MANCHESTER UNITED’S horror display against Tottenham has been torn apart by pundits including three Manchester United legends.
Erik ten Hag is now favourite to become the first Premier League manager sacked this season following a dismal 3-0 loss at Old Trafford.
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Seven points from their opening six league matches equals unwanted records set by David Moyes and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as the Red Devils’ joint-worst start to a season since 1989.
And while Ten Hag has insisted he has given no thought to being axed, the likes of Gary Neville, Rio Ferdinand, Ashley Young and Jamie Redknapp were quick to slate the performance.
Ten Hag said: “I’m not thinking about being sacked, not at all. We all made the decision to stay together.
“Ownership, staff, players, myself. We made the decision from a clear review of what we have to do.
“We knew it would take some time. We are on the same page together.”
But Neville took no prisoners in his analysis of the match as he labelled Man Utd “shocking” and a “disgrace”.
Speaking on Sky Sports, he said: “The first half was as bad as it gets.
“This is a shocking day, a sobering day. This is a really bad day for Ten Hag.
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MARK HALSEY: Questions must be asked after Bruno Fernandes was sent off for Man Utd against Tottenham
IN real time Bruno Fernandes’ first-half challenge on James Maddison looked a poor one.
And based on an immediate viewing, it seemed ref Chris Kavanagh’s decision to show a red card was the correct one.
But replays clearly showed he slipped and his foot did not make contact as high on Maddison’s leg as it first seemed.
In these circumstances a ref has to consider whether a challenge was reckless, which would be worthy of a caution, or if it has endangered a player’s safety with excessive force and brutality — a red-card offence.
Looking back at the footage, you would have to say it was reckless rather than a case of serious foul play.
There should be no criticism of Kavanagh as he only gets one view of it.
But the question to ask is why VAR Peter Bankes did not get involved, as he sees what we see.
If VAR had recommended a review I’m sure Kavanagh would have changed his mind.
“Today has shocked me about how low they have gone.”
Earlier in the afternoon before Fernandes’ dismissal, he said: “That sums up Manchester United in the first half. They have been an absolute disgrace.
“It’s one of the worst performances I have seen under Ten Hag. And that is saying something. It is really bad.”
Meanwhile, former Liverpool and Tottenham midfielder Redknapp admitted having some sympathy for Ten Hag following the “embarrassing” display.
He said: “It gets to a point where you almost feel sorry for the manager as well. He looks completely out of his depth, he looks like he’s struggling to motivate his team.
“Man Utd and Ten Hag are going backwards. You can’t complain anymore, he’s got his back four in place, he’s got all the players at his disposal – there’s no excuses.
“They are rock bottom right now. I just don’t see where they can go from here. They’re as bad as I’ve seen a United side.
“It’s embarrassing. A club of this stature shouldn’t be producing performances like that.”
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While fellow ex-Man Utd title winner Ashley Young added: “Man Utd didn’t give anything. There was no effort. There was no work rate.”
Five-time Premier League winner Rio Ferdinand took to his YouTube channel moments after full-time to rage about the display.
He said: “An absolute p*** poor performance, I’ve got to be honest.
“Powder-puff, embarrassing, no real idea it seemed, no real fight.
“Second half a little bit of a fight here and there but a distinct lack of quality.”
Man Utd ratings vs Tottenham
MANCHESTER UNITED suffered a 3-0 thrashing against Tottenham at Old Trafford.
Captain Bruno Fernandes was sent off in the first half for fouling James Maddison, forcing Erik Ten Hag’s side to play with 10 men against Ange Postecoglou’s team.
After back-to-back draws against Crystal Palace and FC Twente fans hoped United would redeem themselves against Spurs.
However, the match at Old Trafford quickly turned sour. Brennan Johnson scored early and things worsened when Fernandes was sent off allowing Spurs to extend their lead to 3-0.
And here is how SunSports Charlie Wyett rated the Manchester United stars.
Andre Onana – 5
Stood his ground to deliver a good save from Timo Werner who was clean through – no chance for either goal.
Noussair Mazraoui – 5
First in the refs’ book for chopping down Destiny Udogie. Could also have blocked Micky van de Ven for the goal. Just watched Solanke make it 3-0.
Matthijs de Ligt – 4
Shocking first half. Failed to cut out the cross from Micky van de Ven which led to the first goal.
Lisandro Martinez – 5
Switched off for the Spurs goal and was drawn to the ball and Johnson was left unmarked.
Diogo Dalot – 5
Gave the ball away in dangerous areas and struggled against Johnson.
Manuel Ugarte – 5
Suffered a stinker and was lucky to last until the 73rd minute.
Kobbie Mainoo – 5
Not one of his better performances and was taken off just before half-time following Fernandes’ sending-off.
Marcus Rashford – 5
Over-ran the ball for Tottenham’s first. Way off the pace.
Bruno Fernandes – 4
Arguably the worst captain in United’s history. Deserved red card for his challenge on James Maddison.
Alejandro Garnacho – 6
Had United’s only chance in the first half but hit the outside of the post. Improved in the second half.
Joshua Zirkzee – 5
Looked completely lost up front – threatening to be another poor Erik ten Hag signing. Replaced at half-time.
Subs:
Mount (for Mainoo 45) 5, Casemiro (for Zirkzee 46) 7, Hojlund (for Rashford 73) 5, Eriksen (for Ugarte 73) 5.
