Redemption for Ole Gunnar Solsksjaer and Manchester United after a convincing 0-3 victory over Spurs at the Hotspurs Stadium. Not one of the greatest victories for United but the fans would take it somehow after a dreadful last week losing 0-5 to Liverpool.
An inexperienced Tottenham Hotspurs side didn’t manage a single shot on target in the entire game. And Manchester United capitalised on their weakness and earned their much-needed win after so many long days. Their last win was against West Ham at the London Stadium.
Coming into the match, Ole changed his formation from 4-2-3-1 to 3-4-1-2. For this Rashford and Greenwood had to wait on the bench. Shaw and Wan-Bissaka had to play as wingbacks. It was back 5 with Varane was back from injury and had a great game yesterday and his big responsibility proved good.
Both sides started the proceedings cautiously. Tottenham’s Christian Romero netted what he thought was the opener but was called offside later on. That was the only good chance the White Lillies had in the first half.
Bruno Fernandes hit a wonderful cross to Ronaldo who fired in a low first-time volley from a tight angle and gave Man United the lead 6 minutes before halftime. That was a world class finish from a world class player. That was his 4th PL goal in the season.
Brace for Manchester United in the 2nd half.
Edinson Cavani started for the first time since the draw to Everton. He helped United to double the lead in the 64th minute. His goal was a wonderful team goal and the kind of football United should be looking to play in every game.
Fernandes won the ball after a bad first touch by Oliver Skipp and Ronaldo played it to Cavani who chipped it over Hugo Lloris. It was one the best classic counter-attacking United goals. It seemed that change of shape brought fortunes to this United side.
But that doesn’t mean Ole should stick to this plan all the time otherwise Sancho and Rashford’s careers may become waste as they are wingers that can bring flair on the pitch. Rashford came in for Ronaldo and he too was involved in the scoresheet when he scored the 3rd United goal to seal the victory five minutes before fulltime.
Now United will face a tougher task when they lock horns with archrivals Man City at the Old Trafford in the next week Before that they will have a trip to Atalanta in a UCL fixture.