Examining Erik ten Hag’s Three Crucial Errors as Manchester United Twice Give Up the Lead in a Draw with Tottenham

Analyzing Three Key Mistakes Erik ten Hag Made as Manchester United Twice Surrender Lead in Draw Against Tottenham Manchester United faced a setback as they twice let a lead slip in a 2-2 draw against Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford.

The match, attended by Sir Jim Ratcliffe after his acquisition of a 25% stake in the club for £1.4 billion, started well for United.

Rasmus Hojlund scored his second league goal in as many games with a thunderous finish in the third minute. However, Spurs equalized as Richarlison headed in a goal 15 minutes later. Hojlund then assisted Marcus Rashford, who scored his first goal at Old Trafford since May 2023.

Despite United’s dominance in the first half, Rodrigo Bentancur leveled the score for Spurs early in the second half, leaving United with just one win in their last six league games and in seventh place in the Premier League.

Wrong – Garnacho at right-wing:

The decision to place Alejandro Garnacho on the right-wing didn’t yield positive results. Despite Marcus Rashford reclaiming his spot at left-wing, Garnacho struggled to make an impact against a formidable Destiny Udogie at left-back for Spurs. The Argentine’s unfamiliarity with the wing position might have contributed to his difficulties in the game.

Wrong—Mainoo as the only DM:

As a result of Casemiro’s injured comeback, Kobbie Mainoo was the only defensive midfield player starting. Even if Mainoo has surprised everyone this season, it can be difficult to put an 18-year-old in such a significant role.

The pressure on Mainoo increased due to the lack of assistance from midfielders Bruno Fernandes and Christian Eriksen.

Incorrect-Wrong Use of Subs:

The replacement of Christian Eriksen with Scott McTominay, which some considered to be a regression, was criticized by Erik ten Hag.

The choice to leave Eriksen in the game and not substitute him with an attacker seemed dubious with the score tied at 2-2. United was still very much in the game, and a more aggressive substitution might have been anticipated.

Manchester United is now in seventh place in the Premier League after the draw, having only won once in their previous six league games. Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who just paid £1.4 billion for a 25% share in the club, was there at the game.

Examining Erik ten Hag’s Three Crucial Errors as Manchester United Twice Give Up the Lead in a Draw with Tottenham