Before the match began, TV screens at Old Trafford showed footage of Manchester United's dramatic comeback against Tottenham. From a three-goal deficit, the "Red Devils" came back to defeat their opponents 5-3.
However, that was 23 years ago. The current Man United team does not have the belief, resilience, courage or leadership of their successful predecessors.
They played disjointedly under the watchful eyes of their home fans. Coach Erik ten Hag will even be fired if results do not improve immediately, as Man United are currently ranked 12th in the Premier League. M.U has lost 3 matches after only the first 6 rounds.
Ten Hag will point to Bruno Fernandes’ controversial straight red card for a tackle on James Madisson. United were playing the entire second half with a man down and behind. But the harsh truth is that Spurs were playing better than United before Fernandes was sent off. And if Tottenham had been more careful with their chances, it might not have ended 3-0.
This was worse than United’s 3-0 home defeat to rivals Liverpool a month ago. Ange Postecoglou’s creative side taught United how to press properly.
Ten Hag looked devastated on the touchline late on, drenched by the Manchester rain. And his hopes of keeping his job were seemingly dashed by this defeat.
The roof at Old Trafford may be leaking but the fans are willing to put up with it. But the way United’s players played poorly on the pitch is inexcusable. This is the kind of performance that gets managers sacked.
There has been some improvement this season, but United have only won three of their eight games in all competitions and have tough tests coming up against Porto and Aston Villa.
And what if it is another two defeats for Ten Hag's team? The goodwill Ten Hag has built up with fans after winning two titles is quickly eroding.
Of course, for Ten Hag, he will still fight, the way he has for the past two seasons. But for Man United fans, the disappointment has reached its peak.
"We all made the decision this summer to stay together. We also made the decision from a clear assessment of what we have to improve and how we want to build a squad. But we know it will take some time for everything to be perfect.
We are all in the same boat - the owners, the staff and the players. So I have no concerns about being fired. We need more time," Ten Hag said.
