By Samuel A. September 30, 2024
Brennan Johnson, Dejan Kulusevski and Dominic Solanke scored the goals as Tottenham Hotspur thumped Manchester United in a scintillating display. Brennan, the Welsh forward, who deactivated his social media account after criticism from the North London derby performance, has been in fine form since then, scoring in all four games since then.
After reportedly narrowly escaping the sack in the summer, Erik ten Hag should well be fearing for his job after a weak performance. From the off, Spurs were first to every ball, and it was no surprise when they took the lead on three minutes, Johnson tapping home at the far post after fantastic work from Micky van de Ven. Though they didn’t score again in the first half, they absolutely dominated as United shrunk. Then, with three minutes until the break, Fernandes slipped as James Maddison passed him, lunged, and was sent off after his challenge landed higher than intended.
Handed an opportunity to reorganise, Ten Hag was dismayed to concede within two minutes of the restart, Kulusevski finishing cleverly after more good work from Brennan Johnson. Then, just as United established a foothold in the game, gaining momentum from the introduction of Casemiro, Spurs made it safe, Solanke sliding in after Pape Sarr flicked on a corner.
In the time remaining, the away end mocked the home fans, team and manager, putting head coach Ten Hag under yet more pressure. Manchester United have scored five league goals in six games, one fewer than Cole Palmer managed in 45 minutes yesterday, but will look to get back to winning ways when they face Villa at Villa Park next game week.
