leny Yoro were ill while Manuel Ugarte and Toby Collyer were injured. It meant that Casemiro was given his first league start in over six weeks and that eight out of United's nine substitutes had never played a minute of senior football for the club.
The Red Devils had their moments early on in the first half but fell behind for the 10th time in 12th league games as Maddison was not picked up by a static defence and was left free to pounce on the rebound in the 13th minute after Andre Onana could only parry Lucas Bergvall's effort. Garnacho missed an absolute sitter to equalise as he blazed over the bar while Joshua Zirkzee miscued from a free header after the break.
GOAL rates United's players from the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium…
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Andre Onana (5/10):
Should have tipped Bergvall's shot wider rather than at the feet of Maddison. Equal to the other four efforts he faced. A sloppy throw-out almost got United in deeper trouble late on.
Noussair Mazraoui (6/10):
Decent defensively and his cross to Zirkzee deserved better.
Harry Maguire (6/10):
A little slow for the goal but otherwise held the defence together and showed his authority in the air.
Matthijs de Ligt (4/10):
Statuesque for the goal, failing to sense the danger Maddison presented and not reacting quick enough to Onana's spill.
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Diogo Dalot (5/10):
Struggled against Son while he should have done better with his two chances down the other end, particularly his follow-up to Vicario saving from Garnacho.
Casemiro (4/10):
Too passive in the build-up to Spurs' goal while his general lumbering performance underlined why Amorim doesn't usually trust him.
Bruno Fernandes (5/10):
His high positioning left Casemiro with a lot to do, although he was United's creative engine and his pass to Garnacho deserved better.
Patrick Dorgu (5/10):
Looked more comfortable on the left than in his debut vs Leicester on the right. Created a good chance for Casemiro with a cross and missed the target with an over-zealous strike.
AFPAttack
Alejandro Garnacho (5/10):
Missed an absolute sitter despite having everything in his favour. He did at least keep going and was United's main threat, but he has now not scored or providd an assist in the league since November.
Rasmus Hojlund (4/10):
Didn't attack crosses while having the fewest touches and fewest passes of any player in the first half. Botched decent chances in either half.
Joshua Zirkzee (6/10):
Was tidy on the ball and was involved in United's brightest spells.
AFPSubs & Manager
Chido Obi (N/A):
Given a run out in added time.
Ruben Amorim (5/10):
His hands were tied by the litany of injuries, but would it have hurt to give some of the youngsters a chance before the 90th minute?
