United Two-Face

Manchester United showed two completely different faces against Tottenham last night in another match of two-halves which didn’t end too well for the Red Devils who suffered a 2-3 loss at Old Trafford.

The match began with United going on the back-foot straight away with Tottenham exposing the United defense and scoring in the 2nd minute.

The United back four just couldn’t keep up with the speed of the Tottenham counter-attacks. United played deeper and deeper into their own half and eventually conceeded a second goal by letting Gareth Bale run through the back four and scoring past Lindegaard.

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 29: Gareth Bale of Tottenham Hotspur shoots towards goal during the Barclays Premier League match between Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford on September 29, 2012 in Manchester, England.

The United back four, consisting of Rio Ferdinand, Johnny Evans, Patrice Evra and Rafael just couldn’t get a foot-hold in the game and United went into the break two goals down.

As expected, United came out of the tunnel to kick-off the second half a completely different team presumably having received the famous ‘Hairdryer’ treatment from Sir Alex. Wayne Rooney replaced Ryan Giggs and suddenly United were on top. The passion to win the game had returned.

Wayne Rooney had an immediate impact on the game setting up Nani with a sublime cross. But, the United defense was broken yet again in the very next minute with Tottenham going 3-1 up. United replied almost instantaneously with Shinji Kagawa going through the Tottenham defense and scoring in a 1-on-1 situation to put United within touching distance. The match was turning into a goal-fest.

Suddenly, there was a change in the tempo of the game and Old Trafford dared to believe. Paul Scholes pulled the strings while wave upon red wave stormed the Tottenham defense but they stubbornly kept United out.

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 29: Wayne Rooney of Manchester United takes a free kick over the Tottenham Hotspur which is saved by Brad Friedel during the Barclays Premier League match between Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford on September 29, 2012 in Manchester, England.

They were lucky at times too, with Wayne Rooney hitting the post with a brilliantly executed free-kick, Michael Carrick shaving the crossbar with a header, Paul Scholes smashing one of those typical volleys which richocheted off the keeper and Robin Van Persie putting a 1-on-1 chance wide.

United were denied four penalty shouts. Four. And they say that refs favour United.

With the second half performance that was put in, United deserved to win. But, it wasn’t to be. Tottenham held on till the 94th minute to pinch the 3-2 victory by the skin of their teeth.

Some might question Sir Alex’s decision not to start Wayne Rooney. Others might say that Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs and Rio Ferdinand cannot be played in the same line-up anymore. I’m sure the manager had his reasons.

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.

After the mid-week performance in the Capital One Cup, most people expected to play the new back four that performed ever so well against Newcastle. I’m sure Sir Alex will change things defensively the next time around. Sir Alex should also consider playing Fletcher and Anderson in midfield after their good game against Newcastle mid-week.

Attack wise, United were just sublime in the second half. In stoppage time, United were playing almost a 3-3-4 formation with Nani, Rooney, van Persie and Welbeck up front, but the ball just didn’t seem to find the back of the net.

A disappointing match for United fans, an insane one for Tottenham fans and football at it’s best for the neutrals.