Jose Mourinho’s return to Old Trafford was not a ‘pleasant one’, as Ole Solskjaer’s Manchester United beat Tottenham Hotspur 2-1.
Seven Talking points from today’s match–
Scott Mctominay and Fred had a great game
Scott Mctominay, who was picked by Jose Mourinho during his days in Manchester United, had a great game today. He, along with Fred, had controlled the midfield for a significant part of the match. He had been very tough and was the cause of much pain and irritation to the visiting team.
Marcus Rashford made all the difference
Marcus Rashford, who did not have a good time on the pitch, since his outing against Chelsea, regained his form. Though Spurs allowed Rashford and Manchester United to roam around, it was to Rashford’s credit that he first scored from the top of the box and then earned a penalty for the second one. Mourinho’s return to Old Trafford was not a pleasant one as Ole Solskjaer’s Manchester United beat Tottenham Hotspur 2-1.
Dele Alli had a good game but Spurs forward line had a bad day in office
Dele Alli has been at different level of performance after he received backing from his manager to explore all the freedom he needed as a No. 10 player. His goal against United before halftime was a masterpiece. You need to watch it to believe it.
But Kane, Son, and Maura had a real bad day in office. They could not create chances for Spurs. Even Eriksen was not that effective when he was on pitch for the last half an hour.
Spurs have a nightmarish defense
Manchester United did not earn the goals or shots that they have had during the match against Tottenham. They were allowed to do so by Spurs defense.
Then the penalty happened, which surprisingly took the momentum out of the Tottenham attack.
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Eriksen is ready to leave Tottenham
Eriksen is not starting and sitting at reserve bench for all the four encounters under Jose Mourinho, which implies he is not staying in London after his contract ends next summer. He reportedly refused to negotiate the next contract and would leave Tottenham for free, if Spurs wait till summer.
But it seems Mourinho badly need him on the pitch, though Dele’s recent form has provided Tottenham options but the champions league match against Olympiacos proved Eriksen’s worth to all…
United and Solskjaer showed more emotion on the field than Spurs and Mourinho
The was Spurs played, was pathetic in all departments. They were nowhere to be found during the first 30 minutes. For remaining of the first half, they regained control and leveled the tally.
After the match, Mourinho said Spurs should have played a more intense game and rightly pointed out United played with emotion. Ole’s young brigade chased everything on their way. They did not provide time to Spurs to settle down with the ball.
On the other hand, Spurs allowed United to play their game. United created more chances and have been there in dangerous locations to attempt. Gazzaniga had to be much active to not allow any further embarrassment for the team.
Dele Alli blamed it all on the complacency that Spurs player had. That might be partially true. But Ole’s United looked more motivated and intense. Perhaps being a pundit has made ‘Special One’ a ‘Humble One.’ Ole was even cheekier after the match too.
Mourinho provided Solskjaer a lifeline
Out of everything that transpired, the results and tempo of the match will allow Ole Solskjaer to ensure his stay beyond 2019, if not for this season. United outplayed Spurs for during decisive moments of the game, and Ole had all the praises for his team. He had a special mention of Marcus, Scott, and Fred.
