All of the talk before the game centred around Jose Mourinho, United’s ‘style’ of play and Spurs’ horrific Old Trafford record. Ultimately, it was Tottenham who won the game by three goals thanks to a Brazilian wonder show from Lucas Moura.
Lucas Moura Shines in Brazilian Wonder Show
The last time Spurs won away to one of the ‘top’ six was a win against Manchester City in 2016. Whilst undoubted progress has been made under Mauricio Pochettino, Spurs have still struggled to lay down markers against their rivals away from home. Jose Mourinho was already under pressure after a 3-2 reverse last time out at Brighton. Questions have been levelled at his tactics and performances have been far from ‘easy on the eye’. Although United dominated possession in the first half, there were still too many lacklustre performances.
Missed Opportunity
Toby Alderweireld started for a second successive game at the heart of a Spurs back four, with Danny Rose also starting. Of the two, Rose looked rusty and he presented United with possibly their best chance of the half. A woefully under-hit backpass found Romelu Lukaku who went around Hugo Lloris leaving an empty goal at his mercy. Lukaku somehow managed to miss the goal and fire wide, leaving Mourinho and the Old Trafford crowd with heads in hands.
Defensive Frailties
As was the case at Brighton, United’s defence was ragged and incoherent. Victor Lindelof endured a torrid time as Lucas Moura pulled him all over. Harry Kane gave Spurs the lead with a sublime header but United’s defence was static.
Moura scored the second as United became frustrated and Paul Pogba looked a shadow of the player that helped France to World Cup glory.
It was Brazilian Moura who grabbed the second and Spurs’ third, showing strength and poise to fire past De Gea. It was a Brazilian wonder show for Spurs but a defensive horror show for United.
What Next?
Both teams are away next with Spurs travelling to Watford and United going to Burnley. The pressure is mounting on Mourinho as tactics and performances continue to suffer. He walked out of the post-match press conference and needs results quickly.
For Spurs, the result marked a potential watershed moment. Solid and together; something that United and Mourinho looked anything but. Spurs looked every bit title challengers whilst United looked a team that need to change their fortunes and maybe that might involve changing the manager.
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