Manchester United reached another low in the young 2024/25 Premier League campaign on Saturday. Erik ten Hag’s team lost 3-0 against Tottenham at Old Trafford, a performance marred by a red card but in truth lacked the organization and identity to instill any confidence in the first half, or indeed in the project as a whole.
ten Hag’s team was similar to a week ago, with Rashford staying in the XI and Amad going to the bench. Manuel Ugarte and Kobbie Maino formed a midfield pivot behind Bruno Fernandes and Matthijs De Ligt returned to the team after being rotated in Europa.
That was about the extent of United’s organization, and Tottenham quickly pounced on a team in disorder defending transitions. Brennan Johnson arrived at the back post unmarked with acres of space to tap in the opening goal after just three minutes.
The chance stemmed from a giveaway up front with Garnacho and Rashford failing to connect on a breakaway attempt. Mickey van de Ven then took the ball at full speed to the byline, cutting through nearly the entire right side of the team 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 to it and it showed. Frustration built early, players were never where their teammates thought they would be, and the only plan to move forward came via counters and long balls, asking far too much of the wingers and striker Joshua Zirkzee.
The Dutch center forward did have a decent chance to equalize on a cutback from Garnacho, but the shot was saved by Vicario.
The first half ended even worse for United, with Bruno Fernandes sent off for a high boot challenge and Kobbie Mainoo limping off injured. Mount replaced the youngster just before the break, but United were down to 10 men.
Tottenham took advantage early in the second half with Dejan Kulusevski scoring far too easily from close range. Dominic Solanke would add a third late in the match, but there was a spell of good play from United in between. The players and fans didn’t give up, but it was still nowhere near enough to make the game competitive.
Things are bad. This is the joint-worst start to a Premier League season, coming after a worst-ever Premier League season for the club. Erik ten Hag will have to find answers or the calls for a change will be deafening.