A 3-0 home defeat was a career worst home result for Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho but his novel tactics against Mauricio Pochettino’s Tottenham side backfired on him in the second half.
Playing with Ander Herrera in a back three for United was certainly a surprise sprung by Jose Mourinho but dropping four players from the match day squad who play at Brighton was also a statement by the Portuguese.
United had the better start but missed glaring chances while Spurs were committed to ruffling United feathers despite creating little of note themselves.
The real problem came in the second half, where defensive discipline went out of the window and Spurs ruthlessly exploited the new look United back line. The Reds were caught cold by Spurs after the break and paid for a shambolic display with a heavy defeat.
Mourinho was an animated figure on the touchline but after it all fell apart in the second half, ending with his biggest home defeat as a manager, he pointedly stayed in front of the Stretford End applauding the fans and picking up a scarf before going down the tunnel. His United team had been completely outplayed in the second half.
Manchester United vs Spurs Player Ratings
De Gea. 6. Virtual spectator. Spilled a shot by Kane early in the second half and was let down by his defence as Spurs ran away with the game in the second half.
Valencia. 5. A more advanced wing-back role for Valencia, produced some good crosses.
Herrera. 4. A role in central defence and covering at right back for Antonio Valencia for the United midfielder – a task he stuck to – blocking a shot from Dele Alli in the first half but it was clear that centre back is not his forte. Subbed for Sanchez as United chased the game in the second half.
Jones. 4. Clattered early on by Harry Kane, he could have given a penalty away against Lucas Moura with a clumsy challenge. Lost Kane for Spurs’ first goal. Replaced by Victor Lindelof after going down with yet another injury.
Smalling. 5. Picked the pocket of Alli as he tried to shoot, but was responsible for letting Lucas Moura round him easily for his second and Spurs’ third goal.
Shaw. 5. Watchful of the threat posed by Kieran Trippier, produced a good cross for Pogba in the second half but was missing for Lucas Moura’s goals.
Matic. 5. Assured presence in front of the defence. Could have scored on a rare foray but looked unfit and was replaced on the hour.
Fred. 5. A more attacking role for the Brazilian, he curled one wide in the first half and got into forward positions but became lost towards the end of the game.
Pogba 5. Disciplined performance, had a shot saved, disappeared like many of his team mates as the second half went on.
Lingard 4. Little contribution and skied a great chance after a poor back pass by Dembele.
Lukaku 4. Glaring misses in the first half and in the second half between the Spurs goals.
Manchester United Subs
Sanchez (for Herrera 55). 5. Had several shots but all ineffective. Taunted by Spurs fans late in the game.
Lindelof (for Jones 58). 4. Hit the side netting but his atrocious back pass was intercepted by Alli who couldn’t get a shot off past the onrushing De Gea.
Fellaini (for Matic 61). 5. Did nothing.
MATCH STATS – Manchester United 0, Tottenham 3
Man Utd: De Gea, Valencia, Herrera (Sanchez 55), Jones (Lindelof 58), Smalling, Shaw, Matic (Fellaini 61), Fred, Pogba, Lingard, Lukaku
Man Utd Subs not used: Grant, Young, McTominay, Rashford
Booked: Herrera 19
Tottenham: Lloris, Trippier (Aurier 76), Alderweireld, Vertonghen, Rose (Davies 81), Dembele, Dier, Alli, Eriksen, Moura, Kane (Winks 88)
Tottenham Subs not used: Vorm, Sanchez, Llorente, Amos
Booked: Moura 10, Kane 24, Rose 77
Goals: Kane 50, Moura 52, 84
Attendance: 74,400