Tottenham came from behind twice to secure a point against United, in a game that both sides will think they could have won. The win leaves United in 7th, 8 points off the top four.
Erik Ten Hag was reasonably pleased with the performance but was disappointed in the manner in which United conceded.
“When you score two great goals and concede two soft goals you are a bit disappointed. But I’m pleased with the performance of the team – they have given everything and showed very good spirit, and in stages of the game we played very decent football.
[Rashford and Hojlund’s relationship] is growing, and with Garnacho we can build the threat and build end product. With all the injuries we’ve had, we haven’t yet been able to build this consistency.
[The second Spurs equaliser] was too soft, straight from a goal-kick, and that was disappointing. We could have had the winner [from McTominay’s header] but we didn’t. We have to accept it but I think we can take a lot of positives from this game.”
Erik Ten Hag speaking after the game
There were certainly some positives for United. Rashford scored at Old Trafford for the first time since May ’23, Hojlund netted his second League goal and general United looked dangerous on the counter-attack. There was also a substitute appearance from fan-favourite Lisandro Martinez.
However, United struggled in possession and gave the ball away often, and Spurs’ midfield mostly dominated United’s. The manner in which United conceded was concerning too. Spurs’ first goal was a simple header from a corner and – inexplicably – the second goal came from a long goal-kick less than a minute after the second half started.
A lot to ponder for sir jim
United’s newest part-owner, Manchester-born Jim Ratcliffe, was watching from the stands for the first time, seated next to Sir Alex.
This result will leave more questions than answers. United had some bright patches and some good performances, but made some basic errors and were dominated in possession for long periods of the game.
United have spent long periods of the season with key players sidelined, such as Lisandro Martinez, who made an instant positive impact yesterday. Erik Ten hag and Sir Jim will need to figure out whether they think a full-strength squad can be competitive, as we were for most of last season, or if reinforcements are needed – either now or in the Summer.
Rashford – getting back to his best?
Marcus Rashford’s mini-revival continued yesterday with his first goal since May. It was his penetrating run that led to the first goal too.
He was involved often, as United sought to counter-attack and provided some dangerous moments…but there was still a lot of occasions where the end product wasn’t quite there.
Some fans and pundits were a little put out by his ‘talking puppet’ hand gesture after his goal, and Marcus’ body language looked a little negative when he was brought off for Antony late in the game.
After a bad season though, it’s encouraging to see at least some positive signs and of course, Rashford’s name back on the scoresheet. Time will tell if he can go on and hit the heady heights of last season again.
Player Ratings and MOTM
Onana – 5. Could maybe have been dominant and came for the first Spurs goal, and distribution looked a little tentative.
Wan-Bissaka – 6. Played left-back for the first time in his United career and did OK considering.
Evans – 5. At fault for both goals to varying degrees, came off with a knock.
Varane – 6. Reasonably solid, but could have perhaps shown more authority for Spurs’ first.
Dalot – 7. Typically got the better of Udogie and Timo Werner – good defensively and going forward.
Mainoo – 6. Less influential than some recent games, which is to be expected given his age.
Eriksen – 4. Couldn’t really influence the game and got hooked just before the hour-mark.
Fernandes – 6. As is often the case, had a hand in both United halves, but cooled off in the second half and Spurs mostly won then midfield battle.
Rashford – 6. Got a much-needed home goal and had some promising moments, but let down too often by decision-making around the end product.
Garnacho – 7. Plenty of dangerous moments and mostly won his duels. End product still needs refining.
Hojlund – 7 & MOTM. Took his goal superbly well, assisted Rashford and kept going throughout. Still needs more service from wide players.
Subs:
McTominay – 5. Missed a great chance to win it right at the death with a free header.
Lisandro Martinez – 7. A great return cameo. Passed the ball well and looked assured.
Antony – NA.
A fortnight’s break before we go again
United now don’t play until the 28th of January, in what should be a relatively straightforward FA Cup tie against either Newport or Eastleigh. The next league game is away at Wolves on the 1st of February.
It’s a great opportunity to try and get more players back (Casemiro was on the bench against Spurs), recharge and get ready for a big second half of the season. United still have the FA Cup to play for and the top 4 to aim for in the league. If we can get more consistency in the performances there is no reason why we can’t achieve both of these goals.
