MANCHESTER: Tottenham Hotspur dealt a significant blow to Erik ten Hag’s future as Manchester United manager with a commanding 3-0 victory at Old Trafford on Sunday, increasing scrutiny on the Dutchman’s position.
Spurs made an explosive start, with Brennan Johnson finding the net just three minutes into the game. The goal was set up by Micky Van de Ven, whose surging run down the left flank tore through United’s defense, allowing Johnson to tap in for his fourth consecutive goal. Tottenham’s dominance throughout the first half left United on the back foot and unable to muster a meaningful response.
The task for United became even more daunting in the 42nd minute when captain Bruno Fernandes was shown a straight red card for a dangerous studs-up challenge on Spurs midfielder James Maddison. The red card came after Fernandes lost his footing in a sliding tackle, but the reckless nature of the challenge left the referee with little choice.
Tottenham wasted no time capitalizing on their numerical advantage. Just two minutes into the second half, Dejan Kulusevski added to their tally with a clever flick past United goalkeeper Andre Onana after a deflected cross from Johnson. The goal all but ended hopes of a United comeback.
In a last-ditch effort to regain control, Ten Hag substituted striker Joshua Zirkzee at halftime for the experienced but much-criticized Casemiro. However, this move backfired, with Casemiro being outmuscled by Dominic Solanke in the build-up to Tottenham’s third goal. Solanke not only won the battle but also scored from a corner late in the match to seal Spurs’ emphatic victory.
United, now suffering their third defeat in six Premier League games, sit in 11th place, putting Ten Hag’s position under serious threat. After surviving an internal review at the end of last season, his FA Cup victory over Manchester City had been seen as a saving grace. However, with his team’s dismal start to the new campaign, pressure is mounting for United to make changes, potentially during the upcoming international break.
Adding to United’s concerns, their next two fixtures are daunting, with a trip to Porto in the Europa League and a league match against Aston Villa looming large. Both results could significantly impact Ten Hag’s tenure, as these fixtures come before a two-week break often used by clubs to reshuffle management.
Tottenham, on the other hand, appear to be hitting their stride under manager Ange Postecoglou. After a challenging start to the season, Spurs have now won four consecutive matches and delivered arguably their finest performance under the Australian manager. Despite missing their star forward, Son Heung-min, due to injury, Tottenham’s attacking play overwhelmed United’s defense, with several chances created beyond the goals they scored.
Spurs had opportunities to extend their lead further, but some wasteful finishing and heroics from United keeper Onana kept the scoreline from becoming even more embarrassing for the home side. Onana denied James Maddison and Timo Werner in one-on-one situations, while Johnson rattled the post with a fierce strike. Despite these missed chances, Tottenham’s defense, marshaled by Guglielmo Vicario in goal, dealt with the sporadic threats from United, including a brilliant save to deny Zirkzee.
For Ten Hag, time is running out. United’s board and fans alike are growing restless with the team’s inconsistent form and lack of cohesion. Without swift improvement, his tenure could be cut short sooner rather than later.
Liverpool Go Top of the League
Elsewhere, Liverpool surged to the top of the Premier League on Saturday with a 2-1 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux. Ibrahima Konate opened the scoring in first-half injury time, heading home his first Premier League goal after a pinpoint cross from Diogo Jota. However, a defensive lapse by Konate allowed Wolves to equalize in the 56th minute, with Rayan Ait-Nouri pouncing on Jorgen Strand Larsen’s cross.
Liverpool’s response was swift, as Mohamed Salah converted a penalty just five minutes later after Nelson Semedo fouled Jota in the box. Salah’s cool finish sent Wolves keeper Sam Johnstone the wrong way, securing all three points for the Reds.
The win takes Liverpool to 15 points from six games, putting them one point ahead of Manchester City and Arsenal. Wolves, meanwhile, remain at the bottom of the table with just one point to their name.
After the match, Liverpool midfielder Ryan Gravenberch expressed confidence in his team’s prospects. “A team like Liverpool has to be in the top four for sure,” said Gravenberch. “We keep pushing, but it’s still early. I’m really happy to be back and playing well. The manager [Arne Slot] has given me a lot of confidence, and I want to repay that trust.”
As the Premier League season progresses, both Tottenham and Liverpool appear to be on upward trajectories, while Manchester United’s woes continue to deepen under Ten Hag’s beleaguered reign.
