Manchester United’s disappointing home performance against Tottenham was exacerbated by Bruno Fernandes’ red card late in the first half, a decision that ignited a debate among fans and analysts. Fernandes received the red card for a high challenge on James Maddison, but he contested the decision, claiming he had slipped during the tackle. At the time of the sending-off, United was already trailing 1-0 and ultimately succumbed to a 3-0 defeat. However, the loss cannot solely be attributed to the red card; deeper issues within the team were already apparent.
### Tactical Issues and Lack of Control
From the outset, Manchester United struggled to control the game. At the moment of Fernandes’ dismissal, the team had less than 40% possession, a clear indication of Tottenham’s dominance. Ange Postecoglou’s side executed their game plan effectively, focusing on a strong midfield presence that restricted United’s ability to launch counter-attacks. In contrast, Erik ten Hag’s team looked disorganized and reactive, committing basic errors and failing to implement a coherent strategy.
Given the considerable financial investment in the squad and the absence of significant injury concerns, the performance was unacceptable. United, despite being the home side, played as if they were the visitors, lacking the aggression and initiative required to turn the tide of the match. Even had Fernandes remained on the field, the trajectory of the game suggested that defeat was inevitable.
### Erik Ten Hag Under Pressure
After guiding the team to an FA Cup victory, Ten Hag was expected to build on that success, with sporting director Dan Ashworth anticipating consistent strong performances. However, just weeks into the new season, the results have been disappointing. With United currently sitting 12th in the Premier League, boasting a -3 goal difference and only seven points from six games, the gap to the top teams has widened significantly.
The Europa League campaign has also been underwhelming, highlighted by a lackluster home draw against FC Twente. Alarmingly, United has failed to score in three of their last four league matches, raising serious concerns about the team’s attacking capabilities.
As pressure mounts, speculation about Ten Hag’s future is intensifying. The persistent underperformance since the FA Cup victory has led fans and management to question whether he is the right person to steer the team back to form. There are discussions about potential replacements, indicating that the club’s leadership is already considering alternatives if results do not improve.
In summary, Manchester United’s struggles this season reflect deeper tactical and strategic issues within the team. The performance against Tottenham, particularly before and after the red card incident, underscores a need for urgent reassessment. With Ten Hag facing mounting scrutiny, the focus is now on whether he can address these issues effectively or if a change at the helm is necessary.
