5 things we learned from the Manchester United vs Spurs match

So Tottenham Hotspurs finally ended their jinx against Manchester United as they squeezed through the line with an entertaining 3-2 win over the Red Devils at Old Trafford.It is thus time to look back at the match and see what we learned from this encounter:

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 29: Brad Friedel of Tottenham Hotspur celebrates victory in the Barclays Premier League match between Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford on September 29, 2012 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

1) United’s defensive problems don’t look anywhere to ending: Another game came by and went and United’s defense in the first half looked as bad as a third division football club. There was just no understanding between the centre backs and there was just too much hesitation to make a challenge which clearly led to the first two goals. It is a very serious problem as Rio Ferdinand isn’t getting any younger and without Vidic, the defense looks extremely light weight and vulnerable. Vidic’s injury problems might just prevent him from returning to his best and United have no quality cover or replacement, Smalling and Jones are young and have been too inconsistent. The way Bale ran in United’s half without getting challenged and scored was really frustating and Sir Alex needs to rethink his defensive strategies fast.

2) Vertonghen can become one of the best: The way he got past United’s defense to score a lucky first goal would have made the best strikers proud and he continued to be a threat throughout the game. His intensity and concentration while closing down Nani were brilliant and had it not been for his brave defending United would have completed a comeback. He looks as though he can become the Vermaelen or Vincent Kompany of Tottenham while continuing to score and certainly proves to be a bargain signing by Spurs.

3) Rooney and Van Persie together are as effective as predicted: One question which everyone Manchester United fan would be asking is: Why didn’t Rooney start along Van Persie? Since his arrival at the start of second half, Rooney completed transformed Manchester United and suddenly United started to look dangerous and menacing and nearly completed a stunning comeback. This was possible because Rooney’s arrival freed Van Persie and Kagawa and allowed them both to influence the game, with Rooney dictating the play from the hole Van Persie , Kagawa and Nani all started to move freely and United began to dominate. Certainly the duo hold the key to United’s title hopes and if this was the sign of things to come United fans have every right of hoping for plenty of silverware.

4) Scholes still remains the best midfielder United have, while Giggs seems to be finally losing it: Paul Scholes again showed why he is indispensable for United with an absolutely stunning second half performance against Spurs. The 37 year old veteran by far remains the best United have in midfield and the way he controlled the game is a perfect testament to this fact (Scholes executed 136 passes with a 92% accuracy). United’s attack were all highly dependent on Scholes stunning passes and his runs into the box too proved a handful. If Sir Alex is able to get even half his talent as a replacement he should be very happy. Meanwhile, Giggs failed to impress once again showing that he might be better off against the minnows and that playing him against the top 6 is a huge risk. Giggs was unable to keep up with the pace of the game and it is necessary that United utilise him effectively and not select him for the sake of putting together an 11.

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 29: Paul Scholes of Manchester United and Clint Dempsey of Tottenham Hotspur jump for the ball during the Barclays Premier League match between Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford on September 29, 2012 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

5) Tottenham are the dark horses this season: Spurs are currently unbeaten in their previous 5 Premier League fixtures and look like their European ambitions are certainly achievable The way Spurs have been playing, especially on the counter, make them a dangerous team and their ambitious defending against United showed that with the squad they have, a push in the right direction can make them do wonders.