Premier League 2019-20, Manchester United 2-1 Tottenham Hotspur: 5 Men who were brilliant for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

When Manchester United welcomed Tottenham Hotspur to Old Trafford on Wednesday, the Red Devils were sliding dangerously away from the top 4. United spurned a glorious chance to make it to the fifth position over the weekend, stuttering to a 2-2 draw against Aston Villa. However, the biggest concern was the team’s failure to put in a praiseworthy performance in the last couple of weeks. Their form in the Premier League had been extremely poor; the Red Devils had won just four of their 14 games before Wednesday, enduring their worst start in the league for over three decades.

Their opponents did have problems of their own for the majority of this season, but since former United manager Jose Mourinho’s arrival, Spurs had managed a 100% record, winning all of their three games under the Portuguese tactician. The two sides were separated by just two points ahead of the game, which made the midweek clash vital for both of them. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was aware that only a win could improve the mood around Old Trafford, but an injury to Anthony Martial jeopardized his plans ahead of the game. With Paul Pogba not back from injury yet, the Norwegian made four changes to the team from the weekend’s draw against Villa.

Manchester United Starting XI: David De Gea; Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Victor Lindelof, Harry Maguire, Ashley Young; Fred, Scott McTominay, Jesse Lingard; Marcus Rashford, Mason Greenwood, Daniel James.

Manchester United were very quick off the blocks and took the lead through Rashford in the 6th minute. However, Dele Alli scored the equalizer in the 39th minute and the first half ended with the score 1-1. After the break, Marcus Rashford won a penalty when he was brought down in the box by Moussa Sissoko. The Englishman stepped up and converted the spot-kick, giving United the lead once more. The home side were rarely troubled for the rest of the game, holding on to win all three points. Here are the five men who were brilliant for Solskjaer and won United the game.

#5 Aaron Wan-Bissaka

Manchester United v Tottenham Hotspur - Premier League

The focus has been on the Manchester United defence for the last few games and rightly so. United had let in five goals in the last two Premier League games and the defence had looked shaky on both occasions. However, one player who continued to be good was Aaron Wan-Bissaka. Against Tottenham too, the Englishman put in a stellar shift.

Wan-Bissaka ensured that Son Heung-min had a quiet night and the Englishman also worked in tandem with Daniel James on the right. His attacking play was also an improvement and Wan-Bissaka made good use of the space available on the right to peg Tottenham back for most of the game. He had 73 touches on the ball, completed both of his attempted dribbles and also had a 100% record with his tackles.

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#4 Daniel James

The Welshman has already proven himself to be one of the bargains of the season and has seen his stock rise since making the move to Old Trafford. Daniel James continued that good form against Tottenham and kept the opposition on their toes with his movement and work ethics. The Welshman started on the right, a position he has now made his own and impressed once again.

James was always on the move throughout the game, covering well for Wan-Bissaka and dropping down to help out at the back. On the counter, he was fast and devastating, breaking away at speed and causing Jan Vertonghen quite a few worries. He also kept a close watch on Son whenever United lost the ball. James was also vital in implementing the high press that kept Tottenham at bay for the majority of the game.

The Welshman registered two shots, both of which were on target and attempted 8 tackles, 3 of which were successful. Even though he failed to score, James put in a good shift and helped United win the game.

#3 Fred

The lack of quality in the United midfield has been evident this season. Arguably, Paul Pogba and Scott McTominay are the only two capable midfielders in the United ranks, but another player who has been improving with leaps and bounds has been Fred. The Brazilian’s resurgence before the International break was halted after he was paired with Andreas Pereira for the last few games. With McTominay returning to the team against Tottenham, Fred was back on song again.

The Brazilian was busy as a bee, covering up the midfield well and building on his understanding with his Scottish midfield partner. Fred provided protection to his backline and looked comfortable in possession. His quick thinking enabled United to play at a higher tempo for the entire game and he was industrious as usual in the middle of the park. He closed down the opposition, ensured that Tottenham never got a grip in the midfield and never stopped running. Fred was crucial after United took the lead in the second half and he helped his team protect their slender lead to sum up a memorable night at Old Trafford.

#2 Scott McTominay

What a difference one player can make! Scott McTominay was a huge miss in the United midfield in the last few games. The Scottish midfielder had picked up an injury before the international break and was sidelined for the last three games. Interestingly, United drew two and lost one of those three games. Thankfully though, Solskjaer had his midfield enforcer back for Tottenham’s visit and McTominay immediately made United look like a changed team.

The Scottish midfielder took the game by the scruff of the neck right from the start and dictated the proceedings. His pressing play and positioning were crucial for United as the home side absolutely dominated the initial stages. McTominay shielded his back four well and won most of the 50-50 battles. He also drove forward at every opportunity and was the midfield general United were crying out for.

After United took the lead in the second half, McTominay continued to dominate the midfield, bullying the opposition and switching the play well. His controlled aggression was just what the doctor ordered for Manchester United.

#1 Marcus Rashford

In the absence of Martial and Pogba for the majority of the season, Marcus Rashford had quietly taken over the mantle of the talisman for Manchester United. The Englishman had been fabulous in the run-up to the game against Spurs and with Martial injured once again, Rashford had his work cut out for the night. And pretty early in the game, he made his intentions quite clear.

United looked a threat with the Englishman running at Serge Aurier from the left side of the United attack. In the sixth minute, Rashford gave United the lead and kick-started an entire half of United dominance. He even hit the bar with a ferocious shot and looked a threat every time he had the ball at his feet. The Englishman kept the opposition defence under pressure and the Tottenham backline struggled to deal with his speed and power.

As United went in the break with the score 1-1, Solskjaer required a response from his team. Rashford stepped up and delivered once again, winning a penalty and scoring it to restore the home side’s lead. His performance was key to United getting back to winning ways.

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Edited by Alan John