From the start, Erik ten Hag’s squad had difficulty finding their rhythm and fell behind early, just three minutes into the game. Johnson took advantage of a well-placed cross from Micky van de Ven, scoring at the back post to give Tottenham the lead.
The situation for United worsened just before halftime when Bruno Fernandes received a straight red card, putting the team at a significant disadvantage. After the break, Kulusevski doubled Tottenham’s advantage to 2-0 with a close-range finish shortly after play resumed.
Although Manchester United began to improve as the match went on, they suffered another setback in the 77th minute when a shot went past goalkeeper Andre Onana, making it 3-0 and effectively sealing their fate. The game ended with noticeable frustration from United supporters, who expressed their dissatisfaction with boos at the final whistle.
Looking forward, United now turns its attention to the upcoming Europa League match against Porto on Thursday night. Given their recent performances, discussions about Erik ten Hag’s future have intensified.
Former footballer Robbie Savage has openly suggested that Ten Hag’s tenure at Manchester United may be coming to an end. On BBC Sport, he voiced his concerns regarding the team’s disappointing performance this season, noting they’ve only secured seven points from their first six Premier League matches. Savage stated, “I think his time might be up. They’ve got to make a big decision this week.”
The Manchester Evening News has echoed these views, indicating that the club has previously contemplated dismissing Ten Hag.
The ongoing lack of results raises the possibility of a managerial change, especially with the match against Porto on the horizon. It might be wise for United to act swiftly, potentially considering Ruud van Nistelrooy, who recently became Ten Hag’s assistant, as a temporary manager during this transitional phase.
Overall, the situation at Old Trafford is critical, and fans are eager for decisive measures to reverse the club’s fortunes.