Breaking Down Manchester United's Loss to Tottenham

Tyler Stearns |

Tottenham delivered a devastating blow to Manchester United as the Red Devils face another loss of points in a slew of poor form in the league. United wasn't able to get even one expected goal, while Tottenham was able to muster nearly six.

Dominick Solanke, Via Reuters

The game started poorly for United, as they gave up a goal within the first three minutes. Mick Van de Ven blitzed down the field, passing United midfielders and defenders on his way to the box, where he made a simple pass across the goal where Brennan Johnson was there to tap it in. The play showed United's lack of defensive tenacity and poor scheme, as no one on the left side of the field could stop the speedy Dutch defender.

Tottenham continued to create chances throughout the match, led mostly by Swedish international Dejan Kulusevski, but couldn't put any in the net. Towards the end of the half, Bruno Fernandes received a red card for a studs-up tackle on James Maddison, and Manchester United's only attacking threat was sent off.

The second half started and again, an early goal from Tottenham ensued. After a cross from Brennan Johnson, Kulusevski flicked the ball into the net and Spurs doubled their lead. And again, Manchester United's defending was suspect.

United continued to give up the ball in their half, letting Tottenham move freely throughout the middle of the field, and capitalize off of set pieces as Dominick Solanke finished a corner kick. United's defending was nowhere to be seen, letting the Tottenham striker step right in front of goal without being marked.

The game showed that Manchester United has serious institutional issues. Erik Ten Hag is not the coach. A term that has been used to describe him is a "confused chameleon" that changes tactics each game with no major reason. In one game the Red Devils will sit in a low block, with poor execution, and will end up conceding. In another game, they will try to possess the ball, but will be inefficient in finding their way into the final third and are not able to create any major chances. It seems that without an identity, the players aren't able to maximize their ability and play to their better traits.

They have the talent. They signed four very good players this summer window. But they need to first build a better foundation. The academy is fine. They brought up Kobie Mainoo last year and he has turned into a sensation. But they need to work on making cheap signings for young talents out of the Portuguese, Spanish, and Dutch leagues. Liverpool, Manchester City, and Arsenal have all bought U21 players from some of those leagues, and the players have developed into stars.

The next thing that must be addressed is the front office. It seems that the management at United cares more about the brand than the product on the pitch. And while revenue generation is important, it does not equate to wins if the revenue is used ineffectively. United has the best brand in the world, but they don't spend money on players in the right way, as detailed previously. They must invest in the academy and young talent to build up the team, similar to Chelsea's model (though Chelsea's spending is not ideal even for a team like United).

And finally, hire a manager from Pep's coaching tree. Chelsea has done it, Bayer Leverkusen have done it, Bayern have done it, and Arsenal have done it. And they have all reaped the benefits. Playing a modern, possession-based style of football is necessary to win in today's Premier League. Ten Hag does have experience with Pep, but he was learning under Guardiola during a different era of the sport. But firing the Dutch manager right now isn't what they should do either. Let him try to do something by the end of the season. He has won two trophies in his first two years, and now he has a chance to win in a weaker European tournament.

United is a mess, there isn't a way around it. From the leadership to the personnel, things must be fixed for the Red Devils. The plan outlined is the one that many of the top European clubs have started to implement. Will Manchester United figure out how to get back to that level? Right now, the answer is no.