Manchester United twice blew their lead against Tottenham Hotspur as Erik ten Hag had to settle for just a point.
The clash on Sunday (January 14) was the first attended by Sir Jim Ratcliffe since his blockbuster deal to buy a 25% stake in the club for £1.4billion. The home side certainly made a good impression initially, after Rasmus Hojlund scored his second league goal in as many games in what was a thunderous finish in the third minute of the game.
The lead, however, didn’t last long as 15 minutes later, Richarlison equalised for Spurs with a header in United’s box to level the scoring. The all-action pace in the first half continued as Hojlund turned creator for Marcus Rashford, who slotted in his first goal at Old Trafford since May 2023.
With the momentum shifting to United once again, they finished the opening 45 minutes on top. Unfortunately for the home side, their second lead in the game was diminished less than a minute after the commencement of the second half as Rodrigo Bentancur got on the end of Timo Werner’s pass to strike past Andre Onana, with the visitors then dominating proceedings.
It’s yet another opportunity lost for Ten Hag’s side who will be disappointed not to get the three points, especially in front of the incoming Ratcliffe and with the Red Devils slumped in seventh place in the Premier League. United’s worrying start to 2024 continues as Daily Star Sport break down what Erik ten Hag got wrong.
Wrong – Garnacho at right-wing
Granted, Antony has had a horror season as the Brazilian has yet to register a goal or an assist in all competitions this season. With Marcus Rashford reclaiming his spot at left-wing, Alejandro Garnacho was shifted to the opposite side for the Spurs clash.
The Argentine struggled to impose himself in the game and was up against a menacing Destiny Udogie at left-back whose pace and power in both defensive and attacking actions minimised Garnacho’s ability to impact the game.
There’s no doubt the 19-year-old has been a shining light in a pretty dark season for United, but perhaps the decision to slot him in an unfamiliar wing role was a tad too much for the rising star.
Wrong – Mainoo as a lone DM
With Casemiro only fit enough for the bench after his return from injury, United’s Kobbie Mainoo started his fifth Premier League game in a row as the home side’s lone defensive midfielder.
The 18-year-old has been a huge revelation this season and has earned the trust of Erik ten Hag but being the team’s sole protector of the back four is a huge burden for any player, let alone a teenager who’s made less than 15 Premier League appearances in his career.
He was not assisted enough by either Christian Eriksen or Bruno Fernandes in the middle of the park.
Wrong – Bad use of subs
The Dutchman was slated for subbing on Scott McTominay for Christian Eriksen with some seeing the change as regressive. At 2-2, United were well in the game so not bringing on an attacker in place of the Danish international seemed an odd move by Ten Hag.
While Casemiro has only just returned from injury, most fans thought he’d at least get a cameo in the game. But his 53-year-old boss proved them wrong by keeping the Real Madrid legend on the bench for the entirety of the 95 minutes.
He may not have been ready to start the game, but surely 20 minutes near the end would not have only given them more solidity in midfield but started his journey back into full match fitness.
To make matters worse, McTominay then missed a sitter in the dying moments of the match, when he headed over the bar and ended United’s hopes of snatching all three points.