Although Manchester United scripted five back to back wins under interim boss Ole Gunnar Solskjær, their first major test was this evening against Tottenham Hotspur at the Wembley Stadium. Spurs humiliated the Red Devils at Old Trafford back in August and were keen on doing a double over the Premier League giants to keep pace with Liverpool and Manchester City in the title fight.
The outcome, however, did not go according to the script as the visitors earned a lead via Marcus Rashford minutes before half-time. The Englishman slotted home exquisitely after picking up Paul Pogba’s fantastic pass. But the game after the break turned out to be a David De Gea show as the Spaniard pulled off majestic stops one after another and protected the one-goal lead despite Spurs’ constant attacking threats.
Below are the Tottenham Hotspur players rated in their 1-0 defeat against Manchester United.
Hugo Lloris: 7
Could have done little to save Rashford’s strike but made some smart stops to deny the likes of Paul Pogba and Anthony Martial to keep Spurs in the game until the final whistle.
Kieran Trippier: 6.5
His crosses and long balls were not accurate most of the time. Lost a few duels and also looked a bit rusty while tackling. Yet he had a few key passes from the right flank which allowed the hosts to create chances inside the box.
Toby Alderweireld: 6
Committed fouls and was not particularly convincing at the back. Struggled to deal with Pogba and Martial, and was denied an equaliser by De Gea with one of his many stunning saves.
Jan Vertonghn: 6
Was not allowed enough space to build the game up from the deep. His long balls lacked accuracy on most occasions but did well with tackling, clearances and interceptions.
Ben Davies: 6
The Welshman made some overlapping runs even though his moves lacked the end product. Lost most of his duels against Ashley Young and failed to threaten enough from the left flank like he usually does.
Harry Winks: 6.5
Misplaced only one pass while he was on the pitch. Was combative against the physicality of the United midfield. His efforts from a distance, however, were way over the target and the youngster needs to sharpen it up gradually. Got replaced by Fernando Llorente late in the game.
Moussa Sissoko: 6
The Frenchman started down the right-hand side of Spurs’ midfield diamond. Tried to win the ball back in the middle of the park and switch it into a counter-attacking move using his pace and physicality. His game, meanwhile, had a premature ending as he was forced off with a suspected groin injury and got replaced by Erik Lamela late in the first-half.
Christian Eriksen: 5.5
Was deployed in a deeper role. Created a few chances but gave away the ball far too easily time and again. Made some unforced errors and his misplaced passes allowed the Red Devils to threaten on the counter.
Dele Alli: 6.5
Was denied by De Gea thrice in the second half. Although he used his physique to drive into the United box, the England international lacked accuracy while passing the ball and also lost a few duels which he should have won in and around the box.
Heung-min Son: 6.5
Played the last game before joining his country for the ongoing AFC Asian Cup contest. Created a few chances from the left flank and was more functional after the break following an uneventful first half.
Harry Kane: 7
Had an array of goal-bound efforts most of which were denied by De Gea with stunning skills. The Spurs hitman threw everything in search of an equaliser but failed to beat the stupendous Spaniard.
Substitutes
Erik Lamela: 6
Saw his side conceding seconds after being introduced in place of injured Sissoko. Made some key moves from the right but failed to alter the outcome.
Fernando Llorente: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
