Manchester United’s rocky start to the Premier League season took a turn for the worse on Sunday as they suffered a 3-0 home defeat to Tottenham Hotspur. Goals from Brennan Johnson, Dejan Kulusevski, and Dominic Solanke secured Spurs’ victory, while United captain Bruno Fernandes was sent off, adding to United’s woes.
The defeat marks United’s third loss in the league this season, leaving them languishing in 12th place, while Tottenham climbed to eighth after their fourth consecutive win across all competitions.
United’s manager, Eric ten Hag, was candid about the team’s poor performance. “First, we have to deal with this and show resilience. This is not good enough,” he said. “We have to accept this and get better. Focus on the next game and do things better than we did today.”
United’s defensive frailties were on full display early, as Spurs grabbed the lead within three minutes. A brilliant run from Tottenham defender Micky van de Ven set up Johnson, who slotted home from close range. Tottenham nearly doubled the lead moments later, with Johnson hitting the post.
Despite Tottenham’s dominance, United had a glimmer of hope before halftime when Alejandro Garnacho’s volley struck the woodwork. However, the momentum shifted entirely when Bruno Fernandes was shown a straight red card for a reckless studs-up challenge on James Maddison just before the break.
Two minutes into the second half, Kulusevski capitalized on United’s disarray, flicking a shot past goalkeeper Andre Onana from another Johnson assist. United’s fate was sealed in the 77th minute when Solanke slid in for Spurs’ third.
Goalkeeper Onana was United’s only bright spot, making crucial saves to deny both Timo Werner and Solanke, preventing an even more humiliating scoreline.
Spurs manager Ange Postecoglou praised his side’s performance, saying, “We were really good. Obviously, it is a great victory. That is everything we want to be.”
United, on the other hand, have now failed to win any of their last three games in all competitions and have managed just one victory in their last five Premier League matches. The atmosphere at Old Trafford was tense, with many fans leaving early and boos ringing out at the final whistle.
Elsewhere, Aston Villa missed an opportunity to move level with league leaders Liverpool, drawing 2-2 with newly promoted Ipswich Town. Liam Delap scored twice for Ipswich, ensuring a share of the points. Villa remains in fifth place, while Ipswich holds 15th after their fourth straight draw.
